"O" by Cirque du Soleil

Bellagio · cirque

Venue
"O" Theatre, Bellagio
Schedule
Wed–Sun, 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM
Running time
90 minutes, no intermission
Age policy
5 and older
Tickets
From $125 incl. service fee, plus tax

About

"O" is Cirque du Soleil's water show at Bellagio. It opened on October 15, 1998, the same day the resort opened. The title is a sound joke: "O" is pronounced like eau, the French word for water.

Franco Dragone wrote and directed the original production, with Gilles Ste-Croix as director of creation. Benoit Jutras composed the score and Debra Brown choreographed it. The stage is a pool 25 feet deep holding 1.5 million gallons, with 17 feet of water in it.

Cirque lists 75 artists in the cast, including eight Olympians: seven artistic swimmers and one diver. Behind the scenes, 130 technicians and 14 scuba divers work each performance. The loose story follows Philemon, a young Sicilian boy, into a dream world narrated by a character called Le Vieux.

What to expect

The show runs 90 minutes straight, with no intermission. Acrobats, artistic swimmers, divers and characters perform in and above the pool, and Cirque says the water itself drives the story through incoming tides, downpours and storms. Expect flying ships carrying soldiers, a pair of dancing zebras, an Island Banquine number, a Russian swing and high dives into the pool.

The acts link together as episodes in Philemon's dream-like journey, from love to danger and courage. A fire act mixes ancient ritual with martial arts. Cirque warns that "O" uses loud sounds and periods of darkness that may frighten some children, which is why the minimum age is 5. Flash photography is banned for the performers' safety, and filming of any kind is not allowed. Phones and small pocket cameras can be used for still photos.

Good to know

  • Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Cirque suggests reaching Bellagio about 90 minutes early and the theatre about 40 minutes early.
  • The North Valet is the valet entrance closest to the "O" theatre; self-parking is also available at Bellagio.
  • Outside food and drinks are not allowed. A concession stand at the theatre entrance sells drinks and snacks you can take to your seat.
  • Reduced-mobility tickets can be bought on cirquedusoleil.com or by phone at 888-488-7111.
  • Box offices accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay and Discover.
  • A VIP Experience adds early theatre access, a guided virtual tour and a pre-show reception.

Staying at Bellagio Las Vegas

Bellagio Las VegasResort fee $55/night + tax · self-parking $20/day

Questions about "O" by Cirque du Soleil

How old do you have to be to see "O"?

The minimum age is 5, and every guest 5 or older needs a ticket. Children under 5 are not admitted. Cirque du Soleil notes that the show uses loud sounds and periods of darkness, which may frighten some younger children even above the age limit. Parents of sensitive 5- or 6-year-olds may want to weigh that before booking.

How long is "O" and is there an intermission?

"O" runs 90 minutes with no intermission. Cirque recommends arriving at Bellagio about an hour and a half before showtime and reaching the theatre about 40 minutes ahead. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance, so you have time for the concession stand at the entrance before you sit down.

How big is the pool used in "O"?

The pool is 25 feet deep and holds 1.5 million gallons of water, filled to a depth of 17 feet. Swimmers, divers and acrobats all work in and above it during the show. According to Cirque du Soleil, 130 technicians and 14 scuba divers work behind the scenes during every performance to keep it running.

Can I take photos during "O"?

Yes, with limits. Cell phones and personal, pocket-sized cameras are allowed. Flash photography is strictly prohibited for the safety of the performers, and filming of any kind is not allowed. Cirque du Soleil invites guests to share their photos on social media and tag the show's account.

Where do I park for "O" at Bellagio?

Self-parking is available at Bellagio. For valet, Cirque du Soleil points to the North Valet, which is the one nearest the "O" theatre, as well as the Main Valet at Bellagio's main entrance. Leave extra time: Cirque suggests arriving at the resort about 90 minutes before the show.

Similar shows