Meetings and Events Las Vegas | Shows to Satisfy Any Desire

Shows to Satisfy Any Desire

Article By: Meeting Planner Resources of VI: Volume 4 - Issue 2

No trip to Las Vegas is complete without experiencing one of the exciting performances offered by the world-class entertainment venues at one of the signature resort casinos and beyond. Every single night in the Entertainment Capital of the World, stellar acts and spectacular shows abound in every genre imaginable, allowing everyone to find that special something that is sure to make them smile. Always available are shows featuring nationally acclaimed performers in residence for a time as well as full-scale theatrical productions, fascinating Cirque du Soleil shows and countless other topnotch comedy, magic, tribute and variety productions.

Headliner Shows
Las Vegas is the hotbed for superstar performers looking to put down some theatrical roots, and this year is no different.

Celine Dion continues to flourish during her three-year residency at The Colosseum Showroom at Caesars Palace. Directed by Ken Ehrlich and produced by AEG Live, the show is designed exclusively for Las Vegas and features a full orchestra and band of 31 musicians. Accompanied by a stunning visual presentation, the show captures the romanceof classic Hollywood movies as well as Celine’s biggest hits. For tickets, call (877) 4-CELINE or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of 20 or more, call (702) 731-7208.

Beginning February 9, 2012, world-renowned singer, songwriter and performer Sir Elton John returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace with an all-new show, “The Million Dollar Piano.” Debuting with a 16-performance run in late 2011, the show was met with standing ovations after every number. The centerpiece of the show is the piano, a unique engineering marvel by Yamaha featuring more than 68 LED video screens that display imagery to complement Elton playing his hits. Designers Mark Fisher and Patrick Woodroffe created the impressive set and fabulous lighting that provide the canvas for Director David LaChapelle’s environment that blends Elton’s beloved music with vibrant visual imagery. For tickets, call (888) 435-8665 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of 20 or more, call (702) 731-7208.

Theatrical Productions
Life’s a show, especially in Las Vegas where you find Broadway’s biggest successes as well as famously fun theatrical comedies right on the Strip.

Experience the most recognized musical theater masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera, with dramatic special effects and a Broadway-caliber cast at the Venetian Las Vegas. Running 95 minutes, the show includes the original songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber against spectacular sets, new illusions and a breathtaking chandelier experience, making it a can’t-miss viewing that promises to astound new audiences and loyal Phantom fans alike. For tickets, call (866) 641-7469 or visit www.phantomlasvegas.com. For groups of 15 or more, call (866) 633-0195.

For musical, toe-tapping fun, return to the1950s with Jersey Boys at the Palazzo Hotel Las Vegas. The dynamic, crowd-pleasing production goes behind the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, following the rags-to-riches tale of four blue-collar kids on their way to stardom. You’ll sing right along to the treasured hits, such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Oh, What a Night” and more. For tickets, call (866) 641-7469 or visit www.jerseyboysinfo.com/vegas/tickets. For groups of 10 or more, call (866) 633-0195.

Add laughter to your theater experience with one of the award-winning comedies gracing Las Vegas stages. Hilariously celebrating women and the change, Menopause, the Musical, is playing at Luxor Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. The show includes musical parodies from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, such as “Puff, My God I’m Draggin” and disco favorite “Stayin’ Awake, Stayin’ Awake.” For tickets, call (800) 557-7428. For a bit of blasphemy to go with your laugh, it’s a sin to miss Nunsense at Las Vegas Hilton. This wacky musical comedy stars the Little Sisters of Hoboken who must put on a benefit show to raise money as you roll in the aisles.

For tickets, call (866) 80-SHOWS. Alternatively, take the manly route with Defending the Caveman at Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel. Called “outrageously funny and surprisingly sweet” this hilariously insightful play explores how men and women relate, going back to the Stone Age. For tickets, call (866) 80-SHOWS.

Cirque Du Soleil Shows
Famous for its stunning and mind-blowing shows, Cirque du Soleil displays its presence all over Las Vegas with tributes to popular music icons as well as its signature artistic performances.

With The Beatles LOVE, Cirque du Soleil celebrates the musical legacy of the Beatles. Drawn from the poetry of the lyrics, the songs are explored in scenes inhabited by real and imaginary people. The international cast channels a raw, youthful energy underscored by aerial performance, extreme sports and urban, freestyle dance. For tickets, call 800-963-9634. For groups of 12 or more, call (866) 353-5625. Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil at the Aria Resort and Casino fuses dance, acrobatics and live music in a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. The show highlights this American icon that transformed popular music and embodied the freedom, excitement and turbulence of his era. Viva ELVIS focuses on the essential humanity of the superstar who will forever be linked with Las Vegas history. For tickets, call (877) 25-ELVIS or visit www.arialasvegas.com/viva-elvis/. For groups of 12 or more, call (702) 352-0197.

KÀ at MGM Grand is an epic tale of twins’ perilous journey told through puppetry, multimedia and the thrills and action of acrobatics and worldwide martial arts techniques. For tickets, call (877) 412-2121 or visit www.mgmmirage.com/ka/. For groups of 12 or more, call (866) 740-7711. At Treasure Island Las Vegas Hotel, Mystère is a blend of intrigue, athleticism and entertainment that is performance art without boundaries with a cast of 72 champion-caliber performers from 15 countries. For tickets, call (800) 392-1999. See “O” at Bellagio Las Vegas for an aquatic tapestry of artistry, surrealism and theatrical romance. For tickets, call (888) 488-7111. Only for the 18 and older crowd, the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil comes out at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Zumanity, which is a provocative exhibition of human sensuality, arousal and eroticism. For tickets, call (866) 606-7111 or visit www.zumanity.com. For groups of 12 or more for Mystère, O or Zumanity, call (866) 353-5625.

Comedy Shows
Las Vegas has the best medicine with its collection comedy shows. See nationally known headliners and up-and-coming new comics as well as shows featuring impersonations, puppets and mind-boggling mental feats.

The appeal of comedy legend George Wallace at the Flamingo Las Vegas is his ability to connect with everyone, no matter their age or background. Talking about scenarios everyone has been in, Wallace voices out loud the thoughts in everyone’s mind. For tickets, call (800) 221-7299 or visit flamingolasvegas.com/GeorgeWallace/. For groups of 15 or more, call (702) 885-1451. Carrot Top continues to reign at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Known as a combination of George Carlin, Steven Wright and Gallagher with his trademark mop of red hair, he has audiences laughing and loving every minute. For tickets, call (800) 557-7428; groups should call (702) 822-6262. The comedy duo Penn & Teller break all the rules of performance magic in their show at the Rio Hotel and Casino. Edgy and unlike any other magic show in Las Vegas, theirs features tall, verbose Penn narrating while the diminutive and silent Teller provides a lot of the show’s action. The pair reveals a few tricks of their trade while completely stumping you with others. For tickets, call (888) 746-7784 or visit www.pennandteller.com/03/tickets. For groups of 10 or more, call (702) 740-4277. For another blend of comedy and magic, see The Amazing Johnathan at Planet Hollywood Hotel Las Vegas. The Amazing Johnathan’s act features hijinks, interaction with one specific audience member and a few legitimate magic tricks that often fail for comic effect. For tickets, call (866) 80-SHOWS.

Some comedians want to give back to the community that made them famous, and that is the case with Brad Garrett and Louie Anderson, who have established Las Vegas comedy clubs featuring the finest comedians around. Call (800) 829-9034 to laugh at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, reopening at MGM Grand in March 29th 2012; or see Louie and his comedic friends at the Louie Anderson Theater at Palace Station. For tickets, visit www.palacestation.com/entertainment/showroom/.

Impersonation is a sincere form of flattery, and it’s funny, so go see Gordie Brown at Golden Nugget Las Vegas. His incomparable comedic timing with an edgy, energetic mastery of impersonation creates comedy and music from generations of favorite stars, politicians and pop icons. For tickets, call (866) 946-5336. Or get your fill of comic banter and hilarious takes on musical superstars through the medium of world-class puppetry with Terry Fator and his cast of thousands at Mirage Las Vegas Hotel. For tickets, call (800) 963-9634 or visit www.terryfator.com.

Half of the fun of comedy is in the mind, or so say the following performers who us skillful mind tricks to make audiences laugh. New to Paris Las Vegas is comedic hypnotist, Anthony Cools, who is best known for his racy and uninhibited brand of adult comedy. For tickets, call (702) 946-4567. For groups of 12 or more, call (866) 462-5982. Get hypnotized by Dr. Scott Lewis Outrageous Comedy Hypnotist at Riviera Hotel Las Vegas. For tickets, call (877) 892-7469. Come watch volunteers live onstage as Marc Savard, Comedy Hypnosis whips the crowd into a hilarious frenzy at the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Hotel. For tickets, call (866) 80-SHOWS. Have your mind blown by The Mentalist, Gerry McCambridge at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Hotel with his comedy, magic and mindreading live on stage to astound audiences. For tickets, call (866) 80-SHOWS.

Magic Shows
Magic is in the mystery, and Las Vegas is filled with fabulous illusionists and magicians for your viewing pleasure, from world-renowned superstars to humorous and daring Las Vegas veterans.

Experience a haunting journey inside the mind of Criss Angel with CRISS ANGEL Believe at Luxor Hotel Las Vegas; this 90-minute Cirque du Soleil show features Criss Angel hovering between the land of the living and a surreal world uniquely woven together to emotionally engage audience in the arts of mysticism and illusion. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of 12 or more, call (800) 557-7428. Enjoy being mystified by the undisputed King of Conjurers David Copperfield at the MGM Grand, where Copperfield transports himself and an audience member to a deserted island on the other side of the planet, walks through a solid steel wall and channels his energy through a deadly Black African Scorpion. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

For an unusual combination of quirky humor, visual gags and astounding sleight of hand, The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel is the place to be. For tickets, call (702) 369-5222 or visit www.mackingshow.com. For groups of 15 or more, call (866) 462-5982. Master illusionist Rick Thomas weaves magic, exotic animals, birds and music into the unforgettable experience of The Magic and Tigers of Rick Thomas at Planet Hollywood Hotel Las Vegas. For tickets, call (866) 932-1818 or visit www.vtheaterboxoffice.com.

Tribute Shows
Every decade had a particular style and music that has lasted the ages, so Las Vegas offers fabulous musical tributes for every era from the Rat Pack class of the 1950s to the fun Country superstars of yesterday and today.

The Rat Pack is Back show at Rio Hotel and Casino pays tribute to the golden era of Frank, Sammy, Dean and Peter, taking you back to the 1950s and recreating the most famous musical numbers while audiences laugh with whimsical onstage adlib. For tickets, visit
www.ratpackisback.com/tickets.php. For corporate booking, call (866) 307-3990, or for groups, call (702) 494-9510. Amidst a sea of Sinatra shows, Shades of Sinatra at Las Vegas Clarion Hotel and Casino is one of the best. The cast’s honest passion for the man and his music shines through because the singers don’t portray Sinatra; they create their own onstage characters designed as homages to their musical hero. For tickets, call (702) 990-1524 or visit www.wolftheaterlasvegas.com.

Experience the 1960s with Hitzville–The Show, a Motown review at V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops. This authentic Motown show features tributes to Gladys Knight and The Pips, the Temptations, Tina Turner, the Four Tops and Diana Ross and the Supremes. For tickets, call (866) 932-1818 or visit www.varietytheater.com. For more Motown magic, see the hit show, Australia’s Human Nature—The Ultimate Celebration of the Motown Sound, presented by Smokey Robinson at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino through May 2012. The Australian quartet performs many of Motown’s greatest hits with high-energy, distinctive and soulful harmonies backed by a talented live band. For tickets, call (888) 777-7664; groups should call (866) 462-5982. Embark on a rock and roll journey with BeatleShow! at the Planet Hollywood Hotel Las Vegas, it’s the next best thing to a real Beatles concert, offering the band’s greatest hits performed live. For tickets, call (702) 260-7200 or visit www.saxetheater.com.

Swing into the 1970s at the Excalibur Hotel with The Australian Bee Gees Show, a live celebration of five decades of memorable music by the Brothers Gibb, one of the most successful acts in musical history. For tickets, call (702) 597-7600 or visit www.excalibur.com. Enter the ’80s with Purple Reign: THE Prince Tribute Show at Hooters Casino Hotel Las Vegas and experience the seamlessly recreated, blistering performances and raw energy of Prince in his prime and return to the era that made “The Artist” an international superstar. For tickets, visit www.purplereign.net. Enjoy the Country Superstars Tribute at Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel for a fast-paced, concert-style event featuring a world-class live five-piece band and tribute artists honoring Country music greats, such as Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney. For tickets, call (866) 946-5336.

Variety Shows
Variety shows offer just that: variety. Always a spectacle, these shows include superstar performers and musical revues, fascinating and acrobatic performance art and interactive dinner theater.

Donny and Marie Osmond have brought their distinctive talents and charm to the Flamingo Las Vegas where they dazzle and delight audiences of all ages in a 90-minute extravaganza. Donny and Marie’s timeless hits, including “Paper Roses,” “Puppy Love” and “Soldier of Love” come to life on a custom-designed stage with video screens and a cast of electrifying dancers. For tickets, visit www.showtickets.com/Las-Vegas-Shows/Donny-and-Marie-Osmond.

As always, musical revues with stunning Vegas showgirls are a hallmark at Las Vegas venues. FANTASY at Luxor Las Vegas is one of the city’s leading topless shows. Along with singing and comic relief, gorgeous dancers lure guests into their wildest fantasies in “the Strip’s biggest tease.” For tickets, call (800) 557-7428. VEGAS The Show at Planet Hollywood Hotel Las Vegas recreates the greatest moments in Vegas history. V, the Ultimate Variety Show, at V Theater at Planet Hollywood features comedians, jugglers, acrobats, death-defying stunts, magicians and musical performances. JUBILEE at Bally’s Las Vegas is one of the longest-running Las Vegas extravaganzas with incredible sets, costumes and special effects. For tickets to VEGAS, V or JUBILEE, call (866) 80-SHOWS.

Leap into the bizarre world of performance art with several spectacular options. Blue Man Group at Venetian Las Vegas Hotel features three enigmatic bald, blue characters that plunge the audience into a sensory experience of theater, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville. For tickets, call (866) 641-SHOW or visit www.blueman.com/tickets/las_vegas/. For an intoxicating collision of circus, burlesque and vaudeville featuring curious creatures, heavenly bodies and outrageous comedy, Absinthe is presented nightly at Caesars Palace Hotel Las Vegas inside the intimate Spiegeltent, a 100-year-old wooden show tent from Europe. For tickets, call (800) 745-3000 or visit
www.ticketmaster.com. Le Reve at Wynn Las Vegas Hotel is an aquatic spectacular performed in a domed theater in the round. Every seat is less than 40 feet from the action, where the theater and water are alive with translucent energy. For tickets, call (888) 320-7110 or visit www.wynnlasvegas.com/shows/le-reve. For groups, call (702) 770-3724.

Add variety by having dinner as part of the show. Tony and Tina’s Wedding at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Hotel is an audience-participation show that makes you part of the wedding from ceremony through reception as it satires an Italian-American wedding. For tickets, call (702) 949-6450 or visit www.tonyandtinavegas.com. Alternatively, take a journey back to a time when honor and glory were chivalrous goals. The Tournament of Kings at Excalibur is an arena jousting show, featuring invading armies, dragons, wizards and dinner. For tickets, call (702) 597-7600 or visit www.excalibur.com/TournamentOfKings.

The only bad thing about all these shows is deciding which one to see while in Las Vegas. Many of the shows outlined here offer special group rates or dinner-and-show packages to help accommodate tradeshow and meeting budgets for entertaining their attendees or giving out tickets as prizes during meetings.