Las Vegas: Cirque performers turn their talents to a benefit show

For the first time in Cirque du Soleil history, all seven of its Las Vegas productions will be dark on March 22, as cast and crew members stage a benefit performance titled “One Night for One Drop.”

The one-off production, to be staged in the “O” Theater at Bellagio, will feature more than 200 Cirque performers as well as special guests, including youthful singing sensation Jackie Evancho.

The proceeds will benefit One Drop, a nonprofit created in 2007 by Cirque founder Guy Laliberte. The organization strives to ensure safe and secure water supplies around the world.

“The concept is to celebrate the Earth as an artistic creation in its strength, vitality and fragility, and to highlight water as the essence of life within the earth’s precious ecosystem,” said Krista Monson, who conceptualized the production and will direct it.

Besides 237 Cirque performers, others are donating their time and talents to the fundraiser.

Among them is composer Danny Elfman, who is orchestrating an original score to be performed by a string quartet. He was in Las Vegas on Monday and Tuesday for rehearsals.

“We put it all together with the high-wire artists, the man on fire [from “O”] and a break dancer,” Monson said. “It’s incredible, actually.”

Fashion designer Robert Cavalli has designed a unique costume to adorn one of the performers. Evancho, the 12-year-old runner-up from “America’s Got Talent,” will make a dramatic appearance during the finale.

“She will be doing an aerial moment and singing,” Monson said.

Individual performance tickets range from $150 to $1,500. Various packages, which include other special events, are also available. For further information, visit the show’s website or call (877) 767-0715.

Besides supporting One Drop, part of the money raised will be donated to the Las Vegas Springs Preserve to support water conservation and sustainable living in the Las Vegas Valley.

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