LAS VEGAS – The world-renowned Cirque du Soleil is closing its “R.U.N” show at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, in Las Vegas on March 8. Anyone with tickets for performances past March 8 will be refunded at the original point of purchase.
R.U.N the Live-Action Thriller
“R.U.N,” opened on October 24, 2019; written by acclaimed filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, “R.U.N” is based on his 2005 neo-noir crime thriller, “Sin City”. The controversial performance is described as Cirque du Soleil’s first live-action thriller performance. The 75-minute show replaced Criss Angel Mindfreak Live! and Believe after the ten-year contract with Criss Angel ran out.
The R.U.N’s storyline follows a similar track to Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill”, in that it begins in a church at a wedding, and violence quickly ensues. This dark, action-packed show is inspired by comic-book graphic novels and blockbuster action movies, and the action is comprised of back-alley brawls, pyrotechnics, car chases, motorcycle tricks, and even sword swallowing speed through the darkest parts of a completely fictional Las Vegas. True to the Cirque du Soleil reputation, the performance pushes past the boundaries of human endurance.
What Brought R.U.N to an End
“R.U.N was a collaborative effort between an extraordinary group of artists, creators, and crew. Sadly, the show ultimately didn’t find an audience that could support it. We had to make the difficult decision to close,” commented Eric Grilly, Cirque du Soleil’s senior vice president of resident show division. “After careful consideration, and many creative ideas to improve the production, we determined the resources and time needed to implement any changes were to be too big to overcome.”
For one thing, unlike other Cirque du Soleil shows, R.U.N was for mature audiences aged 13 and older. The stunts and combat performances were deemed inappropriate for younger audiences, as well as some of the language. Likewise, the typical, family-friendly Cirque shows are lighthearted and entertaining and don’t feature foul language and torture scenes. Certainly, this deterred families on vacation who otherwise might go to a Cirque show.
The advertising for R.U.N stressed that its usual circus-style acrobatics were not a part of the show and the iconic ethereal music had been replaced by a raucous rock-and-roll soundtrack. While the R.U.N advertising attempted to describe it as different from other Cirque shows, that failed to reset audience expectations. Unfortunately, many in the audience expected a beautiful, relaxing Cirque performance, but instead, felt assaulted.
Also, the violent, Avante-Garde production was wildly expensive, costing an astonishing $62 million since it opened. The financial bleed from this experimental production simply proved too much for Cirque du Soleil.
“As one of the world’s leading live entertainment companies, creative risks are part and parcel in everything we do,” observed Yasmine Khalil, chief executive producer for Cirque du Soleil. “R.U.N pushed beyond the boundaries of Cirque’s brand to create a unique and compelling emotional form of entertainment. Unfortunately, the fan response was not what we had hoped for.”
What Comes Next?
The upcoming One Night for One Drop fundraising gala will not show a special presentation of R.U.N, but rather will debut “The Illusionists” on March 27. One Night for One Drop is a fundraising event sponsored by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group for One Drop, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing worldwide access to safe drinking water.
The Illusionists is a “magic spectacular” show that has enjoyed both critical and box office success on Broadway and when it headlined London’s West End. “The Illusionists” was acquired by Cirque du Soleil last year. While it hasn’t been announced there is speculation The Illusionists will replace R.U.N at the Luxor.
