Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil

With nearly four decades at the forefront of groundbreaking entertainment, Cirque du Soleil offers a completely new and wickedly fun Las Vegas production with Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York. Mad Apple is a delicious cocktail of music, comedy, magic and mayhem that puts NYC nightlife under the Las Vegas lights.

Featuring comedian Brad Williams, freestyle rapper Chris Turner, vocalist Xharlie Black and the incredibly talented cast of 39 people, Mad Apple is a nonstop New York thrill ride from the moment guests enter the theater. From pre-show magic and boozy libations at the stunning stage bar, to the band playing hits inspired by NYC’s most famous musicians and composers, Mad Apple will blur the lines between circus, live entertainment and New York nightlife culture.

Mad Apple is the first Cirque du Soleil production in creative collaboration with Painter and Neil Dorward, the show’s co-creator and director. Painter and Dorward have created several celebrated productions including The Illusionists.

Featuring six brash acts and a dynamic makeup of musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians and circus performers, Mad Apple rewrites the script for Cirque du Soleil entertainment. Each act reflects a different nocturnal side of New York, brought to life by underground stars, high-flying acrobats, street performers, up-and-coming entertainers, and the biggest musical hits to come out of the City.

Cirque has long been known for celebrating the limits of human ability, and Mad Apple continue this revered tradition. To this, we’ve added acts and artists you wouldn’t expect to find on a Cirque du Soleil stage. The end result is exactly what we’re known for – creative, astonishing and enjoyable live entertainment.

Headlining Cast Members:

• Lead Comedian Brad Williams. Marking the first time a stand-up comedian headlines a Cirque du Soleil production, Mad Apple launches with comedian Brad Williams. Once described as “Prozac with a head” by the late Robin Williams, Brad William’s ability to make humorous observations on disability, relationships, sex and race have won over audiences and proven anyone can overcome their shortcomings.
• Freestyle Rapper Chris Turner. Well-known for his jaw-dropping freestyle raps, Turner makes his Cirque du Soleil debut with Mad Apple. Turner is a regular at New York’s world-famous Comedy Cellar and became the first British comedian to perform on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in September 2021.
• Musical Director and Lead Vocalist Xharlie Black. A character from the mind of Eddie Cole, who inherited his velvety voice from his great-uncle Nat King Cole, Cole’s alias Xharlie Black leads a group of musicians and singers to reimagine the most iconic songs from New York’s storied history of music. A multi-talented musician and producer, Cole has spent the past 10 years touring the world as drummer/vocalist and then co-musical director for the New York legend Nas. Xharlie Black is an homage to Nat King Cole and cousin Natalie Cole, and the many artists with whom he’s had the honor of sharing the stage.