AN EYE-POPPING VISUAL FEAST

By Heather Turk

Ushering in a new era of entertainment, Wynn Las Vegas’ “Awakening” is a jaw-dropping spectacle unlike anything staged before in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

A culmination of more than five years of creative and strategic planning, the $120 million production premiered last November in Wynn Las Vegas’ customdesigned, 360-degree Awakening Theater. Through a combination of technology, dramatic choreography, spectacular illusions, an original score by composer Brian Tyler (“Avengers: Age of Ultron”) and fantastic puppetry by the show’s producer/character designer Michael Curry (“The Lion King” on Broadway), “Awakening” tells the story of a heroine and her two fellow travelers as they seek to reunite two lost lovers and restore beauty and love to the world.

“‘Awakening’ builds on Las Vegas’ legacy of imagination and innovation in live entertainment,” said Bernie Yuman, the show’s executive producer/ producer who was also the driving force responsible for Siegfried & Roy’s 25-year Las Vegas engagement.

“As a producer of live entertainment, the inspiration has and will always be to do something bigger and bolder — something that’s never been done before.

I’m always looking to set new standards for the industry with productions that propel a new genre of entertainment and demonstrate the boundless potential of innovation in the 21st century. ‘Awakening’ is the crux of everything explored thus far and brings audiences an unforgettable in-person experience.”

At the center of each 75-minute performance is a 60-foot prismatic stage made of dichroic glass and custom LED screens that’s easily a character in its own right. To fully immerse audiences in the action taking place around them, each seat in the 1,600-seat theater is not only located within 75 feet of center stage, but also equipped with built-in speakers.

Featuring 60 talented cast members/dancers, “Awakening” is narrated by Yuman’s dear friend, two-time Academy Award winner Sir Anthony Hopkins, who was “eager to be a part of the production in some way” after hearing Yuman talk about it. The show is directed and produced by Baz Halpin, who has designed, directed and produced concerts for some of the music industry’s top artists, including Taylor Swift and P!nk.

“‘Awakening’ is a spectacle of epic scale and a true reflection of best-in-class talent coming together,” Yuman concluded. “From production, to the creative team, to the performances, choreography, music, sound and technology, there’s so much to see. In many ways, this show represents our own cultural awakening and return to the real world after the pandemic. It captures the idea that ‘the show must go on’ and invites audiences to come together and celebrate the joy, wonder and optimism of life.”

“Awakening” runs Tuesday through Saturday, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $125, plus taxes and fees. awakening.com

by Russ Harrington