Selected Las Vegas ShowsMore in Las Vegas than on Broadway There are 87 Las Vegas shows, according to Las Vegas Life (11/07). That is more than twice what Broadway offers. Some of them run for years. Some are short time events. Some move from one stage to another. I'll try to keep this section current, but please understand if I'm late with a change. For the latest information on any Las Vegas show, search for the show by name, on line. All the shows I've seen either have their own web site, or are listed under the host hotel. Either way, you're sure to get the most recent information. Rita Rudner (Harrah's): I'm not always a fan of stand up comedy, but we really liked this one. Of course, that was a few years ago, at another hotel, but I've heard she is just as good as ever. Mystere (Treasure Island): One of the big production Las Vegas shows, it was a little confusing to watch, but it had some of the most amazing acrobats I have ever seen. Makes the average circus performer look tame. On the advice of a friend, we chose seats that were not right in front. We still had performers flying over us. Cool! Tournament of Kings (Excalibur): This is a dinner theater, if you can imagine eating in front an arena that is large enough to include knights jousting on horseback. Yes, the use real horses, and yes they get a good running start. We've taken the kids and grandkids three times. We enjoy it, and they love it. It really is quite a production. An Evening at La Cage (Riviera): Running for 22 years, featuring Frank Marino as Joan Rivers, it's one my wife got me to go to. Very good show. Very funny.Why female impersonators rather than women? Must be a Vegas thing. Still a good show. Blue Man Group (Venetian): We saw them last year, and again a couple of weeks ago. The show makes absolutely no sense, but is very, very funny. The music is very good, and the instruments, to say the least, are unusual. Hint: ask about the poncho section. Phantom (Venetian): Just saw this last week (January 2008). My wife wants to see it again. Her son and I agreed, it was not our normal type of show, but the production was so good, it didn't matter. We all enjoyed it. We sat up front (5th row). If I saw it again, I'd try for seats in the front of the balcony, or about half way back on the main level. A lot happens behind the first several rows of seats, and I'm not sure being up close is worth having to twist around to see it. Jersey Boys (The Palazzo): We just saw this (4/08). I wasn't sure what to expect, but this is great show with lots of good Four Seasons music. Very well done, and very entertaining. It is one of those Las Vegas shows, where, if you can, you want to sit fairly close. You might want to think twice about bringing the kids, too (say under mid-teen - mostly language). Penn & Teller (Rio): One of those Las Vegas shows that has been on my list to see for years. Perhaps this year. Excellent reviews from those who have been.
As with most free things, you can expect some crowds, but, hey, for the price, how can you go wrong? Masquerade Show in the Sky at the Rio A fun show to watch form the balcony. We've seen it several times. Although it costs nothing to watch it, for a small fee (I thinks it's $12.95), you can actually be in it. I'm going to have to try that. Update, March 11, 2008: I have heard a rumor this show will be closing April 8, 2008. I'll keep you posted. Update March 13, 2008: Evidently the show will only be closed for updating, and will re-open mid April. Sirens of TI: Someday, I'm going to get VIP seating for this. I've seen it twice, and the crowds were thick both times. Good though, with the Sirens luring the pirates into their cove. Continuous Circus Acts at Circus Circus: I've only seen a small part of these, but I'm told they are all quite good. They start at 11:00AM and run until midnight.
Chippendales: The Show (Rio): An all male review. 'Nuff said. Follies Bergere (The Tropicana): The Follies, I am told, is the longest running Las Vegas show. I gather, from the publicity that it constantly evolves, so what we saw two years ago, is probably different from the show you'll see today. They used to have two versions fo the show. One (during the day) had the performers fully (more or less) clothed, while the evening show was, in good Vegas tradition, topless. I couldn't tell from their site if this is still the case. Best bet is to ask when buying tickets
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