By Don Chareunsy
Superstar singer-songwriter Mariah Carey debuted her new exclusive engagement “Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas” at Dolby Live at Park MGM to sold-out crowds April 12 and 13. The elusive and emancipated chanteuse and best- selling female artist of all time, with more than 200 million re- cords sold worldwide, received several standing ovations during her opening weekend.
“The Celebration of Mimi” chronicles Carey’s life story and musical journey from the beginning and features her big- gest fan-favorite hits, culminat- ing with “The Emancipation of Mimi” and its smashes including “We Belong Together,” “Shake It Off” and “Don’t Forget About Us.”
Carey’s glamorous wardrobe – what else would it be? – pays homage to memorable moments throughout her record-breaking career. With styling by Wilfredo Rosado, Carey dons fashionable looks by Gaurav Gupta, Sophie Couture, Falguni Shane, Robert Wun, Lauri Basci and more.
“The Celebration of Mimi” Las Vegas team also includes Musical Director Daniel Moore, Creative Director and Choreographer Jana Thompkins, Co-Choreogra- pher Ashley Seldon and show di- rection, lighting, set and content design by Human Person.
I wasn’t able to attend a show during opening weekend, but I’ve seen Carey in headliner and Christmas shows at Caesars Pal- ace. One critic there said, “(I) re- ally enjoyed Carey’s warmth and personality on stage, the band burns, and the dancers – all of whom seem at least 6’2” – were terrific.”
Carey and Live Nation Las Vegas are donating $1 of every ticket purchased to “The Celebration of Mimi” to The Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Mariah. Camp Mariah is the summer component of the year-round Career Awareness Program. Children ages 11-15 attend Camp Mariah for three weeks each summer.
Campers explore their interests in classes including film, pho- tography, fashion, culinary arts, debate and global relations. A careers class helps campers cre- ate resumes and cover letters and conduct mock interviews. Campers also play team sports, swim every day and explore the outdoors in environmental sci- ence class.
Tickets for “Mariah Carey: The Celebration of Mimi Live in Las Vegas” through August can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com/Mari- ahVegas, with all shows scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The remaining dates for 2024, after eight shows in April, are July 26-27 and 31 and Aug. 2-3, 7 and 9-10, totaling 16 performances.
