SIN CITY TURNING FULL CIRQUE.

Byline: - Rob Lowman

With ``KA'' now on the scene, Las Vegas is running in Cirques.

Bad joke, but not far from the truth.

Including ``KA,'' there are now four Cirque du Soleil shows in Sin City - ``O,'' ``Mystere'' and ``Zumanity,'' and next year there will be a fifth, at the Mirage, based on the music of the Beatles. Toss in Celine Dion's Cirque-style show ``A New Day,'' created by Franco Dragone, who was behind the water-based ``O'' and ``Mystere'' before leaving Cirque for his own projects. Dragone is currently working on a show for Steve Wynn's new hotel, Wynn Las Vegas, which is scheduled to open this spring. The water-based show is expected to have a Cirque flavor.

Too much?

Apparently not. The joke about the Cirque du Soleil in Vegas is that if you build them, they will come. And so far they have - in droves. Also, as the performers themselves - who form a niche community in the city - will tell you, and as you can see for yourself, the shows keep evolving, giving you a somewhat different experience each time you see one.

Jerry Nadal, general manager of all Cirque productions in Vegas, says ``Mystere,'' which in its 12th year is the oldest of the shows, ``is still doing really good business.'' Last year, Cirque signed a five-year extension for the show, which runs at Treasure Island. ``Mystere'' features the acrobats and displays of beauty and grace that you've come to expect from the numerous Cirque traveling shows. (Tickets are $60 to $95. For information, go to www.treasureisland.com or call [phone] or [phone].)

``O'' at the Bellagio is in its seventh year and sells out most of its shows, says Nadal. The show itself remains breathtaking and magical, with a stage that can change from mostly water to water populated with islands to - briefly - even dry land. (Tickets are $99 to $150. For information, go to www.bellagio.com or call [phone] or [phone].)

``Zumanity,'' at New York, New York, is called ``a different side'' of Cirque du Soleil. The show, which combines sexuality, including nudity, with acrobatics and specialty acts, is in its second year. Nadal says it has found its niche, adhering to the idea of making all the Cirque shows different, and that it sells 90 percent to 95 percent of its tickets. Nadal admits some people are put off by the show, but that Cirque tries to warn people what they are in for. (Tickets are $65 to $125. For information, go to www.zumanity.com or www.nynyhotelcasino.com or call [phone] or [phone].)

The Celine Dion show, ``A New Day,'' which has the mega-star performing on a large stage with a Cirque-like troupe, is at Caesars Palace. (Tickets are $87.50 to $225. For information, go to www.caesars.com or call (877) 4-celine.)

The show at Wynn Las Vegas, ``Le Reve: A Small Collection of Imperfect Dreams,'' will be staged in a domed round showroom designed by Dragone. The farthest seat in the 14 rows will be 42 feet from the action. The show is scheduled to open April 29, a day after the hotel opens its doors.

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

The provocative ``Zumanity,'' which opened last year at New York, New York, plays to consistent near-capacity crowds.

Photo: Tomasz Rossa; Costumes: Thierry Mugler