Wynn Las Vegas introduces a new era of entertainment when the resort premieres Awakening on Nov. 7, 2022. An unprecedented spectacle, Awakening immerses audiences in a custom-designed 360-degree theater, the Awakening Theater. The show is conceived and created by Bernie Yuman, Baz Halpin and Michael Curry, and narrated by two-time Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins.
“Every so often, the bar for spectacle in Las Vegas is raised,” said Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts. “State of the art lighting, sound, and stage technology, coupled with intricate storytelling, glamorous costumes, and large-scale puppetry will make Awakening and the Awakening Theater stand out as true innovation in theatrical entertainment and raise that bar for Las Vegas, once again. I am deeply proud of the team that has so carefully crafted this one-of-a-kind experience.”
Awakening invites audiences to join the quest of a heroine and her two fellow travelers as they seek to reunite two lost lovers. Infused with modern day myth and magic, the show comes to life through a combination of dramatic choreography, technology, fantastic creatures, and a custom sound system designed to showcase its breathtaking original musical score.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with many of the greatest artists in the live entertainment space, but with Awakening I had the opportunity to explore completely new territory,” said Baz Halpin, Producer and Director of Awakening. “I’ve always been fascinated with the 360-experience and the intimacy that it creates between the audience and performers. It allows for a level of immersivity that brings the theatrical experience to life. Our theater at Wynn has afforded us the ability to create something unlike anything else in entertainment. Awakening is a Las Vegas spectacle on an epic scale.”
The theater features 1,600 seats, each within 75 feet of center stage and equipped with a sound system that envelops audiences through WynnSonic featuring PHBX Technology™ – a technology that creates 3D sound. Elaborate set designs are showcased as the journey unfolds across a 60-foot prismatic stage, made of dichroic glass and custom LED screens. More than 300 costumes, inspired by haute couture, bring the five unique and visceral worlds of Awakening to life.
Harnessing the talent of a renowned creative team, Awakening promises to be an adventure of spectacular proportions.
“Awakening will redefine the Vegas spectacle and will bring technology in entertainment into the 21st Century,” said Bernie Yuman, Executive Producer/Producer of Awakening. This is a groundbreaking collaborative effort between Wynn Las Vegas and our creative team in the entertainment capital of the world. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone fortunate enough to see it.”
“This show makes it possible for people to escape into a world that pushes the boundaries of entertainment,” said Michael Curry, Producer and Character Designer of Awakening. “The puppetry and designs speak to the magnitude of Awakening as every scene takes the unbelievable and makes it real. 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.”
Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas premieres on Monday, Nov. 7. Tickets are on sale now and available at awakeninglasvegas.com. Showtimes are 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.
About the Creative Team:
Executive Producer/Producer: Bernie Yuman
Producer and Director: Baz Halpin
Producer and Character Designer: Michael Curry
Illusion Designer: Paul Kieve
Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
Composer: Brian Tyler
Set Designer: George Tsypin
Costume Designer: Soyon An
Lighting Designers: Jules Fisher + Peggy Eisenhauer
Sound Designer: Peter Hylenski
Supervising Choreographer: Nolan Padilla
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Narrated by: Anthony Hopkins
About the Producers:
A legend in the production of live entertainment, Bernie Yuman is the Executive Producer/Producer of Awakening. Yuman enjoyed worldwide, exclusive representation of his close friend and global icon Muhammad Ali. He was the driving force responsible for Siegfried & Roy’s 25-year, record-breaking Las Vegas engagement. Yuman is proud to be the Executive Producer of the hit Broadway musical ON YOUR FEET!.
Producer and Director of Awakening, Baz Halpin, is the mastermind behind iconic cultural moments, ranging from Super Bowl halftime shows, spectaculars, and live events to serving as Executive Producer on many well-known live broadcasts. Halpin has produced, directed, and designed concerts for the world’s biggest performers including Taylor Swift, P!nk, Katy Perry, Harry Styles, Britney Spears, and Tina Turner.
Yuman and Halpin are joined by Producer and Character Designer Michael Curry. One of the most prolific creative forces in live entertainment, Curry is known for his brilliant work on The Lion King on Broadway, and countless other iconic global productions. He is sought out by the world’s top entertainment organizations, such as Disney, Universal, and the International Olympic Committee to create large-scale spectacles.