Frequent Facts of Disbelief
Q: How do props such as the carousel horse move during the show?
A: Most of the props that are used during the show are driven by the performers who ride them. The carousel horses have a small propeller underneath their tails and are controlled by a joystick located on the back of the horse.
Q: How Long Does L'Allumé Burn During Each Performance?
A: L'Allumé burns for 3.5 minutes as he sits nonchalantly in his chair.
Q: What happens underwater during the show?
A: There are 14 technicians underwater during the show, performing various tasks such as artist handling and props manipulation.
Q: How do performers communicate underwater?
A: The underwater communication system features 26 speakers, which allow the performers to hear the music, as well as specific cues or instructions while underwater.
Q: Do you need to be a gymnast to be in the show?
A: No, in addition to gymnasts, “O” also features artistic swimmers, divers, contortionists, characters and more.
Q: When did “O” premiere?
A: “O” opened on October 15, 1998 in conjunction with the opening of Bellagio. We have had over 16 million spectators since then!
Q: How many lights are used in the show?
A: A total of 2,500 conventional lights, 51 moving lights, and 8 spotlights are used during each performance.
Q: What is the stage surface made of?
A: The stage surface is made of Mondo rubberized flooring. It has over 5,000 small holes in each 4’ x 8’ area.
Q: How many lifts are used in the show?
A: The stage consists of a set of 7 independent lifts that Guinness World Records named the largest underwater hydraulic stage lifting system.
Q: What temperature is the water kept at?
A: The water is kept at 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 Celsius).
Q: How does the water stay clean?
A: The entire pool is recirculated 3 times daily and backwashed 2 times per week. The pool is drained to Lake Bellagio for maintenance once every year and it adds 2 inches to the lake.
Q: How much water is in the “O” pool and how deep is it?
A: There are 1.5 million gallons of water on the set of “O”. The stage is 25 feet deep, with 17 feet of water from surface to the top of the lifts when they are fully collapsed.
Q: How many people are part of the show?
A: 77 artists and 122 technicians are needed to perform O nightly.
Q: Are there any Olympians in the show?
A: “O” features 6 Olympians (artistic swimmers) –most of any of the Cirque productions.