MGM MGM Resorts International

LAS VEGAS, March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The acrobatic spectacular Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil unveiled its amped up production, including an artistic transformation and a remastered soundtrack, to a packed audience Friday, Feb. 28 at ARIA Resort & Casino. The show capped off its reimagined return today with the introduction of the show's new aerial straps act. Aerialists Andrew and Kevin Atherton thrilled spectators as they performed outside ARIA's porte cochere, while suspended 32' in the air.

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"We are thrilled to have the Atherton brothers join Zarkana's roster of mind-blowing acrobatic acts," said Diane Quinn, VP of Show Quality and Integrity. "The act immerses the audience in the twins' strength and grace as they float high overhead while performing to a touching new song from composer Nick Littlemore."

Zarkana showcases the electrifying new soundtrack and breathtaking aerial straps act, along with an international cast of 70 world class performers including acrobats, jugglers, high wire and trapeze artists. The quintessential Cirque du Soleil show seamlessly fuses its iconic performances with innovative high-energy sights and sounds.

The production's stunning athleticism, eclectic characters and surreal visuals were brought to life by Zarkana's Littlemore, a prolific Australian musician, songwriter and producer. "When I set out to re-score the show, I wanted to take it to a stadium level," said Littlemore, best known as the front man of the acclaimed Sydney-based electronic act PNAU and one-half of the electro-pop duo Empire of the Sun.

Zarkana is written and directed by Francois Girard, one of Quebec's most highly regarded creators who is equally at ease in cinema (Silk, The Red Violin), opera, visual arts and theatre and has earned an enviable international reputation over the years.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Performances are held Friday through Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. There are no performances Wednesdays and Thursdays.

TO RESERVE TICKETS:
Tickets starting at $69 can be purchased by calling 702-531-3800 or 855-ZARKANA. Tickets also can be purchased online at cirquedusoleil.com or aria.com or by visiting any MGM Resorts ticket office.

Like Zarkana on Facebook or Tweet us: @Cirque #Zarkana

About Cirque du Soleil
From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is now a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil, who celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year, has brought wonder and delight to close to 150 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over forty countries on six continents. For more information, please visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

About ARIA Resort & Casino
ARIA Resort & Casino is a stunning AAA Five Diamond resort on the Las Vegas Strip featuring spectacular amenities, high-end service, premium meeting and convention space, striking architecture and sustainable design. Combined with its unparalleled offerings including the luxurious Shops at Crystals and the first-of-its-kind public Fine Art Collection, ARIA introduces a new generation of resort experiences, unlike anything Las Vegas has ever seen.  ARIA and its neighboring properties within CityCenter are a joint venture between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World. For more information and reservations, visit ARIA.com or call toll free at (866) 359-7757; also find ARIA on Facebook and Twitter.

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SOURCE Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil