French acrobat takes flight as the “Yellow Bird” in Cirque du Soleil’s longest-running Vegas production…
What makes a talented performer with global experience choose to live in the United States…specifically in Las Vegas? Our city is an epicenter of live entertainment, but success and everyday happiness aren’t guaranteed. What adjustments, sacrifices, and benefits come from making this life-changing decision? For answers, VEGAS 411 turned to Mr. Tom Ammirati.
If you’ve attended Cirque du Soleil’s MYSTERE (pronounced ‘Miss Stair’) in recent years, you’ve undoubtedly witnessed the skills of Tom Ammirati. A stunningly versatile athlete of limited stature but massive power, the native of France has delighted thousands as MYSTERE‘s “Yellow Bird”.
Tom has been a part of MYSTERE for more than three years. He appears in ten labor-intensive shows per week (475 a year) and devotes additional hours to rehearsals and fitness training. That leaves little time for recreation or relaxation, but Mr. Ammirati never regrets his commitment to the arts. After all, the show must go on.
Earlier this month, I was invited to a rehearsal at Treasure Island, where MYSTERE has played since 1993. It was a rare opportunity to witness the camaraderie, dedication, and sheer physical prowess these gifted individuals possess. They put their lives on the line…and sometimes on hold…solely to thrill audiences for a few hours each night.
Throughout the afternoon, dozens of Cirque performers flipped, climbed, swung, and soared across the stage and into the air. Ammirati’s versatility was evident throughout. He began on the power track, a straight course made of trampoline-like materials. It’s designed for high-speed tumbling, cartwheels, and somersaults across a distance.
Then came the teeterboard, a seesaw device that propelled him to a perfect landing atop a human totem stack. Next came Chinese poles, by which Tom climbed to a platform high above the theater, There, he did various handstands at a height of forty-two feet. It’s pure astonishment, yet all in a day’s work.
Later that evening, I attended a performance of MYSTERE, enjoying the artistry as much as the comments and reactions from hundreds of attendees. That’s when all the dedication and sacrifice are evident…in the smiles shared between the cast and wowed audiences.
Tom took valuable time from his busy life to share his daily routine, along with landmark moments that led him to the highest point on the world-famous MYSTERE stage. We’ll share his one-on-one interview in part two of REAL VEGAS PEOPLE: Tom Ammirati. Read it here.
Tom Ammirati (center) is “Yellow Bird” in MYSTERE
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 and videos by VEGAS 411
