“Mad Apple” to Close at New York-New York in Early September
A popular Cirque du Soleil show at New York-New York resort, “Mad Apple,” is set to close in early September 2026, we’ve learned.
The closure hasn’t been officially announced yet, but that’s expected early this week. Unless it gets moved up because of this story. Which happens. Awkward.
“Mad Apple” opened on May 26, 2022, and was well-received during its four-year run.
The scoop about the looming closure was first shared by our friend @LasVegasLocally on the Twitters.
“Mad Apple” was Cirque’s replacement for “Zumanity,” the adults-only clunker that ran from 2003 until the pandemic. “Zumanity” had its final performance on March 14, 2020. It closed under the cover of COVID, just as many Las Vegas buffets did.
“Mad Apple” was Cirque’s answer to 1) rising production costs, and 2) shorter attention spans.
Rather than whimsical mythology, ethereal music, fancy clowns and acrobats, “Mad Apple” was a fast-moving variety show inspired by New York nightlife.
In reality, it was inspired by “Absinthe,” but we’ll just say New York nightlife to make it less awkward.
“Mad Apple” featured acrobatics, but also a cavalcade of singers, dancers, magicians, rappers and (gasp) stand-up comedians.
We say “gasp” because Cirque has mastered appealing to international audiences by providing entertainment that doesn’t rely on understanding English. Stand-up tends to.
“Mad Apple” was refreshing because it had the balls to feature not only variety acts, but also guys telling envelope-pushing jokes. Cirque has never been known for pushing buttons, but “Mad Apple” did.
Another quirky aspect of “Mad Apple” was the fact the show included a functioning bar built into the stage. Guests could order drinks there before the show.
“Mad Apple” had a decent stint at New York-New York, but context is useful: The average run of a Cirque du Soleil production in Las Vegas is 13.5 years.
Some Cirque shows have been running for decades. “Mystere,” 32 years. “O,” 27 years. “Ka,” 21 years. “Love” ran for 18 years. You get the idea.
The closure of “Mad Apple” will leave a big Strip showroom empty and available.
No plans have been announced for a replacement.
We’re working on it. LasVegasLocally is permitted to scoop us once per fiscal quarter, so it’s not happening again anytime soon.
More on the final performance date and what’s next for the “Mad Apple” theater when the official announcement drops.
Leave your thoughts on ““Mad Apple” to Close at New York-New York in Early September”