The Final Curtain: Inside the Emotional Last Show of Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Mad Apple’

The lights dimmed, the crowd roared, and for one last time, the performers of ‘Mad Apple’ asked the question that has echoed through Las Vegas nightlife for four years: “Where were you when we needed you?”

On Saturday night, the Cirque du Soleil production themed around New York City street culture and nightlife delivered its final performance at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. What began as a vibrant variety show in May 2022 has now come to an end, closing due to low ticket sales that fell below half-capacity, making the production financially unsustainable.

A Legacy of Laughter and Artistry

While the business numbers tell a stark story—approximately 100 cast and crew members have lost their jobs—the artistic legacy remains undeniable. Over its run, “Mad Apple” scanned more than 1.2 million tickets, bringing smiles to countless faces. The company ensured that those affected would receive pay through October 17 and benefits until October 31.

Unlike other Cirque productions that rely heavily on holograms or surreal landscapes, “Mad Apple” celebrated highly trained human talent. From acrobats to musicians, the show was a testament to dedication and craft.

Highlights from the Finale

The final show was filled with heartfelt moments and signature acts:

• The Speech: Musical director Eddie Cole (Xharlie Black), Nat King Cole’s grandson, delivered an unscripted, chest-deep tribute to the show, calling it his “baby” from its earliest pitch days.
• The Veterans: Band leader JF Blais, who played in the previous show Zumanity, logged his 12,000th+ performance. Trumpeter Isaac Tubb and his wife Lisa Marie Smith, who started a family during the show's run, were among the quarter of the cast present from Day One.
• The Stunts: Performers like hair-hoisting artist Erin Blaire and hand-balancer Valentin Chetverkin showcased skills that defy imagination. The legendary Wheel of Death act, performed by Jesse Bandao Lima and Mauricio Vanegas Torres, continued to thrill audiences with its palpable danger and expertise.
• The Comedy: Comics Paul Ogata, Brad Williams, and magician Paul Dabek brought laughter to the house, with Dabek’s witty interaction with an audience member earning a standing ovation.
• The Basketball Act: The flying-acrobat basketball troupe, known as The Game, closed out their tenure with their signature aerial hoops routine.

As the curtain fell, many performers looked toward the future. Acro-dunk artist Chetverkin, carrying his stage jacket and basketballs, simply smiled and said his next move is “Plan B,” ready to fill another marquee.

What’s Next?

For local music fans, David Perrico and the Raiders House Band are premiering at M Resort’s Amp’d showroom this Friday, offering a free show before they take the stage at Allegiant Stadium for the upcoming NFL season.