Lifestyle: The Show Lover

 

Vegas isn't the Entertainment Capital of the World for nothing. Check out these tips for the best of the best - Vegas style.

Q: I want to see the classic Vegas shows I keep hearing about. Where do I start?

A: For the classic Vegas show, complete with a bevy of lavishly costumed showgirls head over to see "Jubilee!" or "Folies Bergere" - two of the longest running shows in Vegas. If you want to step behind the curtain and see what goes on behind the scenes, spend an hour at the Jubilee! All Access Backstage Walking Tour where the dressing room, the stage and the life of a showgirl are all revealed. Legends in Concert at Imperial Palace is another iconic show with over 25 years of success on the Strip, where you can see some of the best tribute artists in the world take on the personas of Barry White, Dolly Parton and Elvis amongst others.  

Q: My wife and I absolutely love live music. Who should we see?

A: So glad you asked. There is no shortage of headliners in Vegas. Check out big-time performers like Barry Manilow or head down to Caesars Palace where you can check out their triple whammy line up of spectacular headliners including Elton John: The Red Piano, Bette Midler and Cher. They are all performing at different times and for limited engagements. Check ahead of time to make sure that your trip coincides with who you want to see perform.

Q: We want to be entertained while eating. Are there any dinner shows available?

A: If interaction is for you, then Vegas has plenty of fun-and-food combos to fit the bill. Be prepared, however, as you may very well become the star of the show. Celebrate Italian-style at "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding" where drunken guests, family fighting and big hair abound, or join the Baritone family for "Sopranos' Last Supper." If you want to relive the days of the Rat Pack check out The Rat Pack is Back at the Plaza where you can enjoy a tasty meal along with some great entertainment. If you are looking for something with a little more pizzaz stop by Lucky Cheng's Drag Cabaret at Planet Hollywood. They offer an all-you-can-eat pan Asian buffet along with a cast of drag queens who take the stage and lip synch to popular female singers such as Beyonce, Tina Turner and Gloria Estefan.  

Q: We're bringing the kids. Any shows they can see?

A: Hey, when we say there's something for everyone in Vegas, we mean it. One of the best kids shows is "Tournament of Kings ." Even better is that it's a dinner show where eating with your hands is required. You can also take the kids to see "The Mac King Comedy Magic Show ." They say Mac is basically an overgrown kid anyway and "V -- The Ultimate Variety Show" offers the best in magic, comedy and juggling. If the kids prefer magic, then they will enjoy Lance Burton . Who knows, your kid might even be chosen to go up on stage. If you want a fun afternoon show with some very talented furry friends, check out Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater.

Q: Vegas seems synonymous with lounge singers. And specific performers or lounges to recommend?

A: There is no lack of lounge singers in Las Vegas, that's for sure. A Las Vegas trademark, lounge entertainers can be found in just about every hotel and casino, whether they sing Sinatra standards around a piano or sport a leopard-print jacket and flashy jewelry while belting out modern hits. Performers rotate throughout the city, so we suggest checking out a few lounges with lots of atmosphere and great music. Harrah's Carnaval Court sits outside on the Strip. Dueling Pianos play requests in the Bar at Times Square inside New York-New York and the House of Blues hosts some great entertainers.  For one of the only free Elvis lounge acts in town visit Pete Vallee as "Big Elvis" at Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon. Sunset Strip Band at the Las Vegas Hilton is a song and dance revue that does late night performances for those out for a night on the town.

Q: A group of us are coming to Vegas and want to have a girls/guys night out. What adult shows are there for us?

A: Fancy a feast of fantasy and flesh? Let's start off with a couple of shows just for the ladies. Chippendales hit the town a couple years back and the girls won't let 'em leave. "Men the Show" allows women to get up close and personal while the beefcakes in "Thunder from Down Under" take it off Australian style. Now for you guys, the "Crazy Girls" have been driving the crowds wild for quite a few years. And if you stop by to see the girls in "MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris " and "Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil," you won't be disappointed. The women of "Fantasy" aren't shy about sharing their wildest dreams with you. "Bite" at the Stratosphere is an edgier show with vampires and aerialists that you will really want to sink your teeth into.

Q: Are there any Broadway-inspired shows or musicals on the Strip?

A: The Strip is chock-full of Broadway-style shows, creating its own version of the Great White Way. For a pop and rock soundtrack there's the ABBA-filled musical "Mamma Mia!" For a twist on the musical, there's percussion-driven "Blue Man Group" and interactive dinner show "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding ." And don't miss one of Broadway's longest-running productions, with a new Vegas twist - "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular ." Stop by the Las Vegas Hilton where you can catch "Menopause the Musical."  This amusing show takes a comedic look at women and their experiences with growing older through upbeat dance numbers and catchy tunes.

Q: Who are some good comedians we should see during our visit to Vegas?

A: Veteran George Wallace is guaranteed to make you laugh. Carrot Top and his props amuse audiences over at the Luxor. Vegas has its share of comedy clubs, including the Comedy Stop, the Improv at Harrah's, and the Riviera Comedy Club. Visit the Excalibur to see "Louie Anderson: Large than Life." At the Las Vegas Hilton you will find Terry Fator, winner of America's Got Talent He is an amazing ventriloquist who combines his cast of zany puppets for a night of laughs.

Q: Vegas was the playground for magicians Siegfried & Roy. Are there any other magic shows in town to see since their departure?

A: Although the veteran duo no longer perform on the Strip, there is a wide variety of magic shows to catch while in Vegas. Lance Burton is a family favorite while Penn & Teller offer up their own version of magic more suitable for adults. David Copperfield makes frequent visits to the MGM Grand. "Steve Wyrick Real Magic" at Planet Hollywood is know as having the largest illusions on the Strip. If you want to see a collection of exotic cats and mind boggling illusions visit "Xtreme Magic starring Dirk Arthur" in his afternoon show at the Tropicana.

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