Cirque, MGM Resorts downsize, shuffle Las Vegas Strip staff

Cirque du Soleil is performing some acrobatics away from the theater.

The days are over when Cirque shows have been operated as insular productions, independent of one another. The company is reorganizing — and downsizing — its management operations for its five residency productions on the Las Vegas Strip that are in partnership with MGM Resorts International (“Mystere” at Treasure Island being the exception). Cirque also has a show coming into Luxor to be announced this spring.

What the new business model means, in short, is Cirque shows will no longer employ a single head of department for each of its shows. Instead, multiple productions will be under the direction of one department head.

Also, Cirque will continue to oversee all artistic operations (such as managers, artists and coaches), along with picking up the lighting, staging, maintenance and any mechanically related staffers, who were previously employed by MGM Resorts.

The heads of department who have been let go have been offered severance packages. Several long-standing employees have lost their positions. Many reportedly were caught off-guard by the news; one was reportedly so upset as to have been led by security from an MGM Resorts property.

The new system should be in place by mid-April. Word of the realignment surfaced March 16, the night many Cirque and MGM Resorts officials attended the Keep Memory Alive Power of Love gala at MGM Grand Garden, and a week after the annual “One Night For One Drop” charity show at O Theatre at Bellagio.

MGM Resorts International officials are not specifying how many positions are lost in the changeover. The company is emphasizing that the stage performances themselves will not be altered, nor will any show schedules be changed.

In its touring shows, Cirque typically assigns managers and those employed in backstage positions multiple productions.

Cirque officials sent requests for clarification and confirmation to MGM Resorts, which in turn essentially explained that this is how major entertainment companies operate.

“MGM is working with Cirque du Soleil to reorganize backstage operations at Las Vegas shows to align with how Cirque du Soleil shows are structured throughout the world,” MGM Resorts spokesman Brian Ahern said Monday in a statement. “This is part of our long-standing work together to continually improve show operations and focus on creating unforgettable experiences for guests and audiences. All shows and performances will continue as usual.”

MGM Resorts is helping to reassign employees through the transition, and assist with job placement. Everyone who has lost their current job is being encouraged to re-apply through MGM Resorts. As they say in the business, the show must go on.

Overhaul for the Joint

We can confidently report the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel will undergo a major face-lift as the resort is turned over as Virgin Hotel Las Vegas by the end of 2020. The hotel also will enter into partnership with a major concert-booking company known for its Las Vegas residency lineup. The competition for headlining talent in Las Vegas is only going to get more intense.

J.J. to ‘Menopause’

A hot tip (hah) from the production-show front: J.J. Snyder of “The Morning Blend” on KTNV Channel 13 is being prepped for a cameo role in “Menopause The Musical” at Harrah’s. No dates set, but producers Alan and Kathi Glist and Snyder have both talked of this venture.

Who Was Where

Aerosmith has officially arrived in VegasVille: Front man Steven Tyler and his Las Vegas manager Larry Rudolph dined at Eldorado Cantina on Sunday night. Understand the band is crushing it in rehearsals.

It’s Fuerza Bruta country

The tented spectacular “Fuerza Bruta” is tying into Academy of Country Music Awards Weekend by bringing in DJ/remixer/producer/radion host Dee Jay Silver for performance at 7 p.m. April 5. The ACM Awards telecast is April 7 at MGM Grand Garden.

Cool Hang Alert

On that theme, column fave Aaron Benward and Nashville Unplugged are adding a Saturday show April 6 to its regular 8 p.m. Friday performance at Rhythm and Riffs Lounge at Mandalay Bay. The shows are also lined up with ACM Weekend.

Top country artists and N.U. regulars Danny Myrick and Travis Howard are special guests. Accomplished singer-songwriters Dennis Matkosky, Michael Hardy, Angie Keilhauer, Colin Elmore, Trae Landon and Matt Stell are in Friday’s lineup. Saturday it’s Jimmie Allen, Adam Hambrick, Tucker Beathard, Steve Dorff and Bailey Bryan.

There is no cover charge for these hangs, the music is superb and the brews (and fizzy water) are well-chilled.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His PodKats podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts.Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.