Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Production company sold
Minneapolis firm buys Pompano Beach-based Cirque Productions.
“‘Cirque Dreams’ ... brings further diversity to our company’s portfolio.” — Eric Grilly, CEO of VStar Entertainment Group
Pompano Beach-based entertainment company Cirque Productions, which produces the Cirque Dreams acrobatic touring show, has been acquired by Minneapolisbased VStar Entertainment Group. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Neil Goldberg, who has been creating the shows that feature an international cast of aerialists, contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians for more than 20 years, will continue as president of Cirque Dreams. The company will keep its headquarters and produce shows at its studio in Pompano Beach, VStar said in a press release.
Cirque Productions has created Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy for Broadway, and holiday show Cirque Dreams Holidaze, as well as shows for Norwegian Cruise Line, Gaylord Hotels, Armed Forces Entertainment, casinos and theaters.
VStar presents more than 1,000 live shows annually, including Sesame Street Live!, PAW Patrol Live! and Discover the Dinosaurs Unleashed, a dinosaur-themed educational and entertainment touring exhibition. VStar said it also provides production services, creates 3D props and costumes for Fortune 500 companies, mascots for college and professional sports teams and designs custom, experiential installations in major venues across the country.
Together, VStar and Cirque Dreams will create new live entertainment productions for Broadway, tours, theaters, performing arts centers, exhibit halls and arenas.
“As we continue to build our brand, we are excited to add ‘Cirque Dreams’ to our family of live tours — it is a terrific extension of our live entertainment platform and brings further diversity to our company’s portfolio and to audiences everywhere,” said Eric Grilly, CEO of VStar Entertainment Group.
VStar is owned by New Yorkbased AUA Private Equity Partners.