Cast of Cirque’s ‘Love’ pays tribute to Beatles at McCarran

By ERIK VERDUZCO and ASHLEY CASPER LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

11 years ago

Diana Butina, 5, wraps herself with paper streamers during a performance by Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Performers with Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” recognize their fans waiting for their performance at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

A performer with Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” gets ready for his performance at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

A performer with Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” dances during a show at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Performers with Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” make their grand entrance for their performance at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Performers with Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” get ready for their performance at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

People watch performers with Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” as they get ready to perform at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas during a show Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

People watch performers with Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” as they perform at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

People watch performers with Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas during a show Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Valintina Butina, right, reacts as paper streamers fall during a performance from Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Performers with Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” stand in front of their fans following their performance at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. The Beatles “Love” and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Being for the benefit of Mr. Kite … um, loyal Beatlepeople, members of Cirque du Soleil’s The Beatles “Love” delighted fans with a live performance Thursday at McCarran International Airport.

From the psychadelic scenes inspired by the swinging ’60s and “Drive My Car” to the trippy musical splendor of “I Am a Walrus,” cast members and Southwest Airlines sponsored the commemorative event honoring the Beatles’ first and only visit to Las Vegas 50 years ago.

Contact Ashley Casper at acasper@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @TheCasperA