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“Mystere” (Treasure Island). ★★★ 1/2 The most family-friendly of the Cirque shows — created when Las Vegas was still branding itself as a family destination — this 16-year-old production brilliantly encapsulates the blend of narrative sophistication and childlike innocence that marked Cirque’s early work. Unforgettable highlights include a big baby and a huge bouncing ball.

“O” (Bellagio). ★★★★Without a doubt, one of the most successful (and profitable) live shows ever created in the United States, Franco Dragone’s 1998 visual spectacular is the mother of all water-based shows, creating a series of dazzling theatrical vistas of shores, waves and divers in a colossal, custom-designed space. Many people consider it the greatest show they have ever seen. And they have a good case.

“Zumanity” (New York-New York) ★★★Cirque’s first adults-only attraction combines circus-rooted acts with erotic themes and sensual dance, including an unforgettable underwater sequence inside a bowl. When it first opened in 2003, the voyeuristic piece was too edgy and shocking, even for Vegas. But after a significant retooling and softening, “Zumanity” now sits more comfortably as arty foreplay for enthusiastic Vegas couples.

“Ka” (MGM Grand). ★★★★ The most technically accomplished of all the Cirque shows and the most operatic and grandiose in nature, Robert Lepage‘s 2004 spectacular, complex, Eastern-themed masterpiece features live battles between grand armies, the greatest Cirque score on record and epic, thrilling storytelling. It is by far Cirque’s best and most sophisticated Vegas show, but not the most popular.

“The Beatles LOVE” (Mirage). ★★★ 1/2 Some Beatles purists resisted their idols’ music being theatricalized in such a jaunty, splashy and nonideological fashion. But the rest of us loved the exuberant, energetic and hugely creative take on iconic Beatles recordings. An officially sanctioned endeavor rooted more in dance performance than circus, the 2006 show features previously unheard tapes of original Beatles sessions, exquisitely remastered and replete with dialogue and banter among the members of the band.

“Criss Angel Believe” (Luxor). ★★This weirdly goth Cirque show is an uneasy fusion of Cirque magic and Angel’s restless and mostly self-serving personality. Tinkering continues, but the 2008 show’s basic frame of bunnies exacting their revenge on oppressive magicians set the whole thing on a bizarre track. This one is strictly for metal fanatics, partiers and rabid Angel fans.

“Viva Elvis” (Aria). In January in this new resort and casino, Cirque takes on the most famous Vegas icon of all. Presley’s recorded, remastered vocal track will be the only male voice you hear in this officially sanctioned production, which will also feature female singers, dancers and live musicians. Expect a “This Is It”-style celebration of Presley’s life and cultural impact. Fat Elvis will not be in the building.