elvis is re-entering the building.

Believe it or not, the French are taking over America. They've mapped out a strategy that begins with complete and total domination of one of our most popular vacation spots: Las Vegas. And they're doing it through a bunch of unitard-wearin' contortionists. They've upped the ante by co-opting a Vegas and American icon

From Norm Clarke's column in the June 29 issue of the Las Vegas Review Journal:

NORM: Elvis show ideas falling into place

The first look at Cirque du Soleil's Elvis show at the $7.4 billion CityCenter is weeks away.

A storyboard outline presentation is scheduled for July 22, said Bobby Baldwin, president and CEO of Mirage Resorts.

"We've already broken ground for the showroom," which will be in the 60-story CityCenter hotel and casino near the Monte Carlo pool area, Baldwin said.

The production is a collaboration involving MGM Mirage, Cirque and Elvis Presley Enterprises, which is owned by Robert Sillerman, chairman and CEO of CKX, Inc.

Scenes from Elvis' films and memorabilia probably will be folded into the production, Baldwin said.

Cirque will start assembling the talent about 10 months before rehearsals start in the 1,800-seat theater in June 2009. CityCenter and the Elvis show will open in December 2009. Read more.

I've yet to see any of the Cirque shows on the Strip. I've heard nothing but great things about all of them; especially their latest, Love. It only seems fitting to produce an Elvis-themed show. And, to be perfectly honest, I want to see that show!