Feature: ONE NIGHT FOR ONE DROP at Zumanity Theatre At New York-New York Hotel & Casino

"One Night for One Drop" as imagined by Cirque du Soleil is a completely original, one night only production befitting One Drop, the foundation of Cirque du Soleil creator, Guy Laliberté. Featuring artists from each of the seven resident Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil productions, it is a spectacular event involving over 400 Cirque du Soleil artists, designers and technicians as well as special guests. The creative team behind the fifth annual show includes Krista Monson, director of creation, with an original soundtrack by musical director Jean-Francois Blais. The exclusive performance will be held in the Zumanity Theatre at New York-New York Hotel & Casino on March 3.

Monson oversees the creative process bringing writers and directors Nicky and Laetitia Dewhurst's concept and vision to life. Blais composed the entire soundtrack.

As writer and director for the inaugural "One Night for One Drop" in 2013, Monson is up for the challenge. As the director of creation, she brings the creative process to transform ideas into a production.

"I work with the producer, technical team, technical director and the production manager. It is really about creating the vision and the soul of the show and that is what the audience will experience," she explained.

Working for Cirque du Soleil for 12 years in various positions, Monson was asked by management about working on this year's show. She liked the challenge and "was inspired to be involved with this fantastic cause and great event in Las Vegas. This is working behind the scenes with a vision in a huge, logistical puzzle with so many people. I am helping to bring something from written pages to life."

Performing as a musician for "Zumanity" for 13 years, Blais plays saxophone and woodwinds. In fact, he moved to Las Vegas to work on the creating the original production with no plans to remain. He also works on his own projects, which includes music composition and production for several television networks. Approached by the directors, Blais was thrilled to be able to write music that "speaks" to the audience as well as convey a message throughout the production.

"Music creates the mood, much like a movie score, with a continuity throughout the show," he explained. "With the performers, we felt we could create a perfect fit to showcase vocals, personalities and the theme." He also collaborated with the guests as part of the creative process.

"We work so hard for one performance, but there is something magical that makes it so special," he said. "I am so appreciative for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible night."

Guest stars for "One Night for One Drop" include two-time Emmy Award-winning actor William Shatner, multi-platinum selling vocal group The Tenors and NBC's "America's Got Talent" 11th season winner, 13-year-old singer-songwriter and renowned ukuleleist Grace VanderWaal. Additional acts include rapper Redfoo, AGT finalists Malevo and Duo Sky Angels, whose aerial routine recently won The Golden Clown, the highest honor at the 41st International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo.

"One Night for One Drop" will be performed one night only in the Zumanity Theatre at New York-New York Hotel & Casino on March 3. Tickets for "One Night for One Drop" include show only tickets and tax-deductible VIP tickets, which include the after-party complete with live entertainment, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and partying poolside with Redfoo. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 1-844-33-WATER or visit onedrop.org/onenight.

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