Celine Dion Ends Vegas Run

By Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen

Celine Dion wrapped up her nearly five-year residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas over the weekend, a production that played before nearly 3 million fans since premiering in March 2003. The show’s landmark run grossed more than $400 million throughout 717 performances. The 4,100 capacity $95 million venue was created especially for Dion's production.

“Most of all, I'm overwhelmed by the support that we've received from all the fans who have traveled to Las Vegas from all across North America, and from every corner of the world... I can't thank them enough!” she told the audience.

When A New Day… was announced in the summer of 2002, it took the entertainment world by storm as Dion was about to do what no other artist at the height of their career had ever done – stop touring, set up a multi-year residency and invite the fans to come to her. The Las Vegas gamble paid off as the show became an instant hit and was the second best-selling concert in North America in its first year.

Created by world-renowned director Franco Dragone, and produced by AEG Live, the performance was an artistic collection of powerful song and dance, fantastical imagery, reoccurring characters and special effects, including the largest indoor LED screen in North America. The cast included more than 50 dancers and musicians.

In 2008, Dion will embark on her “Taking Chances” world tour, beginning in South Africa in February.