Despite having been to Las Vegas about 20+ times since I first moved to the West Coast as a 7-year-old, I had only ever seen one Cirque du Soleil show. And it was when I was 12! Can you believe that?
In my young 20s, I was too busy partying it up to make time for all the cool Las Vegas shows. What a shame that was — because after watching KÀ by Cirque du Soleil this year, I realize what I’ve been missing out on!
Las Vegas shows are good. Like really good. And KÀ by Cirque du Soleil is no exception!
In this post, I’ll give you my quick and dirty review of the KÀ by Cirque du Soleil show. If you’re on the fence about this show, I hope this post helps you make your decision on whether or not to buy those tickets.
And if by the end of this post, you feel your money could be better spent elsewhere, I’ll give you a few other Cirque du Soleil shows/other Las Vegas show recommendations that you can choose from instead!
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Looking for discounted tickets for KÀ by Cirque du Soleil? You can purchase discounted tickets on Viator (starting at $72 USD) or Vegas.com (starting at $64 USD) or even Groupon from time to time. Be sure to compare ticket prices for the seating area that you’re interested in!
Looking for a hotel to stay at for your KÀ show? We like:
- MGM Grand – the hotel that the show is located in, super convenient, and recently renovated
- or Park MGM – the super hip and trendy sister to MGM Grand, located right across the street!
Read More: Park MGM Review: Is This Vegas Hotel Worth A Stay?
Table of Contents
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil: An Overview Of The Show
If you didn’t already know, Cirque du Soleil shows are a big deal in Las Vegas. At any given time, there are easily 5-6 different Cirque shows taking place across different Las Vegas casino resorts.
These shows are put on by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, a world leader in live entertainment. On top of producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the organization brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, theme parks, and special events.
During a typical Cirque du Soleil show, viewers can expect to see a combination of acrobatics, aerial acts, contortionists, clowns, dancers, and live music (the theaters have great acoustics too).
All Cirque du Soleil shows are known for their elaborate sets, costumes, and lighting, as well as the incredible athleticism and skill of the performers!
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil takes place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. KÀ performs at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm Saturday through Wednesday. There are currently no shows on Thursdays or Fridays. Ticket prices start at $69.
The show is approximately 90 minutes long, with no intermission.
What Is KÀ by Cirque du Soleil About?
So other than getting to see lots of cool acrobatics and aerial dancers, what is the KÀ by Cirque du Soleil show about?
KÀ is created and directed by acclaimed theatre and film director Robert Lepage (“Bluebeard’s Castle” and “The Far Side of the Moon”).
This production tells the story of a set of royal twins who embark on a perilous journey of love and adventure to fulfill their shared destiny. The show is set in a world of fantasy and adventure, with stunning acrobatics, martial arts, Capoeira, puppetry, projections, and special effects.
As the plot of KÀ unfolds, danger lies in waiting at every turn for the separated Twins, the acrobatic heroes of this adventurous expedition. Archers and Spearmen hunt them relentlessly as they meet friendly characters who try to help them find their way back to each other.
As the story unfolds, you get to enjoy performers using the 360-degree rotating stage (the stage goes completely vertical during some parts!), acrobatics, aerial rigging, and other innovative techniques that create a visually stunning and immersive experience for the audience.
My Thoughts On KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
In short, I loved it! As someone who loves immersive theater experiences but doesn’t get to attend plays or shows that often, this one really blew my mind. It was so good from start to finish, and so different from what I remember when I last saw it as a 12-year-old kid!
I had originally gone into it thinking that KÀ would be mostly about seeing the aerial acts (this is what I remembered most as a kid), but there was so much storyline going on — all of which added to the depth of the show.
Even before you even step foot into the theater, you’re going to be immersed in the KÀ vibes. Before the show, you can hang out in the theater lobby, check out the showcased costumes, grab drinks/snacks, or pop into the gift shop before the show starts.
Upon entering the theater, the amazement really begins! I mean, the theater itself (even without acrobats/performers) is impressive. It’s basically a 360-degree theater — when the show actually starts, there will be performers coming out of every corner of the railing around the room.
As we waited for the show to begin, we enjoyed the smoke and fire-spitting stage and surround sound chairs.
Okay, now what can I say about the actual show? There were so many acts and scenes lumped within the 90 minutes, and they were sewn together so seamlessly to tell a cohesive story about the Twins’ journeys back to each other.
No matter what scene it was, whether it was depicting the good guys or the bad guys, there was something to enchant you, make you laugh, or make your palms sweat from the crazy acrobatics!
Some of my favorite acts were of the funny sea creatures that one of the Twins runs into — it was lighthearted, funny, and perfectly appeals to the kids (as well as the adults)!
Another scene that was completely exhilarating and wow-ing was the scene with the “slave cage”. When the performers started running on the outside of the circles, all of our palms started sweating as we feared for their safety!
Obviously, all the pros were completely fine, but the performance did really wow the audience like crazy!
By the end of the show, I already had thoughts of catching another Cirque du Soleil show during my next visit to Las Vegas! It was immersive entertainment at its finest.
All in all, I’d highly recommend KÀ to anyone who’s interested in a fun night out. Las Vegas shows are a big part of what makes Las Vegas so entertaining, so if you have the chance to experience a high-production-value show for yourself, KÀ by Cirque du Soleil is a really great option!
Who is KA good for?
- Fans of Cirque du Soleil shows or live performances in general
- Those who appreciate theatrical performances with acrobatics, martial arts, and aerial acts
- People who enjoy visually stunning and immersive experiences
- Families with kids ideally aged 12 and up (while kids 5 and up are allowed, I think older kids would appreciate the show more than younger ones)
- Couples on a date night or groups of friends looking for a unique and memorable experience in Las Vegas
Who is KA not good for?
- Those who are sensitive to loud noises or bright lights
- People who prefer traditional theater performances or musicals
- People who want to record or take photos of their shows — no video or photography is allowed!
- Families who are traveling with lots of kids; while this show is family-friendly, kids might not get the storyline. There are other, more kid-friendly shows in Vegas you could consider.
Looking for discounted tickets for KÀ by Cirque du Soleil?
You can purchase discounted tickets on Viator (starting at $72 USD) or Vegas.com (starting at $64 USD) or even Groupon from time to time. Be sure to compare ticket prices for the seating area that you’re interested in!
What Makes KÀ by Cirque du Soleil Worth The Money?
By this point, there’s no doubt that I’m recommending this show to you all! But what about it makes it worth the money? Because I get it — I paid for these tickets too, and tickets aren’t the cheapest!
Here are some of the reasons why KA was worth every penny for me:
- The show is so visually stunning: the elaborate sets, costumes, acrobatics, dance ensembles, and gravity-defying fight scenes create a magical and immersive experience for everyone in the audience.
- There is so much talent to be witnessed on stage: the show features incredible acrobatics, martial arts, and all sorts of aerial acts that showcase the incredible athleticism and skill of the performers.
- You get to experience a bit of every emotion: expect scenes of all types — heartwarming ones, funny ones, evil ones, magical ones, teary ones, and even high-anxiety ones that’ll get your palms sweating!
- There is actually a storyline: KA is not just a bunch of random acrobatics, the storyline is actually engaging and captivating, with a mix of action, adventure, and romance that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
- The amazing 360-degree rotating stage: the rotating stage is as much of a star as any KA performer! The incredibly unique scenes played out on the rotating stage really cannot be replicated elsewhere.
- The custom-built theater: it’s designed to be immersive and is absolutely massive with awesome acoustics
- It’s world-renowned: KÀ by Cirque du Soleil has won numerous awards and accolades, making it a must-see for anyone who appreciates theater, immersive experiences, arts and entertainment.
- The show is suitable for all ages and is a great option for families, couples, and groups of friends who are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Las Vegas.
- There are all kinds of ticket levels/prices available: from cheaper seats to VIP packages, you can find the ticket option that fits your budget the best.
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil: A Preview Of All The Acts
SPOILER ALERT: Want to get a better idea of what the storyline looks like? Then proceed to the below section to get a taste of what all the acts are about! If you want to discover the storyline as it plays out in the theater, feel free to skip this section!
The Pageant: The Royal Barge carries the Twins to the festivities as they play on the deck. They are entertained by the court with a martial arts demonstration of strength and agility, including Wushu, Chinese Opera, and Brazilian Capoeira. The Twins display their musical ability with a light-hearted duet on flute, while the Nursemaid entertains guests with a lively Flamenco dance. Just beyond their peaceful kingdom, imminent danger lurks as Archers and Spearmen prepare to attack.
The Storm: To escape the Archers and Spearmen, the Nursemaid drags the Twin Sister onto a boat and they escape by sea, only to encounter a massive storm that capsizes their vessel. The specially-designed boat structure weighs almost 1800 pounds and the rocking and turning movements are completely manipulated by the artists onboard.
The Deep: The Nursemaid falls into the depths of the rough sea followed by the Twin Sister who plunges to rescue her. Air bubbles are created through interactive video projections triggered by infrared sensors that react to the movement of the artists.
The Archer’s Den: The Archers and Spearmen celebrate their victory while their prisoners languish. The Counselor’s Son introduces his diabolical creation, a machine that grinds bones with the magical ore to unleash the destructive power of fire.
The Wash-up on the Shore: Following the boat’s sinking, the Twin Sister, Nurse and Valets are reunited on a golden sandy beach. They encounter giant sea creatures, including a silly turtle, mischievous starfish, curious blue potato bug and a playful crab. The human-sized puppets are designed to accentuate the acrobatic proficiency of the performers while maintaining the animals’ natural movements. The sand is created using 350 cubic feet of granular cork.
The Shadow Play: While guiding the Twin Brother away from danger, the Court Jester distracts the frightened boy by teaching him the art of shadow puppets. These simple yet poignant gestures represent one of the earliest forms of story telling.
The Blizzard: The Twin Sister is rescued by a fur-clad Mountain Tribe, who also discover the Nursemaid wandering aimlessly, and reunite the two. The tribesmen show off their climbing prowess by manually ascending 50 feet to join their fellow tribesmen on the mountaintop, as created by the Sand Cliff Deck in its upright vertical position. The accompanying video projection of the frozen cliff face reacts to the performers’ movements to create falling rocks.
The Twin Brother in Captivity: The captured Twin Brother is imprisoned. Just as things seem hopeless, he discovers a friend in the Chief Archer’s Daughter. After sharing a tender moment, she sets him free and then expresses her flirtatious desires through a touching performance using the Twins’ flutes.
The Forest People: Bright luminous creatures inhabit a majestic forest, which is also the home to larger-than-life bugs, flowers and a stunning 80-foot snake. The Firefly Boy glides and dives as he performs aerial acrobatics and is soon joined by the Twin Sister when she plummets from the flying bird into his world. Together they perform an aerial duet and make a special connection. The Forest People are agile high in the trees performing on bungees and soaring through the trees.
Aftermath: Triumphant in battle, harmony is restored to the empire. Being blinded in the battle has allowed the Counselor’s Son to see the error of his ways. His gift to the kingdom is a spectacular presentation of fireworks to illuminate and unite in peace.
Alternative Cirque du Soleil Shows
- Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil – This show takes place at NYNY and celebrates New York City with a mix of comedy, magic, circus, live entertainment, and a little nightlife culture.
- Mystère – Takes place at Treasure Island in Las Vegas and features a mix of acrobatics, dance, and comedy, with a storyline that explores the mysteries of life.
- “O” by Cirque du Soleil – This show takes place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and is set in and around a 1.5 million gallon pool, with performers diving, swimming, and performing aerial acts.
- Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil – this one takes place at the Mandalay Bay and is a tribute to the music of Michael Jackson, with a mix of acrobatics, dance, and aerial acts set to his classic songs.
Frequently Asked Questions: KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
Where is KÀ by Cirque du Soleil?
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil takes place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. KÀ performs at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm Saturday through Wednesday. There are currently no shows on Thursdays or Fridays.
How long is the KÀ by Cirque du Soleil show?
The KÀ by Cirque du Soleil show is approximately 90 minutes long, with no intermission.
Is there an age restriction for the KÀ by Cirque du Soleil show?
There is no official age restriction for the show, but it is recommended for children aged 5 and up.
Is there a dress code for the show?
There is no formal dress code for the show, but most people tend to dress in smart casual or cocktail attire. Since it’s a nighttime event, feel free to dress up as if you were going to the theater or a cocktail bar!
What is the seating arrangement like in the MGM Las Vegas KÀ Theater?
The seating arrangement in the theater is divided into four sections: Orchestra, Mezzanine, Balcony, and Box Seats.
How do you get to the KÀ Theater?
FROM THE MGM GRAND FRONT DESK: Walk straight through the Casino towards Avenue Café. Turn right and continue past CRUSH and L’atelier. KA Theater will be to the right of Joel Robuchon. During showtimes, you’ll probably see a crowd gathered in the front.
FROM THE STRIP: Enter the resort from Las Vegas Boulevard. Walk towards Centrifuge and stay to the left passing The Buffet. Continue through the Casino, passing Jabbawockeez Theater. Walk towards Avenue Café. Continue past CRUSH and L’atelier. KA Theater will be to the right of Joel Robuchon.
Is photography or filming allowed during the KÀ show?
No, photography and filming are strictly prohibited during the show. If you try to take photos or videos, staff members will come up to you and scold you. Don’t try to break the rules!
Are food and drinks available for purchase at the KÀ Theater?
Yes, food and drinks are available for purchase at the theater, including snacks (like popcorn), cocktails, water, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Are there any discounts or promotions available for the KÀ by Cirque du Soleil show?
Yes, there are often discounts and promotions available for the show, particularly for active members of the military (up to 35% off) or groups of 12+. You can call the box office for more details.
If neither of those cases applies to you, you can usually purchase discounted tickets on Viator (starting at $72 USD) or Vegas.com (starting at $64 USD) or even Groupon.
Lastly, if you are an MGM Rewards member, you can enjoy 20% off select ticket categories to KA (category B, C and D).
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