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In 1999, Cirque du Soleil would leave the trappings and lights of Las Vegas
behind in The Beau Rivage Theater. From May 20, 1999 until October 2,
2000 Cirque du Soleil found a home at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi,
Mississippi, "a place where genuine Southern hospitality and charm go
hand in hand with meticulous service." The Beau Rivage was Steve
Wynn's then-newest resort (now held by MGM Mirage) and with its
opening on March 16, 1999 came another collaborative effort between
Wynn and Cirque du Soleil. Within this $685 Million (USD) resort was a
1,552 seat theater reflecting the "warm welcome inspired by the
climate of southern France."
For those who bore its splendor, the design of the venue was simple
and elegant, featuring a wonderful splash of color. And, unlike the
"O" theater the Alegría Theater was ornamented with an elegant display
of the show's name - right above the door. Inside, the ceiling was a
vibrant shade of blue, representing the skies of the village Alegría
played upon. Here, Sky Art also provided designs for a 15,000 square-
foot mural "reminiscent of Claude Montet's water paintings." Below the
skies were the theater seats, bright yellow, creating an allegory of
the beaches where the Beau Rivage was founded. And then there were the
walls, adorned in oranges and reds, bringing meaning to the rising and
setting sun.
Besides the wonderfully adorned space, the Beau Rivage Theater
incorporated a no-proscenium arch design quite similar to its Mystère
counterpart. Like the Treasure Island Theater, the Beau Rivage Theater
also had no obstructive poles, providing a limitless viewpoint to all
spectators. The set and stage retained its familiar squarish form,
complete with the Fast Track built into the floor. Overhead an
enormous dome that for designer Michel Crête signifies "a sign of
imposing power," which reflects the theme of the show - an allegory
about power; who has it and who does not.
On October 2, 2000, Alegría packed up its troubles and prepared for a
journey to a continent it had never before played - Australia. Today,
the "Beau Rivage Theater" has been completely renovated for more
standard fare - such as Lord of the Dance and STOMP. Since it left
many of its secrets went with it, which is unfortunate because the
theater and its space were very beautiful.

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