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This morning we received the breaking news that the famous production company Cirque du Soleil has filed for bankruptcy protection.
The company which has presented six different productions on the Las Vegas Strip for the last two decades announced Monday morning from their headquarters in Montreal, Canada that it is “seeking a debt restructuring protection under its home country’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).“
The company states that the announcement of the filing came as a result “in response to immense disruption and forced show closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Cirque du Soleil closed all 44 of its shows in March, laying off 95 percent of its workforce, including more than 1,300 just alone in Las Vegas. During the closures, the company was able to secure a $300 million infusion from its investors while all shows and productions shut down.
The investment secured funds are being applied to employees’ and contractors for example during the closures of the company.
The company has not announced any strategies or time frames when the shows will reopen on the Las Vegas strip.
This announcement makes me very sad to hear as I have been fortunate enough to have experienced a couple of the Cirque du Soleil shows not only in Vegas but in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, I was not able to experience the Cirque du Soleil show performed at Disney Springs before it closed.
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs first opened its doors to the public in 1998 with its final performance on December 31, 2017.
At the D23 Expo in Anaheim California in August of 2019, guests in the audience were first introduced to the new Cirque du Soleil show that would soon be debuting.
The world premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life” we were explained to at the Expo revealed:
“This original show will be created by Cirque du Soleil and will pay homage to Disney’s rich history of animation, with a vivid story told in a way that only Cirque du Soleil can deliver. Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, elaborated, sharing “We are incredibly inspired by Disney’s immense creative universe. We are convinced that bringing Disney’s magic to life on stage will touch audiences and bring them back to their childhood.”
The show was to have celebrated its world premiere on April 17, 2020. Back in February, we had covered a sneak peek and insider views from Disney Parks Blog. You can read it here.
Unfortunately, as we know the show was not able to premiere. We are hoping that these beautiful and majestic shows will soon again be able to mesmerize the world with its immense beauty.
What are your thoughts regarding Cirque du Soleil filing for bankruptcy protection? Are you surprised to hear the announcement?
Let us know in the comments on Facebook, and let’s keep the conversation going over in our friendly Facebook group, Kenny the Pirate Crew.
-Marisol White
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Sandra Nethercott
Wednesday 1st of July 2020
We had tickets for a show in early May. Once the 30 day mark passed in early June our tickets were refunded. We were sent emails advising of the cancelled show and told that funds would be returned after 30 days from date of show which is exactly what they did. Hope to be able to see it one day in the future.
Marisol White
Wednesday 1st of July 2020
Thank you for sharing Sandra. I hope you are able to see the show in the future! Tickets are now available again!
Michael
Monday 29th of June 2020
My wife and I were looking forward to seeing the new show in Disney Springs during our anniversary trip planned for this past May. Unfortunately that trip was cancelled due to the shutdown. We had already bought tickets for the show. We have tried several times to reach Cirque about a refund without success. It looks like that is money we will never see again. I really hate to see this company go bankrupt. Their shows have always been amazing.
Marisol White
Wednesday 1st of July 2020
Hi Michael! I wanted to share the new article regarding the show that was released this morning. I hope you find it helpful! https://www.kennythepirate.com/2020/07/01/disney-springs-cirque-du-soleil-tickets-on-sale-now/?fbclid=IwAR1naJBc36Ss8RzjVBecgBrm-zeiPOQpQ9EmgTNJm83J591ji4yXZ1YMCZo
Marisol White
Monday 29th of June 2020
Michael, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm hoping that you hear something sooner rather than later! If we hear anything about refunds, we will let you know! The ones that I have seen are incredible. In fact, I have one of the soundtracks on my song list that I listen too frequently!
Lois
Monday 29th of June 2020
I am surprised and very sad to hear this news. I have been fortunate enough to see La Nouba 3 times and would see it again in a minute. I was also fortunate to see Kooza in Philadelphia in 2008. These are wonderful shows with extraordinary performers of the highest quality. I hope they are able to get past this situation and start thrilling audiences again. Thank you for informing us.
Marisol White
Monday 29th of June 2020
Lois, you are very welcome. I too hope that they will soon be able to thrill us again! Such beautiful performances!