Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil at New York New York Hotel and Casino

When it comes to Las Vegas entertainment, it’s hard to top the buzz of a Cirque du Soleil show. Our review focuses on Mad Apple, a production that promises a lively, New York City-inspired night packed with music, comedy, acrobatics, and nightlife culture. It’s a show that markets itself as a celebration of the city that never sleeps—bright, fast-paced, and fun.

What we really like about Mad Apple is its high-energy entertainment style, blending different acts and performances into one seamless experience. Plus, the convenient location inside the lively New York-New York Hotel & Casino means you can easily explore other attractions and nightlife spots after the show. That said, it’s worth mentioning that some viewers found it more comedy-heavy than traditional Cirque acrobatics, so if you’re seeking pure circus artistry, this might not fully meet expectations.

If you’re someone who enjoys a dynamic variety show with a bit of everything—music, laughs, stunning stunts—this could be a great pick. However, if you’re a die-hard Cirque fan craving intense acrobatic feats, you might find it a tad lighter on the traditional Cirque spectacle. Still, its affordability and lively atmosphere make it worth considering for a fun night out in Vegas.

Key Points

• Vibrant mix of entertainment styles including comedy, music, acrobatics, and nightlife culture
• Location on the Las Vegas Strip makes it easy to explore more after the show
• Multiple seating options let you tailor the experience to your budget and preferred view
• Approx. 80-minute duration keeps it energetic without dragging on
• Great value for money considering the variety of acts and the lively atmosphere
• Pre-show party atmosphere starts 30 minutes early, setting a fun tone

What to Expect from the Experience

The Venue and Location

Mad Apple takes place at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino, a lively spot right on the Strip. The theater is situated just outside the Chrysler Elevators, near the Village Street Eateries, making it easy to find and access. The venue itself is designed for a cozy, intimate feeling—no bad seats here, as many reviews mention good views from various sections.

Arriving and Seating

Guests are encouraged to arrive early—about an hour before showtime—since the party starts 30 minutes beforehand. This pre-show buzz is part of the fun, with some attendees even walking onto the stage and enjoying a bar setup. When booking, you can choose from different sections, with prices varying accordingly. Some reviews mention frustrations about seat allocation—like one person who was told they had seats in row E but ended up in M—so if you want to avoid surprises, double-check your ticket details.

The Show Itself

The actual show is around 80 minutes long, with no intermission, which means it’s packed with nonstop action. Expect to see a mix of talented musicians, dancers, comedians, and acrobats. Many acts are designed to evoke the spirit of NYC nightlife, from street performers to underground stars. The atmosphere overall is lively and engaging, with an emphasis on entertainment rather than pure circus spectacle.

Highlights of the Acts

According to reviews, highlights include amazing acrobatics, energetic singing, and humorous comedians. Some viewers found the performers to be “very talented”, with a few noting specific standouts like the horn players and the male acrobat as breathtaking. On the other hand, some felt that the comedy sometimes veered into vulgar territory, and a few were disappointed with the overall circus elements—claiming it felt more like a variety show with comedians than a traditional Cirque.

The Audience Experience

Guests rave about the high-energy environment and the chance to get close to the performers, with some even mentioning the opportunity to walk onto the stage during pre-show. The bar setup and the lively atmosphere create a party vibe, making it feel more like a nightlife event than a typical theater outing.

How Does the Price Reflect the Experience?

With tickets costing around $57.69 per person, many compare it favorably to other Vegas shows—which can be more expensive and less varied in their acts. Reviewers think it offers good value for money, especially considering the variety of entertainment packed into 80 minutes. The ticket price includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, so there are no hidden costs—an important detail for budget-conscious travelers.

Options to upgrade to VIP seats are available and include perks like meet-and-greets, pre-show drinks, popcorn, and VIP seating. These upgrades are ideal for those wanting a more exclusive experience but aren’t necessary to enjoy the core show.

The Experience on the Night

The show’s fast pace and variety keep guests entertained from start to finish. Many reviews mention how the atmosphere feels like a big party—people laughing, clapping, and soaking in the energy. Some found the seating layout to be well-designed, providing good views regardless of the ticket section; others, however, expressed disappointment with their specific seats.

The pre-show activities starting 30 minutes early are a notable perk, giving ample time to settle in and maybe even mingle. The show’s duration is just enough—long enough to keep the energy high but not so long that it becomes tiresome.

What Are the Downsides?

While many reviews highlight the show’s lively and engaging nature, a few guests felt it was more comedy and less Cirque-style acrobatics than they expected. One reviewer remarked, “I was expecting more, given this is a Cirque show,” indicating that for some, the act may not fully deliver on traditional acrobatic spectacle.

Others mentioned inconsistencies with seating—specifically, incorrect seat assignments—that could impact your viewing experience if you’re particular about where you sit. Plus, the show is not suitable for children under 5 and all guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, so it’s definitely geared more toward adult audiences.

Some attendees also noted that the comedians could have been funnier, and a few found parts of the show to be a bit vulgar or not suitable for sensitive audiences. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, purely Cirque-style experience, this might not be the ideal choice.

The Bottom Line

Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil offers a lively, energetic night out that captures the spirit of New York City within a manageable 80-minute performance. Its combination of music, comedy, acrobatics, and nightlife elements makes it stand out as a versatile entertainment option—especially for those seeking a fun, night-in-the-city vibe without the hefty price tag.

The show is ideal for adults who enjoy a mix of humor, music, and stunts and are happy with a slightly more laid-back Cirque experience. The venue’s intimacy, combined with the pre-show party atmosphere, makes it feel less like a formal theater and more like a night out with friends.

While it might not satisfy the die-hard Cirque fans craving jaw-dropping acrobatic feats, many guests find the overall energy, variety, and value to be compelling reasons to give it a try. Just be sure to arrive early, choose your seats wisely, and enjoy the vibrant chaos of New York nightlife right in Las Vegas.

FAQ

Q: What is the duration of Mad Apple?
A: It’s approximately 80 minutes long, with no intermission. Expect nonstop entertainment packed into that time.

Q: Do I need to arrive early?
A: Yes, guests are encouraged to arrive about an hour before the show starts since the party begins 30 minutes early, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Q: Are tickets available in different seating sections?
A: Absolutely. You can choose from multiple sections depending on your budget and preference. Some reviews mentioned seat mix-ups, so double-check your booking details.

Q: Is there an age restriction?
A: Yes. Guests under 5 are not permitted, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The show includes some language and themes not suitable for children.

Q: Are food and drinks included?
A: No, but snacks and beverages are available for purchase inside the showroom lobby. You can’t bring outside food or drinks.

Q: Is it accessible for guests with disabilities?
A: Yes, accessible seats are available. Just note your needs during booking.

Q: Can I take photos or videos during the show?
A: No, photography, filming, and recording devices are not permitted during the performance.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: The standard ticket price is around $57.69 per person, which many find reasonable given the variety and energy of the show.

Q: Is there a VIP option?
A: Yes, VIP experiences are available, including meet-and-greets, pre-show drinks, and VIP seating, which might be worth it if you want a more exclusive vibe.

If you’re in Vegas and craving a lively, varied night of entertainment that combines music, comedy, and a touch of circus flair, Mad Apple is a solid choice—especially if you keep expectations in check and enjoy the party atmosphere.