'Viva Elvis' to open in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- "Viva Elvis," Cirque du Soleil's collaboration with Elvis Presley Enterprises, is set to begin previews this week in Las Vegas, producers said.

The show -- described by producers as "a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music" -- is scheduled to begin previews Friday at ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter.

"On a creative level, it was extremely stimulating to draw our inspiration from this musical icon," Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil, said in a statement. "'Viva Elvis' showcases the raw energy and pure talent of Elvis and highlights the exhilaration and beauty of his music on a grand scale."

"It makes perfect sense that Elvis should live on in Las Vegas, where his iconic status was cemented," Robert F.X. Sillerman, chairman and chief executive officer of CKX Inc., the parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises, said. "When we teamed with Cirque du Soleil, we knew that any show they created would match Elvis' larger-than-life presence. So we were pleased to open the vaults at Graceland and make available to Cirque du Soleil historic archival materials, recordings and concert footage that would help them create a show that will carry Elvis' legacy into the future."

"Elvis has always been in the forefront of new, contemporary entertainment and technology," said Elvis' ex-wife, Priscilla Presley. "I believe 'Viva Elvis' continues this and reaches out and expands his legacy in a new, creative and exciting way."