Elvis-themed show planned for new MGM Vegas resort

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Attention Elvis impersonators: you
may soon have a new way to make a living. Cirque du Soleil said
on Thursday it plans to create a permanent Elvis Presley show
for the CityCenter hotel/casino now under construction by MGM
Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip.

The “extravaganza” is expected to open along with the hotel
in November 2009, according to Cirque du Soleil and CKX Inc.,
which owns the rights to Presley’s name, likeness and music
publishing.

“This will be the first step in establishing a 21st Century
presence in Vegas for the King,” Robert Sillerman, chairman and
chief executive of CKX, said in a statement.

CityCenter, which will include condominiums and retail
space as well as hotels and a casino, is scheduled to open in
2009 on 66 acres between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts.

CKX and Cirque du Soleil announced in May an agreement to
develop and promote Elvis Presley projects, including touring
and permanent shows as well as multimedia interactive events
throughout the world.