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Entertainment
LET US ENTERTAIN YOU
There's a good reason why Las Vegas is called the
"Entertainment Capital of the World." Since its Rat Pack
days, Las Vegas has been inextricably associated with
legendary shows and entertainers. Say "Las Vegas" and it's
likely that showgirls in elaborate headdresses and Elvis
impersonators will come to mind.
Today, the Las Vegas entertainment scene still has plenty of
its classic glamour, but it has evolved to include so much
more. In addition to the iconic Las Vegas entertainment
staples, the destination offers a lineup of award-winning
magicians, Broadway-caliber productions, world-renowned
concert headliners and unique-to-Las Vegas production shows.
What's New
Wynn Las Vegas has introduced the Broadway hit "Monty
Python's Spamalot" starring John O'Hurley. Based on the
movie "monty Python and the Holy Grail," it tells the story
of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their
irreverent quest for the Holy Grail.
Mel Brooks' Broadway hit "The Producers" opened at
Paris Las Vegas in February. Currently, it is the only
production of the Broadway musical west of the Mississippi.
"The Producers" has won 12 Tony Awards, more than any other
show in Broadway history.
"X" Burlesque made its debut this year at the
180-seat Flamingo Cabaret. "X" Burlesque combines
imaginative choreography with outrageous props such as
bungees, bathtubs and beds. From slow, sensual
ballet-inspired routines to funky and energetic acrobatic
numbers, the 90-minute production showcases a variety of
dance styles and the latest rock, pop and hip-hop music.
The all-new $36 million Steve Wyrick Theatre has
opened in the Miracle Mile shops, formerly known as Desert
Passage, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Las Vegas'
Magician of the Year Steve Wyrick performs a variety of
illusions and close-up magic in this custom-built space.
"Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic" recently debuted at
the Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Pamela
Anderson guest stars in this new show combining illusions
and dancing by European sensation Hans Klok, known as the
fastest magician on the planet.
The new, custom-built showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort
and Casino features "Stomp Out Loud", a journey
through sound and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly
communicating through dance and percussion.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino has introduced "ICE: Direct
From Russia", a powerful new production show
incorporating ice skating and aerial acrobatics. ICE
features 42 of Russia's most disciplined and athletic ice
performers, guiding audiences on a magical journey from the
bitter cold of Moscow to the warmth of the Las Vegas desert.
Bobby Slayton, "the Pit Bull of Comedy," now
headlines exclusively at the Night Owl Showroom at Hooters
Casino Hotel. In his 80-minute stand-up act, Slayton takes
on every stereotype under the sun with his quick-witted,
acid-tongued style. Slayton dissects it all with his
signature politically incorrect manner that has sold
out comedy clubs across the country.
Wayne Brady is now a permanent headliner at The
Venetian Resort~Hotel~Casino, extending his show "Making It
Up" through mid-2008. Best known for his hilarious
improvisational skills, "Making It Up" showcases Brady doing
just that with a classic variety show style including improv,
singing and even dancing.
"Keep it Funny Starring Tim Gabrielson" rocks the
House of Blues Las Vegas. Comedy-magician Tim Gabrielson
brings his unique brand of hilarious rock 'n' roll magic to
the House of Blues for daily afternoon shows, Saturday
through Thursday. Heart-warming and hilarious, Tim
Gabrielson delivers a zany, fast-paced performance that
mixes sleight of hand with stand-up comedy.
Broadway's longest running solo show, Defending the
Caveman," has opened at the newly renovated Showroom at
the Golden Nugget. This hilariously insightful show explores
the ongoing misunderstanding between men and women. Comedian
Kevin Burke stars in the critically acclaimed show.
Broadway
Last year, The Venetian debuted "Phantom - The Las Vegas
Spectacular." The show is permanently housed in a $40
million theater. The 95-minute production includes
never-before-seen special effects, a jaw-dropping
reproduction of the Parisian opera house where the story
takes place, and all the beloved songs from the original
Andrew Lloyd Webber production. "Phantom of the Opera" has
grossed more than $3 billion worldwide since its London
debut in 1986. In January 2006, it became the longest
running show in Broadway history, surpassing "Cats."
The longest ongoing Broadway-caliber production on the Strip
is "MAMMA MIA!" at Mandalay Bay (debuted February
2003). The production based on the music of ABBA includes 22
of the group's greatest hits to tell the tale of one
mother's preparations for her daughter's wedding day and the
somewhat awkward situation that ensues.
The off-Broadway show "Menopause, The Musical" was
recently added to the Hilton's lineup. Writer/Producer
Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women
who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived
"The Change."
Production Shows
Cirque du Soleil and its ethereal combination of
acrobats and special effects dazzle audiences all along the
Strip. The group produces shows for a variety of properties
including "Mystere at Treasure Island, which recently
celebrated 10 years on the Las Vegas Strip. Bellagio's
"O" is the troupe's first foray into aquatic theater,
featuring a cast of 81 artists performing in and above a
pool containing 1.5 million gallons of water. Cirque du
Soleil's "Zumanity" opened September 2003 at New
York-New York Hotel & Casino. In 2005, the fourth Cirque du
Soleil show, "KA," debuted at MGM Grand. In June 2006
"LOVE" opened at The Mirage. Based on the music of
The Beatles, the project was begun by the late George
Harrison and Guy Laliberté, Cirque's founder. "LOVE" is
presented in a custom-built theater featuring 360-degree
seating, high-definition projections with 100-foot high
digital, moving images in addition to a panoramic sound
system. Next year, the Quebecois company will open its sixth
resident show at the Luxor starring Criss Angel, the popular
and mind-boggling illusionist of the hot A&E television show
Mindfreak. With the opening of CityCenter in 2009,
Cirque du Soleil and Elvis Presley Enterprises will team
with MGM MIRAGE to debut their seventh resident show in Las
Vegas. Based on the life and music of the iconic performer
Elvis Presley, the show will feature state-of-the-art
technology and captivating visuals.
"Le Rêve," French for "The Dream," now calls Wynn Las
Vegas home. Franco Dragone produced this show which resides
in the Wynn Theater. Water serves as the backdrop for the
more than 70 performers who move in and out of a
one-million-gallon pool. Recently, the theater underwent an
$8 million renovation project spearheaded by designers Mark
Fisher and Roger Thomas. The 1606 seats (down from 2087)
provide a more comfortable and luxurious space for the
entire audience and include luxurious fabrics, plush chairs
and a warm blend of cocoa, bronze and deep reds. The show
has also introduced a VIP Indulgence Package with champagne
bottle service, chocolate-covered strawberries, private
video monitors and live glimpses behind the scenes during
the show.
For feathers, sequins, showgirls and tuxedo-clad dancers,
"Jubilee!" is the multi-million dollar production show
at Bally's Las Vegas. The over-the-top show recently
celebrated its 25th anniversary and features no less than
the nightly sinking of the Titanic on stage. "Les Folies
Bergere" at the Tropicana is another classic Las Vegas
production, complete with sequined showgirls, glamour and
pageantry.
"Blue Man Group's" Las Vegas production can now be seen at
The Venetian in their custom-built, multi-million dollar
1,750-seat theater. "Blue Man Group" is a colorful,
interactive show. The groundbreaking performance-art trio
playfully incorporates everything from PVC pipes to
energetic, percussive music in their productions. "Blue Man
Group -- Live at Luxor" opened at Luxor Las Vegas in March
2000.
"Legends in Concert," featuring superstar
impersonators, is the popular, long-running show at Imperial
Palace Hotel & Casino.
One of Hawaii's top entertainment acts hits the mainland:
"Society of Seven" can now be seen at Flamingo Las
Vegas. The celebrated troupe mixes blues, comedy, ballads
and impersonations. Lani Misalucha is Society's lead singer
whose range shifts from jazz to pop. She is also known for
imitating the voice and style of many top entertainers
including Whitney Houston and Barbra Streisand.
"MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris" is a direct import
from its legendary namesake in Paris, a production famous
for celebrating the art of the nude since 1951. "MGM Grand's
Crazy Horse Paris" combines sensual choreography and unique
lighting effects.
Superstar Headliners
Last August, R&B singer Toni Braxton debuted her new show,
"Toni Braxton: Revealed" at Flamingo Las Vegas. The
seven-time Grammy award-winner is billed as the property's
resident headliner and performs five nights per week.
Recently, Flamingo Las Vegas announced that it has extended
her run through Feb. 16, 2008.
The Las Vegas Hilton's roster of entertainment continues to
grow. Currently, Barry Manilow headlines with his
production, "Manilow: Music and Passion." He sings his hits,
as well as new music written specifically for the show.
Manilow's show is expected to run through 2008.
Celine Dion's "A New Day..." headlines five nights
per week at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The show is
produced by Franco Dragone, the critically acclaimed
director of the Cirque du Soleil shows "Alegria" and "O." "A
New Day..." features 60 international dancers, musicians and
artists and state-of-the art technology including
multi-media elements displayed on one of North America's
largest LED (Light Emitting Diode) screens. Dion is
scheduled to perform in Las Vegas through December 15.
Following Celine Dion, Bette Midler will take the
stage in February 2008 for an extended engagement.
When Dion is on break, Elton John's "The Red Piano"
takes the stage at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. John,
one of the world's most successful touring artists and one
of the top-selling solo artists of all time, teamed up with
David LaChapelle to present his hits in a musical and visual
extravaganza. John will perform at the Colosseum until 2008.
Rita Rudner brings her unique comedy to Harrah's Las
Vegas. Rudner is an accomplished actress, best-selling
author and comedian. Her show features witty commentary on
topics ranging from relationships to men.
The "Bad Boys of Magic" can be seen at the Rio. The "Penn
and Teller" show is an edgy mix of comedy and magic
involving knives, guns, fire, a gorilla and a showgirl.
While Penn and Teller supposedly reveal the secrets to their
tricks, they still manage to leave audiences startled.
Master magician Lance Burton performs five nights per
week in Monte Carlo's $27 million theater built in his
honor. This is one of the few shows where children of all
ages are welcome. Expect flying cars, disappearing birds and
perhaps an audience member or two dangling from the
chandelier.
The Mirage's Danny Gans is the man of many voices and
uncanny impersonations. He has a repertoire of nearly 300
voices and can impersonate everyone from George Burns to Al
Pacino to Kermit the Frog.
Entertainment Venues
Classic Las Vegas showrooms may offer a close glimpse of
superstars with seating to accommodate several hundred to
more than 4,000 guests. Las Vegas' larger arena-style venues
can host crowds well into the tens of thousands.
Event centers and arenas sell out regularly and have
featured myriad celebrity acts including U2, the Rolling
Stones, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Cher, Barbra Streisand,
Madonna, Garth Brooks and many more.
The Palms debuted a new concert venue this year. The Pearl,
which seats 2,400 guests, is equipped with state-of-the-art
technology for recording live albums.
Home to the annual "Billboard Music Awards" and numerous
other televised awards shows, the MGM Grand Garden Arena is
a 17,157-seat special events arena that can accommodate
concerts, sporting events and awards shows. In 1993, the
Grand Garden made history when Barbra Streisand returned to
the stage for a legendary New Year's Eve
show after a 20-year hiatus.
Performers as versatile as the destination itself have
played to capacity crowds at the 12,000-seat Mandalay Bay
Events Center. The Three Tenors, Ricky Martin, Juan Gabriel,
Barenaked Ladies, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and the Eagles
are just some of the artists who have brought their talents
to the Las Vegas Strip. World championship boxing
and other sporting events are also held at the Events
Center.
The $95 million Colosseum at Caesars Palace is the
contemporary interpretation of its ancient namesake in Rome.
The 4,000-seat facility is home to Celine Dion's popular
show, "A New Day..." and Elton John's "The Red Piano." The
facility is adaptable to varied types of entertainment when
these shows are dark. In addition to accommodating
headliners, it can be configured to host special events,
including boxing.
Similar to its Los Angeles counterpart, legendary and
up-and-coming musical artists have made stops at Mandalay
Bay's House of Blues, an intimate venue with a capacity of
1,800. Performers have included Norah Jones, Everclear and
Cheap Trick.
The Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood
Resort and Casino is a 7,000-seat, state-of-the-art venue.
The traditional seating auditorium makes the theater an
ideal place to see a concert, Broadway-style production,
awards show and other types of entertainment.
With a capacity of 1,400, The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel
and Casino has played host to legendary acts such as
Aerosmith, Blondie, Lenny Kravitz and No Doubt.
In Las Vegas, concert-goers get the chance to enjoy musical
performances indoors AND outdoors. During the summer, many
properties showcase their performers poolside. Green Valley
Ranch's Whiskey Beach, Red Rock Resort, Casino and Spa's
Backyard and Mandalay Beach are just three places audiences
can see musical acts such as the Go-Go's, Seal, Black Eyed
Peas and Joe Cocker.
Comedy Clubs
Mainstream comedians such as George Wallace, Dennis Miller,
Rita Rudner, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Drew Carey, Jay
Mohr and Kevin James, as well as comedy legends such as
Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, Harvey Korman and Tim Conway
and the Smothers Brothers, headline many hotel showrooms and
are regulars on the Las Vegas Strip.
Comedy clubs host well-known and rising-star comedians in an
intimate atmosphere. A sampling of such clubs includes:
* Comedy Stop at the Tropicana
* Improv at Harrah's
* Riviera Comedy Club at the Riviera
* Second City at the Flamingo Las Vegas
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