Las Vegas Shows Reviews

• Lucky Cheng’s All That Drag Tickets

by Denise Almas

Enter the world of Lucky Cheng’s Drag Queen Capital for dinner, drinks, banter and “all that drags”. This dinner theater offers a vibrant and unique dance, dining, and service experience. Though what happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, Miss Conception, the show’s master of ceremonies, and her lovely ladies will give you an experience worthy of writing home about.

As you enter the small dinner theater, you will find a very relaxed, casual atmosphere with a stage, tables and small booths complete with red pillows. The servers will greet you with either a smile or a snort depending on their mood and bring your drinks as soon as possible. Though the show has not formally started, the queens are already performing as you arrive. Their service is part of the show, and they enjoy posing for pictures and attending to your needs. Miss Conception will greet you at your table and attempt to learn as much as she can about you, as audience participation is a key ingredient of this show’s appeal and success. Though the queens enjoy an engaged and rowdy crowd, they seem to anticipate and appreciate the boundaries of individual guests.

While waiting for the actual performances, you will enjoy a small but outstanding Asian buffet prepared by five star chef, Ken Huff. The quality of the buffet itself is worth the price of admission. After audience members have enjoyed the buffet, the show itself starts promptly at 7 p.m. Each queen gives high energy dance and lip synching performances in outrageously appropriate costumes. Make sure you have plenty of dollar bills as the queens work harder with each dollar an audience member may stuff into the performer’s attire. As Miss Conception said, “It costs a lot of money to look so cheap”.

The banter, as well as the show, thrives on adult-oriented humor that may be shocking to some. Miss Conception is quick witted and never misses a beat, creating laughter by lightly picking on herself, the queens, as well as willing audience members. Larger parties seem to earn a name from Miss Conception. One table of gentlemen were affectionately referred to as the “meat market”, and the queens gazed at them with adoring eyes.

Though this show may seem a bit tawdry, and at times it is, these queens are serious about their work and seek to make your experience a positive one. If you are looking for an evening of laughter, music, and pure enjoyment, these sweet transvestites will certainly deliver. So, bring your camera and enjoy the show!

Lucky Cheng’s is located at The Krave Theater at Planet Hollywood, across from the Harley Davidson Cafe. Doors open at 4 p.m. for drinks and the buffet. This is a great place for bachelorette or birthday parties and reservations should be made in advance. Free valet parking is available directly in front of the theater.

• Lucky Cheng’s All That Drag Tickets

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• Master Magician Lance Burton Tickets

by D.W. Grant

It’s true what the ads say, “You’ll never forget Lance Burton, Master Magician.” And you’ll never forget this marvelous evening, either, if you take full advantage of the Monte Carlo experience and make it a magical night for your entire party, date, or family.

First trick, make your old Hyundai feel like a limousine and your party feel like first class guests; valet your car. Practically speaking, it saves parking time, only costs you a couple buck tip, and it makes everyone feel that much more special.

Next trick, come early to pick up your tickets and share dinner at the Market City Cafe. Its a fine little Italian restaurant with quick service and lots of helpful friendly staff. If you’re on a budget take your family to the Food Court. McDonald’s is only a hop-skip-and a levitation away.

In a flash you’ll be walking past the “Super Lotto” machine and into the $30 million dollar Lance Burton Theater, a classically designed red velveteen palace built to elevate your appetite for getting “amazed.”

Lance Burton is a world champion hall of fame magician who does amazing things in surprising ways. You’ll be applauding from the first bird suddenly appearing from a burning candle stick to the last act when he flies away in his “Back to the Future-ish” Corvette. During this magical journey you’ll experience classic magic moments, thrilling contemporary illusions, laugh a lot, and even learn a little about the history of magic.

He tears newspaper and birds fly out of the scrap, he burns magazine covers and birds fly out of the ashes, and from out of no where he fills the stage and theater with ducks, geese, and pigeons, including “Elvis,” a little bird with a big act.

Lance pulls kids out of the audience and makes them levitate and disappear and then gives them magic gifts when they reappear and come back down to earth. He also uses his show girls to full effect, making them appear and disappear at his will, in and out of some pretty fantastic costumes, in several very exciting production numbers . He even turns one of them in to gold!

There are also clowns, policeman, native american illusions, and a sexy levitation scene that you may or may not have to explain to your kids later. Comic juggler Michael Goudeau gives Lance (but not the audience) a break in the middle of the show by first juggling bean bag chairs and then getting far more dangerous and hilairous to the end of his brief show.

But maybe Lance’s best magic is done with the audience. As he wanders out to talk with his guests his Kentucky accent is fun and friendly, and his off the cuff jokes are funny as well. You really get the feeling that meeting his audience is magic for Lance too.

After the show you can’t miss visiting Lance’s Magic Shop where Bob Massey will entertain you and then encourage you to buy the tricks he is doing “They’re right over there,” he says pointing to various products hanging on the wall all around you and him. Its fun even if you don’t buy anything. But maybe you should, just to take a little more magic home with you.

End your adventure eating ice cream at Haagen Das, also in the food court, or back in the Cafe for an Italian desert. As you’re waiting for the valet to bring your car look up and watch the people scream on the roller coaster circling the New York New York Hotel just next door.

Don’t forget to tip your Valet and enjoy the memories conjured up for you by Lance Burton, master magician.

• Master Magician Lance Burton Tickets

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• Rita Rudner Show Tickets

by Mara M. Mannella

Tucked inside a casino whose name is synonymous with glitz and glamour is a comedian who has paid her dues here in Las Vegas and her experience shows. Rita Rudner represents classic Vegas in a way that is both entertaining and unpretentious. An intimate theater is the setting for Ms. Rudner’s one woman show that keeps audiences laughing every night.

A woman comedian in a sea of male headliners is an eye-catching marquee on the Strip, where Rita Rudner makes her home at Harrah’s. The audience is welcomed to share in Rita’s life experiences, from the trials and tribulations of married life to the harrowing but hysterical journey of getting older. The unique delivery of Rita’s humor makes it so the audience isn’t sure what the next zinger will be. Poking fun at herself, her husband, and select audience members, you never know who the next victim will be.

As the audience laughs at (and with!) Rita as she shares chapters of parenthood and everyday life in Las Vegas one thing becomes apparent as you look around the theater. Pokes and pointed fingers of spouses, family members and friends are everywhere as the audience sees some of themselves in these situations! The seats filled with families, couples, tourists and locals prove this show has mass appeal.

The monologue is a pleasure to watch but another great segment of the show is the question and answer at the conclusion. The audience gets a new perspective of the down-to-earth performer and it showcases Rita’s quick wit. It is obvious Rita Rudner’s home is on the stage and her act is testament that a Vegas show can be a success without pyrotechnics and wild animals. This is a Las Vegas standard that certainly has stood the test of time and provides a great show night after night.

• Rita Rudner Show Tickets

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• Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Tickets

by Erin Guernsey

Your journey into the world of Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular (Phantom Of The Opera) begins as you make your way into the impressive Phantom Theatre, which has been modeled after the Opera Garnier in Paris. Once inside you are met by a chandelier hanging in pieces just above the seats and gray curtains covering the walls. This dilapidated look does not last for long. Shortly after the opening of the show you are transported back in time to see the magnificent opera house in all of its former glory.

Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian beautifully unfolds the story of Christine Daae and The Phantom of the Opera. During this classic tale of love and heartbreak the audience watches as Christine struggles to move past the loss of her father while becoming entranced by The Phantom, whom she calls “the angel of music.” The Phantom begins terrorizing members of the cast and crew when he realizes that Christine has fallen in love with another man. His revenge is taken in the form of murder and a shattered chandelier.

Along with the enchanting story, audience members are privileged to see extraordinary theatrical staging. As the show moves from one scene to the next the stage morphs before your very eyes. One minute you are looking at Christine”s dressing room and the next you watch The Phantom whisk her down through a labyrinth to the bowels of the opera house. A small boat carrying The Phantom and Christine glides across the stage as over 200 candles rise up through the fog. The smooth transition from dressing room to The Phantom”s lair is one of the most breathtaking parts of the show.

The fashionistas in the audience will not be disappointed in the lavish costumes worn by the cast. Even from a seat in the back half of the theatre one can see ornate beadwork and other embellishments on various outfits. There are 500 costumes in the production that cost a total of $4.25 million. The cast member who plays Christine must go through 11 costume-changes during the show.

Amongst all of the amazing visuals presented by Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular, one must not forget that music lies at the heart of the show. Even though this production has been shortened, the elegance of Andrew Lloyd Webber”s original music is still present. The Phantom”s haunting ballad, “The Music of the Night,” will put you in a trance just as it did Christine. The lively song entitled “Masquerade” will give you the urge to join the stunning menagerie of costume and color on stage.

Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular is a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good musical or someone looking to be in awe of a fantastic theatre. Make sure you don”t resist when The Phantom steals you away and surrounds you with his dark and mysterious world of music.

• Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Tickets

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• Monty Python’s Spamalot Tickets

Monty Python’s Spamalot
By Guy Chapman

For those who consider themselves a Monty Python fan, there is a special breed of humor found within the absurdity of the British comedy troop. While the classic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” carried its fair share of catchy tunes, it would have never been considered a Broadway-scale musical… until now. “Spamalot” takes the troop’s second film and turns it into a full tour de farce that showcases a spectacle that is “lovingly ripped off from” the Python’s parody of the Arthurian Legend.

So is “Spamalot” simply an adaption of the film? Monty Python fans know that nothing is ever as it seems when it comes to comedy, and to always expect the unexpected. While “Spamalot” lifts primarily from the original film, it also serves up a buffet of classic Python songs from past “Flying Circus” skits, and includes them into the story in clever and seamless ways. The rest of the production adds new extended scenes into the story that fit well with the absurd sense of humor the film is known for.

Located in the Wynn’s “Grail Theater”, the experience leading up to the seating itself provides as fun a ride as the production itself . The hallways leading to the theater are filled with pictures of the Python alumni: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, and numerous jokes and silly sight gags. Even the concession experience continues to offer theater patrons a playfully naughty chuckle by serving their favorite alcoholic beverage in a plastic Holy Grail replica. The theater itself is lavishly done, with sets rapidly going from outer castle walls, to intentionally overblown theatrical spectacles worthy of Las Vegas.

Leading the cast of “Spamalot” is John O’Hurley (of “Seinfeld” fame) as King Arthur. All of the “Holy Grail’s” s befuddled Knights of the Round Table are present to continue their awkward search for the lost relic, as well as some new characters, such as the show stealing, divaesque Lady of the Lake with her “huge tracts of land”, and her backup “Laker Girl” dancers. Never fear, Python fans: The taunting Frenchmen, the Black Knight and the Killer Rabbit are all here too. The ensemble cast provide a solid and hilarious performance, gleefully bouncing back and forth between the story, and breaking the fourth wall to remind the audience that they are watching a stage musical set in Las Vegas.

There is one final question to be answered: Will non-Monty Python fans be able to enjoy the show if they don’t know or get all the jokes? The humor is written to please the fans, but is broad enough to get some genuine laughs from those unfamiliar with Monty Python’s sense of humor. The music also has showcases a broad diversity with upbeat, hilarious songs to more traditional Broadway style tunes… with cleverly tongue in cheek lyrics. In addition to the show, there is also a behind the scenes tour that allows show goers to see how the production is made, as well as getting a chance to meet members of the cast, and have pictures taken with them on the set.

For those who want to have a enjoyable evening of music and comedy, “Spamalot” provides both in ample amounts. This is one production that Python fans, visitors, and locals alike will not want to “run away” from.

• Monty Python’s Spamalot Tickets

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Photo Credits: Isaac Brekken

• Wayne Brady: Making %@It Up! Show Tickets

Wayne Brady: Making %@It Up!
By Devon Brooke Clasen

A true Vegas variety show incorporating singing, dancing, acting, comedy and even that most perplexing of art forms: mime, Wayne Brady’s Making %@It Up takes the theatrical task to the next level, with fully improvised performance vignettes interspersed among prepared musical tribute performances.

Dialing the pressure up even higher, show business virtuoso Wayne Brady has to not only make everything up on the spot, but also make it consistently funny. Fortunately, Brady delivers with heavy doses of witty, sharp, topical humor, keeping even a Monday night audience in complete hysterics.

Housed in an intimate theatre, there really isn’t a bad seat in the venue, unless stage-shy attendees are seated just off the stage. This “danger zone” provides Brady, as well as his improv partner Jonathan Mangum, a proficient performer in his own right, the pick of the litter when summoning audience members to the stage to take part in an act, whether they like it or not. Be warned, if he calls you up to the stage, you may find it difficult to decline, especially when egged on by your fellow (often drunken) tourists. If you’d rather avoid the risk of center stage humiliation, select a seat a little further back, where you may safely and anonymously shout out improv suggestions while avoiding a possible coerced participation.

Even before setting foot in the theatre, Brady cleverly incorporates the audience into the action, as ushers distribute slips of paper requesting bogus song titles, which Brady may later recreate in the guise of such song stylists as Elvis, Rod Stewart, Louis Armstrong or even Alanis Morisette. Present Brady with random verbiage like “All You Can Eat Buffet” or “Porn Flyers on the Sidewalk” and watch him effortlessly render them into musical gold, with irresistible laughs aplenty.

Never hesitating to get up close and personal with his audience, Brady quizzes willing participants, with any and all disclosed information becoming fodder for his comedic antics. Audience members may be lovingly serenaded, playfully mocked or physically and tangibly integrated as living props into a performance. If participation is your cup of tea, skip the dressy duds, wear comfortable clothing, check your inhibitions at the door and attempt to keep up with Brady’s mind boggling mastery of improv and comedy.

Brady demonstrates his true improvisational genius by not only creating characters and themes, but also carrying the bits throughout the entire show. A mention of an audience member’s managerial job at GM or hometown of Fresno featured in one skit is later relevantly referenced in another unrelated skit, inspiring irresistible laughs from all, even sometimes an amused Brady himself.

Far from being the raciest show in town, Making %@It Up does feature occasional profanity and adult themes, often spurred on by the saucy (and perhaps sauced up) audience members called upon to participate. But Brady doesn’t rely on shock value to entertain his audience; rather, his astonishing and seemingly endless talents do the job to the audience’s delight. Putting on a truly memorable show, Wayne Brady creates an experience completely unique to a Las Vegas stage, with audiences never quite sure what they may see, hear or even do next.

• Wayne Brady: Making %@It Up! Show Tickets

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• Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding Show Tickets

March 2008
by Sarah Steinberg

“Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” at the Calypso Room at the Rio Hotel & Casino is a must-see! It pulls you in immediately. Literally the actors, in character, pull you in the minute you walk through the door. You will be ushered to your table and then greeted by your emcee for the evening, the obnoxious, loud Vinnie Black and his tacky wife Loretta. Vinnie is like a shock to the system, but in a good way, pulling you right into the fun. “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” is the story of two crazy Italian families, the Vitale’s and the Nunzio’s, coming together for an evening of mayhem and shenanigans. Don’t think you’ll be just sitting back and watching the show. This is an interactive experience and you will be a part of it.

Before the wedding ceremony even begins, the macho groomsmen with attitude will make you feel like you’re part of the family, but not just any family. Everyone, including the bride and groom-to-be, make their rounds greeting the guests. That would be you and me folks, so get prepared to experience two hours of zany fun. Family “issues” delay the start of the wedding while Sister Albert Maria is appalled by the certain behavior of the sleazy Italian men. With the help of Father Mark, the mild-mannered priest, they try to get this motley crew under control and get through the wedding ceremony.

The priest and the nun are able to calm everyone down and get through the ceremony, but not for long. Now that Tony and Tina are married, there’s a lot of celebrating to do. The cast makes sure that everyone gets up on the dance floor to do the chicken dance, the limbo and plenty of dancing with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. The wedding band, playing hits of the ’70’s and ’80’s, is terrific. The Mother of the groom belting out a tune is a show-stopper as well as one of the two sassy bridesmaids who gets up to sings with the band.

The rest of the talented and very entertaining supporting cast includes the second very pregnant bridesmaid who is doing things she shouldn’t be doing, the displaced brother of the groom fresh out of rehab, the brother of the bride who tries to keep it all together despite all the fights, and the devout priest - who by the end of the night can’t take it anymore. Last but not least are the charming and deliciously stereotypical groomsmen.

Tony’s father, Tony Nunzio Sr., a hilarious rough & tumble Italiano with more rings than fingers who swigs from his bottle of booze in a paper bag. He’s not the only one who keeps the ceremony from getting started. Tony Sr.’s trashy girlfriend, Madeline Monroe, replete in fishnet stockings wearing a too-short tight gold dress can’t distract the men in the wedding party enough with her naughtiness.

This is a show for adult audiences as there are sexual innuendos and lewd comments, which are all part of the fun. Make sure to make “Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding” part of your Las Vegas Vacation. At the end of the night, you won’t want to leave!

• Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding Show Tickets

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• HATS! Show Tickets

HATS! - Las Vegas Show

Reviewed March 2008
by Terri Feld

A life-affirming musical review inspired by the The Red Hat Society. Founded 10 years ago in California, the RHS is a diverse network of women 50 years and older who meet for outings dressed in colorful purple clothing crowned with red hats. Today nearly 40,000 chapters exist throughout the U.S. as well as 30 other countries. HATS! the show promotes the organizations’ mission of maintaining a positive outlook on aging, by emphasizing sisterhood and the empowerment of maturity.

At least a dozen genuine Red-Hatters in full regalia comprised part of a recent Sunday matinee audience dominated by fellow female fifty-somethings. The intimate venue consists of floor seats and table banquettes, giving audiences optimal accessibility to the performances throughout this one-act production.. Ushers point out the bar located at the rear, however, purchasing drinks is not required. In fact, despite signage to the contrary, they gallantly wave me and my Starbucks to our seat.

Frank Sinatra croons on the soundtrack greeting theater-goers upon entering, immediately setting a tone and connecting with the majority generation of audience. Praised by Whoopi Goldberg as, “something really magnificent,” HATS! does not feature fancy stage gimmicks, sexy sirens or acrobatics for its appeal. Instead, the strong ensemble cast, backed by a tight four-piece band, keeps audience members’ attention with solid performances and an upbeat theme: life can and should be embraced – no matter how old you are!

Mounted around the premise of Maryanne’s dreaded 50th birthday, the Lady (an older mother figure), the Duchess (a jazzy matron), the Baroness (a mature business woman), the Contessa (a comedic spitfire), the Dame (an empty-nester) and Ruby (a 50th birthday fairy god-sister) all offer words of wisdom and encouragement for the big 5-0 and beyond. From the opener where the women proclaim they’re “fifty and feeling fine” to the Duchess’ show-stopping “I Feel Hot,” powerful vocals and stage presence give full justice to the clever production numbers, complete with ably performed choreography. Yes, the ladies still have some moves! Check out the “Can-Can” routine.

While not lavish, the production makes effective use of handsome, movable sets, as well as many eye-catching costume designs. The latter, while not inappropriate or cheesy, manages to show each performer off to best advantage, thereby reinforcing the theme that older truly does mean better for these gals, and anyone willing to embrace the show’s fun-loving theme. You can’t help but leave HATS! smiling in response to all the positive philosophy delivered via catchy tunes and clever lyrics.

With Grammy, Golden Globe and Tony award-winning artists such as Susan Birkenhead, Kathie Lee Gifford, Melissa Manchester, Henry Krieger, Pam Tillis and many others, the show’s soundtrack proves a succession of can’t miss crowd-pleasers. Each musical number tackles a different aspect of the “advancing age” dilemma including empty-nest syndrome, widowhood, even dating , and of course the proverbial Hot Flash. To the credit of all, these sensitive and potentially awkward topics get treated with tasteful humor and the utmost class. Audience members chuckled and concurred with the sentiments expressed throughout the production.

Mature ladies, and anyone who enjoys what Variety dubbed, “a feel-good show that’s really about feeling good,” should grab a red hat and come join this spirited celebration of birthdays, life and fulfillment at any age.

• HATS! Show Tickets

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