Preview Performances Begin November 26

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- KA, the latest creation from Cirque du Soleil, was revealed today during a special press conference at MGM Grand. Preview performances will begin November 26 in an unprecedented performance space, the KA Theatre at MGM Grand. Tickets are now on sale.

KA combines acrobatic performances, martial arts, puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics to illustrate the nature of duality. Created and directed by acclaimed theatre and film director Robert Lepage, the show applies the visual vocabulary of cinema to a live spectacle creating a vibrant narrative that conjures an entire empire on stage.

KA tells the epic saga of separated twins -- a boy and a girl -- who embark on a perilous journey to fulfill their linked destinies. As the plot unfolds, danger lies in wait for them at every turn. Archers and spearmen hunt the twins relentlessly, as their quest takes them through a succession of challenging landscapes, from a mysterious seashore through menacing mountains and foreboding forests.

The show's creative elements are essential to invoking the world of KA. The costumes for the international cast of 72 artists have an Asian influence, as reflected in the lavish imperial court costumes and robust martial artists' warrior uniforms. Additionally, the mood is set by the original score, which incorporates soaring melodies and richly textured arrangements driven through an elaborate audio system that literally surrounds the spectator in sound.

Another important element is the ambivalent power of fire to create and destroy. "Fire is the one thing that holds everything together," says Lepage. "It's the storyline and the saga. It creates conflict and destruction as it gives life and light."

Cirque du Soleil Founder and CEO, Guy Laliberte, describes KA as "the most theatrical show we've ever done." It is scripted with a strongly defined almost cinematic narrative, with clearly identified characters and story arcs. The execution of that narrative called for more technologically advanced visual effects than Cirque du Soleil has ever attempted. "That's why I wanted Robert Lepage to write and direct the show. With his vast experience in theatre and film, his knowledge of the technology and his curiosity and innovative spirit, he was the only man for the job."

The KA Theatre is an astonishing performance space, seating 1,951 guests. "The arrival of KA is the crown jewel in the renaissance of MGM Grand," says Gamal Aziz, MGM Grand president and COO. "Throughout our reinvention, we have strived for the best in dining, entertainment and service. With the unveiling of KA, MGM Grand is taken to a new level."

The show's title, KA, is inspired by the ancient Egyptian belief in the "ka," an invisible spiritual duplicate of the body that accompanies every human being throughout this life and into the next. That concept is also reflected in the show's visual signature, which evokes the central theme of duality as personified by the twins and the symbolic use of fire. The logo is influenced by Asian iconography.

Founded in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is world-renowned for its completely unique brand of theatrical arts presentations. In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil has an exclusive partnership with MGM MIRAGE to create and present unique and innovative productions, which include Mystere(R) at Treasure Island, "O(R)" at Bellagio, and ZUMANITY(TM), ANOTHER SIDE OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL(TM) at New York- New York.

MGM Grand, "The City of Entertainment" in Las Vegas, features 5,034 guest rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art gaming complex, world-class entertainment venues, signature restaurants by celebrity chefs and the $100 million Conference Center for meetings/conventions all centrally located on the Las Vegas Strip. For room availability and information about the MGM Grand, call (800) 929-1111 or (702) 891-7777 or log onto our website at www.mgmgrand.com.

KA Creative Team

• Guy Laliberte -- Guide
• Robert Lepage -- Creator and Director
• Guy Caron -- Director of Creation
• Mark Fisher -- Set Designer
• Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt -- Costume Designer
• Rene Dupere -- Composer and Arranger
• Jacques Heim -- Choreographer
• Luc Lafortune -- Lighting Designer
• Jonathan Deans -- Sound Designer
• Holger Forterer -- Interactive Projections Designer
• Michael Curry -- Puppet Designer
• Patricia Ruel -- Props Designer
• Jaque Paquin -- Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
• Andre Simard -- Aerial Acrobatics Designer
• Nathalie Gagne -- Make-up Designer

Ticket Information and Show Schedule

KA tickets are available for all preview performances from November 26, 2004 through February 2, 2005.

Show days and times:

* KA will perform Fridays through Tuesdays and will be dark (no shows) on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
* One show nightly at 8pm from November 26 - December 7.
* Two shows nightly at 7pm & 10:30pm from December 10 - February 2.

To reserve tickets:

* Call 800-929-1111 or 702-891-7777.
* Go to ka.com or mgmgrand.com.
* Visit the KA box office at MGM Grand or any of the MGM MIRAGE box offices in Las Vegas.

Source: Cirque du Soleil

CONTACT: Dave Kirvin, dkirvin@kirvindoak.com, or Stacy Foley,
sfoley@kirvindoak.com, both of Kirvin Doak Communications, +1-702-737-3100,
for Cirque du Soleil; or Reggie Lyons of KA by Cirque du Soleil,
+1-702-352-0224, reggie.lyons@cirquedusoleil.com; or Jenn Michaels of MGM
MIRAGE Public Relations, +1-702-891-7272, Jenn_Michaels@mgmmirage.com

Web site: http://www.mgmgrand.com/