Chilean Miner Edison Pena Guest Stars in Viva ELVIS at ARIA Resort & Casino

Chilean Miner Edison Pena Guest Stars in Viva ELVIS at ARIA Resort & Casino

Pena Invited to Las Vegas Following Elvis Birthday Celebration at Graceland

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Edison Pena, the Chilean miner who became popular worldwide as a major Elvis fan, visited Las Vegas January 10-12 to experience Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil and ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter. Pena was offered a guest appearance in the show Tuesday, Jan. 11 and received VIP treatment during his stay at ARIA.

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During the performance, Pena traveled across the Viva ELVIS stage in style, riding in the show's representation of Elvis's iconic pink Cadillac during "Blue Suede Shoes." After his special appearance in front of the excited audience he described the experience to the Viva ELVIS cast as "fantastic - the scenery, the special effects, the music, all of you. You are the best and beautiful. I have no words."

Pena, along with 33 miners, was trapped underground in a Chilean mine for more than two months before help could bring them to the surface. During this time, Pena would have the miners sing Elvis songs to pass time and keep their spirits alive as they waited to be rescued.

After discovering the extent of Pena's love for Elvis, Graceland offered the rescued miner a trip to Memphis where he received a private tour of the mansion and all of the exhibits. He was also able to experience other Memphis attractions such as the historic Sun Studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis all started their music careers.

Pena finished his whirlwind tour of everything Elvis with his exclusive cameo in Viva ELVIS, which stands as a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley.

About Viva ELVIS

Viva ELVIS, a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music, is a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. Powerful, sexy, whimsical, truly unique and larger than life - the show highlights an American icon who transformed popular music and whose image embodies the freedom, excitement and turbulence of his era. Viva ELVIS is performed nightly at 7 and 9:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are available by calling 877-25-ELVIS (35847), on-line at cirquedusoleil.com/lasvegas or by visiting any of the MGM Resorts box offices in Las Vegas.

About ARIA Resort & Casino

ARIA Resort & Casino debuted in December 2009 as part of CityCenter, a dazzling urban resort destination adjacent to Bellagio. ARIA features an extraordinary collection of exceptional restaurants, high-energy nightlife, a world-class spa, exclusive fashion-forward shopping, contemporary gaming, a larger-than-life modern art collection, high-tech meeting and event space, and Viva ELVIS(TM) by Cirque du Soleil®, celebrating the life and music of Elvis Presley. CityCenter is one of the world's largest private sustainable developments.

ARIA has assembled a collection of the world's most critically acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs, uniting those who have played integral roles in the development of Las Vegas's culinary scene with a pair of remarkable newcomers. For the first time, Michelin three-star chef Masayoshi Takayama brings his unrivaled mastery of Japanese cuisine to Las Vegas with Bar Masa. Also new to the city, James Beard Foundation award-winning chef Shawn McClain introduces his innovative cuisine at Sage. The duo joins Sirio Maccioni, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, The Light Group and Jean-Philippe Maury in creating an unrivaled epicurean journey at ARIA Resort & Casino. For more information and reservations, visit the website at www.arialasvegas.com or call toll free at (866) 359-7757.

SOURCE Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil

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Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil

CONTACT: Ann Paladie, Ann.Paladie@cirquedusoleil.com, Publicist, Viva ELVIS, +1-702-590-9103 office, +1-702 408 5547 cell

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