Melco Resorts & Entertainment has announced the launch of a series of residency shows at Macau integrated resort Studio City that it describes as a first for Asia.
The three-year residency show project will see Cantopop superstars Aaron Kwok, Joey Yung and Leon Lai perform 30 shows each starting this year with each residency to be specifically choreographed to take advantage of the Studio City Event Center. While the event centre has a full capacity of 5,000, audiences of just 3,000 to 3,500 people are planned to create an intimate atmosphere. More residencies will be announced in the near future.
“We are thrilled to bring to Macau such an amazing line-up of stars,” said Melco Resorts President, Evan Winkler.
“The region’s biggest names are finally coming to the city to deliver a show experience that will be totally unique. This is a testament to Macau’s ability to drive the best talent. It also demonstrates Melco’s belief in the city’s diversification and its contribution to the Greater Bay Area.”
News of Melco’s new residency program comes as the company’s hugely successful resident show, The House of Dancing Water, continues its COVID-19 induced hiatus.
Speaking exclusively to Inside Asian Gaming, Melco’s Chief Operating Officer – Macau Resorts, David Sisk, revealed a revamped The House of Dancing Water is on track to return to City of Dreams by late 2022.
He also said the introduction of new residencies was hoped to provide a catalyst to spark increased visitation to Macau as the COVID-19 pandemic eases.
“The opportunity to maybe bring a sense of hope and optimism is significant for us, but we’re also huge believers in the future of Macau,” Sisk explained.
“We think Macau is a very special place and a unique environment for integrated resorts that really brings people from all over the world. And we think there is an opportunity coming out of this to bring people back to Macau with that sense of excitement, fun and joy again. We’ve forgotten that a little bit.
“Eighteen months has been a very, very long time so getting that sense of fun and optimism back into Macau is very important.”
Kwok said his first Macau residency would be “innovative and striking.”
“My team and I have already designed a brand new multi-intelligent stage with a rundown of classic songs,” he said. “I look forward to presenting an exhilarating and beautiful dance performance to the audience with the very top on-stage visual effects.”
