Awakening at the Wynn is a show that is taking an abrupt break from production to iron out a few kinks in its attendance numbers. Yuman calls “loyal, talented, committed, gifted, amazing performers” of all body types, and a wholesale reimagining of the former Le Rêve space that includes seats wired for individual 3D sound and a one-of-a-kind stage that’s essentially a gigantic glass LED screen, Awakening is pure Vegas audacity, on a scale, the Strip arguably hasn’t seen in years.
Could be a mix of bad timing or the Wynn venue is just not attracting attendees as it use to.
“Awakening will redefine the Vegas spectacle,” Yuman says in a press statement. “This is a groundbreaking collaborative effort between Wynn Las Vegas and our creative team … It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone fortunate enough to see it.”
Curry agrees, stressing that the show—which opened for previews on October 28—is a complete package, a union of performance, technology and storytelling that will startle even the most jaded of audiences.
“[Awakening] makes it possible for people to escape into a world that pushes the boundaries of entertainment,” Curry says. “The transformational stage acts as a character itself, allowing vast changes—from giving viewers the impression that they are submerged underwater to floating in a world in the clouds. These worlds come to life with imaginative characters and creatures unlike anything audiences have seen before.”
Yes, but what’s it about? At press time we hadn’t seen it yet, but according to the production team, Awakening is an archetypal heroine’s journey, with its protagonist and her two cohorts questing through a realm of magic, danger and modern myth to reunite a pair of estranged lovers.
And, as Halpin says in his press statement, the story has ample room for whatever you bring to Awakening’s 1,600-seat theater in the round.
“I’ve always been fascinated with the 360 [degree] experience and the intimacy that it creates between the audience and performers,” he says. “It allows for a level of immersive that brings the theatrical experience to life.”
But as high-tech and unprecedented as the theater space might be, the heart of Awakening is in the commitment of its performers. And during a press launch for the show, Yuman says “the kids” are more than ready to give it.
“They’re in the moment. They’re not thinking about rewriting the past or projecting the future,” he says. “And they all deliver the promise every time they touch the stage.” $114-$175. Awakening Theater at Wynn