The conclusion of our REAL VEGAS PEOPLE feature on a performer who crossed the ocean to make Las Vegas his beloved home.
Las Vegas is truly a melting pot. Countless international performers have come here to offer their talents to Las Vegas entertainment. They add value and depth to our community, economy, and humanity. In that spirit, I proudly share the experiences of Tom Ammirati, a French-born artist who became a homeowner in Las Vegas after joining the cast of Cirque du Soleil‘s MYSTERE.
Tom Ammariti (center) is MYSTERE’s “Yellow Bird”…
In part one, available here, I introduced you to Mr. Ammirati and visited him during rehearsals of the long-running Treasure Island production. In today’s conclusion, the performer gives us a glimpse into his life as a working resident in the City of Entertainment.
Born in Aubagne, a small town in the South of France, Tom grew up with two brothers. While they entered the military, Tom dedicated his life to the performing arts. A gentle man of few words, he was shy about being in the spotlight. But Ammirati’s love for the United States, and Las Vegas in particular, came through with every glance, smile, and phrase. Please enjoy.
“I started gymnastics when I was three years old. From age nine through fourteen, I attended a gymnastics boarding school in Avigon, France, for intensive training (25 hours per week). Then came an Antibes gymnastics boarding school from fifteen to seventeen, where I graduated from their high school program.”
“During that time, I spent three years in the National Gymnastics Team and won many national competitions. At eighteen, I entered the University of Sports in Nice, also for gymnastics. But after six months, I decided to quit the program and “run away with the circus”.
“In February 2011, I did a casting call in Paris for a “General Formation”, which led to six months of training in Montreal. The program including acting, dancing, instrumental, and “Buffoon” with the hopes of earning a contract for one of Cirque du Soleil‘s many shows. And I did!”
“Cirque signed me up for SALTIMBANCO as a Russian Swing flyer, and we went on tour for a year, beginning in 2012. Our troupe changed cities or countries every week or two, and when the show closed, our final performance was in Montreal—that’s where SALTIMBANCO was created twenty years prior.”
After SALTIMBANCO, Tom’s career with the modern circus continued. He spent two years as a teeterboard jumper for Cirque’s AMALUNA, followed by a stint with THE 7 FINGERS, another contemporary circus company. Then came Cirque’s first Broadway show, PARAMOUR, starring Las Vegas’ own Ruby Lewis (BAZ).
Tom stayed with PARAMOUR when it relocated to Hamburg, then hopped aboard Virgin Voyages for a production called “Duel Reality”. Then, Cirque invited him to Las Vegas in 2022 for MYSTERE. He earned the coveted “Yellow Bird” character in 2023, and has been in that featured role ever since.
Tom and his wife Hailey Upton, an artist and painter, married in 2016. They lived in New York City during Tom’s days with PARAMOUR, then traveled the globe together until settling in Las Vegas three years ago.
Two artists plus Halloween equals amazing makeup and costumes…
“I’m always up for challenges and new things. I’d never been to Las Vegas, so I thought to give it a try. We stayed at a friend’s place with a nice mountain view, and it made me want to own something here. We bought a condo in Summerlin three months after arriving…a bold move.”
“Hailey and I spent a year doing renovations ourselves, learning how to do things to make it happen. It was a bit stressful at first, but we’d been traveling on and off for years. It’s nice to feel like ‘home’ for once.”
Tom and Hailey enjoy visiting the Las Vegas Farm
With a week comprised of ten performances, fitness training, and rehearsals, Tom has little time for recreation. He and Hailey hope to start a family, but even having a pet is difficult with their current work schedules. “Maybe someday”, he says with a smile. The couple gets their “animal fix” by visiting the popular Las Vegas Farm.
“It’s a nonprofit that rescues and cares for abused and neglected farm animals. It’s a wonderful place to support a good cause. There’s fresh local produce, and spending time with the animals is great. We always go home with some jam,” he laughs.
Some of Tom’s rare free time is spent drawing. “It’s nice to do something that doesn’t require physical skills”, he says. Of course, being a gymnast, he’s drawn to athletic adventures. From a casual daytime stroll to a day on the lake with friends, Tom enjoys the natural resources of the Vegas Valley.
In winter, short ski trips to Utah satisfy his urge for “extreme sports”, but “I now have more responsibilities and can’t keep taking risks like jumping at the snow park!”.
Even though Tom is only in his early thirties, he knows the human body has its limits…and he’s ready for an inevitable next chapter as an acrobat trainer. A number of his performer friends from other countries have relocated to Las Vegas, and together, they form a tight network of support within the entertainment community:
“As years go by, I have to be reasonable and focus more on training. It’s always a battle in your head to make good choices. Things can be difficult when moving to the U.S., but there are always people to help you when needed. That’s where the fun is: training together and learning from each other. As for what’s next… only time will tell.”
Cirque du Soleil’s MYSTERE performs Friday through Tuesday at 7 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets start at $69 for adults, $30 and up for children with a paying adult (plus taxes/fees). The runs 90 minutes and is suitable for all ages. Reserve your seats here.
Photos by Tom Ammirati and VEGAS 411
