Her show will go on

Celine Dion resumes Vegas show at request of ailing husband

Some are surprised that LAS VEGAS Celine Dion has returned to the stage in Las Vegas while her husband and manager, Rene Angelil, is gravely ill.

But not veteran Celine watchers. If there was ever anyone who personified the entertainment adage “the show must go on,” it’s Dion.

Dion returned to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Thursday. She said she was returning to the stage because Angelil wanted her to.

But this is not a sad event, says Denis Savage, the show’s director of operations, who has worked with the singer for 28 years.

“We’re doing a Celine show,” he said in an interview in an empty Colosseum. “Obviously, when you have a good friend that’s sick, it’s not an easy thing. But we’re putting a show together and we’re working hard on it. Celine is doing great.”

Angelil has been battling throat cancer for years, and last August Dion suspended all of her touring activity, including the shows at Caesars, to care for her husband. But in March she announced — to the delight of her fans — that she would be returning.

It appears her fans wholly support Dion’s decision to get back to work even though Angelil is still ailing.

Dion’s show — simply titled Celine — remains one of the hottest tickets in Vegas. Opening night was sold out, as was the second show. Ticket prices range from $55 US to $500.

Dion is the most successful entertainer to play Vegas since Elvis. The 4,296-seat Colosseum was built specifically for her. Her return to Caesars is a huge event for the Las Vegas hotel and casino complex.

The singer’s previous Colosseum show, A New Day, which inaugurated the venue in 2003, grossed $400 million during its run, between 2003 and 2007.

But we’re putting a show together and we’re working hard on it. Celine is doing great.