After more than four years of acrobatics, live music, comedy and dance on the Las Vegas Strip, Cirque du Soleil’s “Mad Apple” is preparing to take its final bow. The production will close at New York-New York Hotel & Casino on September 5, 2026.
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Mad Apple’ Closing Ends Four-Year Run
Cirque du Soleil announced the closure on August 15, confirming that “Mad Apple” will end its Las Vegas residency, which began in May 2022. During its run, the show entertained more than 1.2 million guests.
“Mad Apple” opened on May 12, 2022, bringing a New York City-inspired variety show to the Las Vegas Strip. The production combined Cirque du Soleil’s signature acrobatics with live music, dance, magic and comedy.
Notably, the show marked new territory for the company. “Mad Apple” became the first Cirque du Soleil resident production to incorporate stand-up comedy. It also represented the company’s first production created in collaboration with The Works Entertainment Group.
According to Fox5Vegas, Cirque du Soleil CEO Mark Cornell said the production’s combination of acrobatics and humor helped the company as it returned to live entertainment following the pandemic. “Mad Apple introduced stand-up comedy to a Cirque du Soleil resident show for the first time,” Cornell said, adding that its mix of comedy and acrobatics was “the right combination to lead us out of the pandemic.”
A Las Vegas Show That Combined Acrobatics and Comedy
The production was designed around the energy of New York City nightlife. Its format brought together a rotating collection of acts and performers rather than following a conventional narrative.
Acrobatic performances remained central to the show. However, Mad Apple also incorporated comedians, musicians, dancers and magicians into its lineup.
That combination set the production apart from Cirque du Soleil’s other resident Las Vegas shows. The company’s official materials have described the exhibition as a mix of high-flying acrobatics, music, dance and comedy inspired by New York City.
Cornell thanked the cast, crew, creative team and audiences who supported the production during its run. He also said Cirque du Soleil is now focused on the “next chapter” of its Las Vegas portfolio.
The company said it is working with Mad Apple artists, technicians and other staff members to provide transition support. That process may include opportunities with other Cirque du Soleil productions around the world.
Cirque du Soleil’s Las Vegas Lineup Continues
While Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple closure will remove one production from the Strip, the entertainment company will continue operating four resident shows in Las Vegas. Mystère will remain at Treasure Island. Meanwhile, O will continue at Bellagio, KÀ will remain at MGM Grand, and Michael Jackson ONE will continue at Mandalay Bay.
Cirque du Soleil also confirmed that it is developing its next generation of Las Vegas productions. However, the company did not announce what the future shows will be or when they could debut. The company said guests who purchased tickets for performances scheduled after the September 5 closing date will be contacted through their point of purchase with information about refunds or exchanges.
