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!" - one 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. "VEGAS the Show!" takes audiences on a tour through the city's rich entertainment history, celebrating iconic performers from the past. A cast of 40 singers and dancers and 11 musicians depict everything from the days of "old school" Vegas were lounge acts were the thing to today where current headliners consist of international superstars like Elton John. Speaking of "old school" Vegas, there's a show committed to just that. "The Rat Pack is Back" honors the days when the city jived to the tune of four entertainers who won over audiences with their cool musical stylings and playful stage demeanor. During the 1960s, the Rat Pack - Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Dean Martin brought fame and recognition to the city, and this revue shows audiences why. Four tribute artists bring the Rat Pack to life, emulating everything from their timeless music to their playful on-stage demeanor.

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 international songstress Celine Dion at Caesars Palace where she performs her repertoire of hits and a collection of songs from other artists including Billy Joel, Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald. Her show gives fans an opportunity to see Dion perform live in an exciting format with innovative staging, special lighting effects and other Vegas-style production elements.

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. If you want to relive the days of the Rat Pack check out "The Rat Pack is Back." "Tournament of Kings" at Excalibur offers guests a medieval dining and show experience where they can root for their team's knight while biting into a hearty cornish game hen. In addition to this, we also offer various dinner show packages with some of the shows. This is a great way to combine making dinner reservations with purchasing your show tickets.

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. For families with kids who like action and adventure, KÀ Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand is sure to delight. The show takes audiences on a thrilling adventure with the characters embarking on a quest to combat evil. The characters travel far and wide and through different landscapes portrayed by the show's ever-changing stage. The show's state-of-the-art stage amazes the audiences by transforming into various settings from the beach to a snowy mountain top and a rainforest. 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.

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 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. 

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 of Sapphire" 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 "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.

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 twist on the musical, there's percussion-driven "Blue Man Group" and interactive dinner show "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding ."

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 Improv at Harrah's, and the Riviera Comedy Club. At the Mirage you will find Terry Fator. 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. Penn & Teller offer up their own version of magic suitable for adults. David Copperfield makes frequent visits to the MGM Grand. There are also several afternoon magic shows including "Mac King Comedy Magic" at Harrah's and "Nathan Burton Comedy Magic" at Planet Hollywood that offer the same wow factor as their evening counterparts at a lower ticket price. 

Q: Almost everywhere I look I see signs advertising a Cirque du Soleil show. Which is the best one for me to see?

A:We're glad you asked. With seven grand-scale productions on the Strip, Cirque du Soleil is the most prominent show producer in Vegas. Cirque is known for portraying subjects and themes in innovative ways and for featuring incredible gymnasts, aerialists and other specialty performers. Each show has something different to offer.

If you're looking for Cirque's newest production on the Strip, head to Aria at CityCenter. After performing as a touring production, Zarkana now has a permanent home in Vegas. The show tells the story of a magician, Zark, who embarks on a quest to find his lost powers and love. The show takes audiences into an abandoned theater filled with mysterious characters. It features incredible acrobatic feats combined with state-of-the-art multimedia special effects.

Criss Angel at the Luxor combines all of the well-known attributes of the famous magician with Cirque's unique presentation. Angel fans get to see illusions by their favorite magician performed with all the flair and artistry that Cirque is well known for.

Unlike other Cirque productions "KÀ" has a clear storyline packed with action and adventure. It starts with two Imperial Twins being separated after their palace is attacked by an evil tribe. From there each twin goes on an exciting journey through varied landscapes depicted by the show's state-of-the-art stage. 

Delve into a fantastical world accompanied by the timeless music of the Beatles in "LOVE" at the Mirage. Acrobatics, aerialists and a cast of colorful characters combine to create stunning visuals paired with the already sensational soundtrack.

"Mystère" is a classic Cirque show featuring a variety of specialty acts and performers in a circus-style setting. The show opened in 1993 at Treasure Island and continues to draw fans who want to see a fun, lighthearted show with amazing performers.

"O" at the Bellagio makes a splash. Instead of a stage, the cast of 85 performs in a 1.5-million-gallon pool, transporting guests to an ethereal world of fantasy. The scenes constantly change with the performers appearing from underwater or being lowered in from above the stage. This show is nothing short of amazing.

Take a walk on the wild side with Cirque's adult cabaret-style spectacular "Zumanity" at New York-New York. This show explores different themes of sexuality through stunning imagery, aerialists, comical vignettes and sultry dancing. The show is hosts by Edie, "The Mistress of Sensuality," played by a dynamic drag queen.

 

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