Franco Dragone (b. 19??)

For more than three decades, entertainment innovator Franco Dragone has wowed international audiences with his spectacular shows that merge circus with theater to create a unique and unforgettable entertainment experience. Dragone worked for more than 10 years as a creative collaborator with Cirque du Soleil, creating a number of acclaimed productions including traveling shows Le Cirque Réinventé (1987), La Magie Continue (1989), Nouvelle Experience (1990), Saltimbanco (1992), Alegria (1994), Quidam (1996) and La Nouba (1999).

In partnership with Steve Wynn, Dragone brought Cirque du Solieil's unique brand of acrobatics as permanent attractions to Las Vegas, first with Mystere at Treasure Island (1993), then with O at the Bellagio (1998). With the latter's aquatic theme and water tank stage, Dragone and Wynn broke new ground in Las Vegas entertainment.

In 2000, Dragone formed his own company, DRAGONE Group, to autonomously manage and create all aspects of his productions.

Dragone's new company continued to work in Las Vegas. In 2003, DRAGONE created A New Day for, with and about Celine Dion, which has played to more than one million patrons.

His most recent achievement is the creation of Le Rêve for Wynn Las Vegas (2005). Le Rêve represents a new form of visual theater that combines artistic performance with multimedia effects and is staged in a domed, in-the-round theater that is the first of its kind in Las Vegas.

Dragone is the winner of three Obie awards and the Los Angeles Critics’ Award for outstanding achievement. He also was awarded the Insignia of Knighthood from the National Order of Quebec in 2002.

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