The Largest Footwear Show in the U.S.

WSA Show to Celebrate

First Market of 2000 with

Presentation of “O” at Bellagio

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (August 1999) – Footwear retailers, exhibitors and suppliers will have the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most spectacular forms of live entertainment when the WSA Shoe Show presents two special evenings of “O”, a Cirque du Soleil production at the Bellagio resort in Las Vegas. 

 The theatrical presentation of “O” has been chosen by WSA for its February 2000 Market Shoe Party.  According to Chris Aiken, executive director, there will be 1,000 tickets available for “O” on both February 4 & 5.

 Since premiering at Bellagio last October “O” has played to sold-out audiences at the new state-of-the-art Bellagio Theatre.  Built as an “aquatic” theatre, the Bellagio features a 1.5 million-gallon pool that is 25 feet deep and measures 150 by 100 feet.  Three years of intense study and testing resulted in this unique environment.

 Founded in Quebec, Canada more than 15 years ago, Cirque du Soleil has become internationally acclaimed for its one of a kind theatrical arts and presentations. Its sister production, Mystere, has played to more than three million Las Vegas visitors since its debut at Treasure Island in 1993.  WSA chose Mystere as the entertainment for its sold out Shoe Party in August 1997.

 Through live music, acrobatics, humor and drama, “O” tells the tale of theatre through the ages, featuring such spectacular visual treats as the power of fire and water, the poetic prowess of contortion and a sequence with a team of synchronized swimmers including Canadian gold medallist Sylvie Freshet.

 Past WSA show events have featured such artists as singer Tom Jones and comedian Jay Leno.  All events have been sell-outs.  With one million square feet of exhibit space and over 21,000 attendees, The WSA Shoe Show is the largest footwear trade market in the U.S.  Buyers attending the show at the Sands Expo Convention Center find men’s, women’s, children’s and athletic footwear as well as accessories, handbags and foot care products.  The Collections, an upscale exhibition now at the Desert Inn, features over 100 well-known footwear designer brands including Giorgio Armani, Bruno Magli, Cynthia Rowley and Richard Tyler.

 7/28/99/WSA/releases/o/5071