Las Vegas Shows Reviews

By Devon Brooke Clasen

Only in Las Vegas might one find a gathering of politicians, celebrities, icons and even puppets together on one stage…in this case, all these personalities are voiced by a lone performer. Popular comedian and “MadTV” alum Frank Caliendo headlines at the Monte Carlo, presenting his much celebrated and beloved impressions of stars and celebs including John Madden, Dr. Phil, George W. Bush and Al Pacino. Boasting some of the Strip’s most comfortable accommodations, including legroom aplenty, the former Lance Burton Theatre.

Inaugurating the show with some political parodies, Caliendo flawlessly feigns Bill Clinton’s bawdy banter with a smooth southern drawl and playfully exaggerates Dubya’s comically confused malapropisms. The two presidents take to the mike as Caliendo croons “I’m Too Sexy” as Clinton and offers an even sillier rendition of “Rubber Ducky” as Bush. Attendees may even be treated to Caliendo’s in-the-works impressions, including a surprisingly accurate proto-Obama.

Caliendo’s sporty send-ups include Taco Bell-peddling “knucklehead” Charles Barkley and fan-favorite John Madden, complete with curiously frequent references to Brett Favre. The comedian skillfully satirizes an obviously smitten Madden, who incorporates Favre into any and every discussion (his favorite number is “Favre thousand, Favre hundred, Favre-ty Favre”).

Some personalities need only be identified with a single sound or slogan, such as Caliendo’s caricature of Dick Cheney, rendered with a contemptible scowl and vulture-like shriek, or b-baller Barkley, who repetitively proclaims this and that to be “turr-ible”. Other impressions require a more physical approach, such as Caliendo’s conception of an intensely animated Al Pacino or his boisterous lampooning of Robin Williams.

At one point, Caliendo reclines on the stage, raises a bare hand to perform as a Kermit hand puppet (sans puppet) and, to his credit, never experiences a lull in laughter from the audience. Later, drawing upon a box of props a la Carrot Top, Caliendo integrates wigs and headpieces into his act, even donning a Snuggie to transform into Yoda or a particularly hilarious Dr. Phil.

Elder attendees will appreciate Caliendo’s spoofs of old timers Jonathan Winters, Andy Rooney and Ted Knight, while impersonations of Chris Rock, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jay Leno, Forrest Gump, Mike Tyson, Robert DeNiro, Jerry Seinfeld, Michael “Kramer” Richards, James Gandolfini, William Shatner, Christopher Walken, Chris Farley, Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Concluding the show, Caliendo enlists Cantor’s help in a quick-draw performance, rapidly shifting from one character to another in an impressive, high energy grand finale. Following the performance, attendees may meet Caliendo in the lobby for photos and autographs, as well as purchasing the entertainer’s merchandise.

Arrive early and you  may purchase cocktails from a handsome bar just outside the showroom. Once the audience is settled in the grand theatre, a live band performs rock classics and campy TV theme songs, warming up the audience. The band also occasionally accompanies Caliendo during the show. Next, comedian George Cantor provides the opening act prior to Caliendo’s anticipated appearance.

Caliendo’s masterful delivery of topical, political and pop cultural humor as well as his spot-on satires of many of today’s personalities make for a side-splitting show not to be missed!

Book Frank Caliendo Tickets Here!

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by Guy Chapman

There are few places (outside of the UK) that celebrate and have as much history with the Beatles as Las Vegas does.  From some of the original hotels the Fab Four stayed in to lavish spectacles that celebrate their music, one may assume that “Beatlemania” can be best covered by only one show.  That’s where fans of John, Paul, George and Ringo can learn that there is a lot of Beatles love to go around.

B – BeatleShow Tribute, which is located at the V Theater in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile, is a comprehensive look at the Beatles history, starting from their initial performance on the Ed Sullivan Show to their final musical chords.  The overall tone of the show is light and fun, as Ed introduces the lads from Liverpool to the audience for their first performance.  The Beatles begin their show in their famous black suits, and with a few guitar strums, the musical journey begins.

Though impersonators, the music is real.  Every note played and drumbeat are courtesy of the performers; all live and no pre-recorded music.  Accompanying the music are pitch perfect renditions of the songs, sung and acted out with genuine gusto.  They capture the mannerisms of the group well, from John’s guitar stance to Ringo’s wide grin as he plays along to the music.

The show itself is presented in two parts: The more clean cut, pop infused early days, and then delves into their deeper, more experimental fare.  Accompanying the change in music style is the change in fashion style.  Everything from hair, uniforms (even moustaches) cycle in and out, giving a real sense of time and place to where the group was musically, and to a lesser extent the events happening at the time.  While this is primarily a Beatles performance, the moment does shift to recognize the musical legacy of John Lennon with a truly moving rendition of “Imagine”.  It does nothing to break the tone or the flow of the show, other than to show how all encompassing and impactful their music was.  Then again, the Beatles were always bigger than themselves.

Even when the lads aren’t making jokes and having fun between sets, there are breaks in the music, ranging from dancing girls to peaceniks to a certain time-displaced secret agent.  All of it is kept in good fun, and only enhances the experience.

B – BeatleShow Tribute is a love letter to the music, the performers and the legacy left behind by this talented group.  Exciting, occasionally moving, and always having a good time, the cast brings their enthusiasm to the crowd, and invites them to sing and dance along.  If you’re a fan, you won’t need that extra invitation to do so.

Book B – BeatleShow Tribute! Tickets Now!

Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Hotel and Casino Reservations and Info

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By Guy Chapman

• Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Show Tickets

While the Strip is certainly known for its spectacle, there have not been quite as many Broadway-inspired productions gracing Las Vegas Blvd. as there used to be. Fortunately, what is currently offered are among some of the best shows available, and the Venetian’s version of “Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular” stands as one of the most immersive and detailed theatrical experiences of them all.

“Phantom”, which is Vegas’ presentation of the timeless “Phantom of the Opera” musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, weaves a dark and evocative tale of jealousy, drama, horror and romance. Set in 1911 at the auction of the dilapidated remains of the Paris Opera house, a broken chandelier sets the stage for the mysterious circumstances of the events that befell the venue thirty years earlier. A beautiful girl is trained to sing by an unseen benefactor who resides within the very walls of the opera house. But is he a man? Or monster? Or perhaps both?

Show-goers are treated to an elaborately decorated stage that becomes as much of a character as the actors themselves. From above ground to subterranean lakes below, to being treated as the actual audience, to being whisked to events of backstage without a blink in transition, it’s as thrilling as any roller coaster or “extreme” ride here.

Complimenting the lavish sets are the special effects, which bring a level of flash and spectacle only fitting for a Vegas spectacle. The theater comes alive through the imaginative use of sounds, lights, and props. The costumes and make-up also add a wonderful layer of depth and complexity to the characters. The unmasked Phantom is indeed a gruesome sight to behold, and the level of detail in the Masquerade Ball costumes is a whole other level of visual wonder.

Any review would be remiss without mention of Webber’s infamous score. The orchestra glides through each piece with fluidity, and the actors sing their parts with sincerity, confidence, and emotion. While more opera than musical (and yet both), the songs tell the story of the opera house and its inhabitants held at the mercy and the whims of a maddened genius. For the most die-hard of “Phantom” fans, VIP packages will allow guests to visit the stage and meet the caster members.

“Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular” is a can’t-miss experience. It provides a macabre and romantic tale wrapped in elaborate effects and musical splendor. Be warned, however: Once the Phantom’s “Music of the Night” wraps itself around you, you may find yourself ready to return for a repeat performance.

• Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular Show Tickets

• Venetian Las Vegas Hotel Info and Reservations

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By Erika Bayer-Polak

It may not seem likely that a show which features three blue, mute men can provide not only live music, skillful comedy, more than a few tidbits of interesting information, and social commentary regarding contemporary issues, but it is true, and can be found in the Blue Man Group at The Venetian.

The show begins once you enter the theater, with the stylishly cool atmosphere and the sardonic yet humorous disclaimers. Before the Blue Men come out, the audience is instructed to follow a few verbal cues to get everyone in an appropriate state of mind. And, if you happen to be one of the rather late arrivals, you may end up blushing a bit.

One may well marvel at the visual and auditory aspects of the show. On top of that, the Blue Men are in fact talented percussionists and physical comedians. While there are plenty of shows that tout themselves as being family-friendly on the Strip, this is a rare gem that nearly anybody could enjoy, even if they are foreign-speaking tourists, seeing that the show is almost exclusively nonverbal.

The show is pure fun, marshmallows are made into art, messiness ensues – the first several rows are given ponchos to prevent their clothing from being splattered with paint, pudding or other such muddle – PVC tubes are turned into musical instruments, the chewing of cereal even becomes a three-part harmony. Audience participation is a necessity with such a performance, while only a couple of audience members are brought onto the stage, all audience members become involved at one point or another.

It proves difficult to describe a show with performers who don’t speak, yet at the same time, it’s easier than summarizing a tedious plot. Expect a lot of props, a moving sea of paper, curious blue men who may or may not be aliens, and sit back and enjoy, surely, you will have fun.

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By Sarah Harris

“Defending The Caveman” is by far one of the funniest shows on the Las Vegas Strip. The fun starts even before the show! Stroll on into the showroom and you’ll be greeted by a caveman and a cavewoman, who will pose for pictures with you. “Defending the Caveman,” a one-man show performed by Kevin Burke, is about the inherent differences between the sexes and how we relate to one another. The show was conceived and written by comedian Rob Becker and has been performed across the country and is now being performed across the world. We’re lucky to have it here in Vegas permanently. “Defending the Caveman” holds the record for the longest running solo show on Broadway.

According to Burke, there are so many basic and primitive differences between men and women that we speak different languages, have different customs, and at times live in different worlds. Separate worlds in fact. And there’s a physical reason. While women have brains that allow us to multi-task – it’s no joke – our corpus callosums works differently. While messages go back and forth between both sides of our brains, this doesn’t occur as much in the brains of men. As a result, men can only focus on one thing at a time.

Kevin Burke takes us back to cavemen times when we had more defined roles. Men were the hunters and women were the gatherers. As a result, we had different jobs and purposes. While modern society has mixed things up a bit in our roles, we relate to each other differently. We relate to each other (men to women, women to men) in what we know and how we’d like the other person to relate to us. This is where the confusion comes in, as well as the comedy in this hilarious show. The first thing that women do when they get together, is compliment each other on how we look. Men, in Burke’s book, insult their friends upon getting together as terms of endearment. The mistake that most couples make in today’s world is thinking that when we marry that we form one gender, instead of facing the inevitable – that there are two.

Burke’s analogy of the Caveman trying to tell us something about men and women is brilliant and quite true. The way he conveys it is truly funny and entertaining. He invites us to take a look at children. Women when they’re little girls will play house, which consists of pretending to do chores. Young girls, he also observes, enjoy playing jump rope. It doesn’t occur to a girl to tie someone up with that rope.

“Defending the Caveman” lets us laugh at ourselves about the ways men and women fight, and ultimately love each other. Do yourself a favor – whether you’re visiting Las Vegas or if you live here – go see “Defending the Caveman” at Excalibur. It’s a gem of a show.

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By Denise Almas

“The Lion King”

Lumbering down the aisles towards the stage, life-size puppets of elephants and rhinoceroses gather with giraffes and gazelles to greet Simba, the future Lion King of Pride Rock. With the renewal of life, the jungle is alive with hope as King Mufasa’s son is presented to the animals.

“The Lion King” is truly a unique addition to Las Vegas. By bringing this award winning show to a town that is not always “kid friendly,” Disney has given visitors and locals alike an opportunity for a truly unforgettable night with the entire family. It is also an excellent choice for a romantic night out.

As the story progresses, we see young Simba fall into trouble as his evil Uncle, Scar, would like to be king. Scar readily admits that he is no physical match to Simba’s father, Mufasa; however, he insists that he got the brains in the family and should be the rightful king. Unfortunately for Scar, Simba’s birth meant that he would never have the opportunity. So, Scar leads the playful young Simba into danger. While Simba is rescued by his father from a stampede, Mufasa is not so lucky. After convincing the young lion that his father’s death is his fault, Scar urges Simba to run away.

Predictably, Scar becomes king and Pride Rock begins to fall apart. In the midst of this darkness, Simba’s wanderings with some new friends allow him to forget his troubles, as well as lose himself, for a while. As Simba grew, he became restless and tired of wandering. When his childhood friend Nala, the lioness to whom he was betrothed, finds him and reminds him of who he is, Simba begins to find what he lost – himself.

Like all coming of age stories, there is a moment in which a child becomes an adult and is ready to take his place in the world. After much reflection, Simba returns to Pride Rock, confronts his past, and reclaims his thrown.

Though most people are familiar with Disney’s “The Lion King,” the stage version is both breathtaking and wondrous. This simple coming of age story is transformed into a spectacular event through vibrant costumes, puppetry, dancing, and music. The blending of African rhythms with music created by Elton John and Tim Rice makes this production truly fabulous.

This show is definitely suitable for all ages and, most remarkably, this production does an excellent job of conveying themes such as life and death, as well as good versus evil, without scaring the children. Instead, younger children will be amazed at the elephants walking down the aisle next to them and delighted by the music and dancing. As my four-year-old daughter commented with delight, “The Lion King is wonderful!” I could not agree more.

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by Denise Almas

Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

Scantily clad, the performers of Planet Hollywood”s Peepshow bring high energy to an array of sexual fantasies. At the start of the show, we see a short video about a young woman who comes home to a dog and an empty house. As she falls to sleep, she is enveloped by the sexual fantasies of her dreams and her quest to find a man.

The cast, currently led by former Spice Girl Mel B and Kelly Monaco, bring these fantasies alive through dance and song. Throughout the show, the performers are careful not to bare it all. Instead, they attempt to tease audience members by showing just enough flesh to augment the fantasies they are portraying.

Mel B

Kelly Monaco

It is clear that this show is designed for both men and women. Prior to the show starting, Mel B reassures the audience that there is plenty of flesh for both everyone. Though the performers are primarily female, there are several men who sing and dance for the delight of the women of the audience. Their role is not just to entertain the women, but to allow the young woman to transform herself from a state of near innocence to learning that being naughty can be fun.

As the story progresses, we watch the young woman gradually lose her clothes along with her inhibitions. She is the true tease of the show, as the audience awaits her transformation from nice to naughty. Throughout her transformation, she is witness to sexual fantasies such as “Three Men in a Tub” and “The Big Bad Wolf.” Because of the show”s quick pace, nearly every possible fantasy is explored, giving this show wide range appeal. There is truly something for everyone, including bachelors, bachelorettes, desperate housewives, and couples that simply want to spice up their night.

Highlights abound! First, the vocalists have tremendous talent. It is clear that Mel B is still an outstanding singer and the other singers in the show are equally talented. The dancers are also quite skilled. The dance routines are demanding and complex; tremendous physical strength and talent are an absolute necessity for these performers. Also, the choreography is well matched to the fantasies being portrayed and these dancers do not miss a beat.

Photo Credit: John Ganun

At the end of the show, Mel B”s enthusiasm is boundless as she urges the audience to “go home and get laid!” If you are interested in a romp Sin City style, this is certainly the show to see. So, get your “peeps” and enjoy the show.

Photo Credit: John Ganun

Photo Credit: John Ganun

• PeepShow Las Vegas Tickets

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by Sara Steinberg

Impressionist, singer and entertainer Gordie Brown takes you on a wild ride, in his show “Gordie Brown Live” at the Golden Nugget, and you won’t want to get off. Most of the show is made up of songs heralded by famous musicians and spoofed by this amazing talent. In addition to his phenomenal mimicry, Gordie replaces the song lyrics with his own and you can’t stop laughing. Brown is backed by a talented band.

He nails Randy Travis singing without moving his lips, jumps around the stage as an aging Mick Jagger, shows us what an oversexed Tom Jones looks like and hurts himself in order to reach the high notes as Joe Cocker. We hear Bruce Springsteen’s take on Internet Dating, Barenaked Ladies ordering a meal with Chris Isaac finding a roach in his soup. Brown moves seamlessly from performer to performer, poking fun at the idiosyncrasies that set each one apart. One of the highlights of the show is of Sean Connery, Ray Romano, Nicolas Cage, John Travolta, Christopher Walken and Chris Rock all auditioning for the role of Batman.

Brown doesn’t let the politicians off the hook either. During a hilarious spoof between Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, who has trouble reading and needs “Hooked On Phonics,” and George Bush who lacks brain cells, Gordie Brown’s genius lets loose. The result of his clever and quick mind is humorthat is a delight to watch. His impersonation of our new president, Barack Obama, talking with his hands is dead-on. If Jesse Jackson had become our first black President, he’d still be giving his inaugural speech. We also get to see what it would’ve been like if Bill Cosby had been elected. And the best part is – none of it is offensive as it’s done in great fun.

Then it’s back to the music. Brown’s take on the Rat Pack include a cross-eyed Sammy Davis Jr. singing “Mr. Bojangles” and Frank Sinatra crooning “I’ll Do It My Way.” Impersonations of Jimmy Stewart and Katherine Hepburn are hilarious. Louis Armstrong’s “It’s a Wonderful World” sung by Gordie is flat-out amazing.

This talented performer shows us what it would’ve been like if Coldplay had written the soundtrack to “Brokeback Mountain.” We see how Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” could morph into the Barney theme song, and instead of Willie Nelson singing “To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before,” it’s much funnier when he replaces the lyrics with “To All The Plants I’ve Smoked Before.” Imagine Usher as a theater usher, Vanilla Ice as a white rapper and a white dancer, and Neil Young – not so young, but practically on his deathbed. Vegas Icon Wayne Newton is made fun of for building a $30 million fence for his penguins who can’t fly.

Brown has received rave reviews by both critics and audiences alike and you’ll see why. This is one of the best shows in Las Vegas which you won’t want to miss. Gordie Brown can be seen at the Golden Nugget every Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

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by Terri Feld

At first glance Penn & Teller’s show might seem the anti-Vegas Las Vegas show. With no fancy props, bedazzled showgirls or big-screen video embellishments, the pair cut to the heart of smoke, mirrors and illusions, yet still manage to leave audiences amazed and mystified by their stripped down, inside-out magic, as well as thoroughly amused by the accompanying sidebar antics. 30 years performing throughout the world uniquely prepared these magician/comic/entertainers for their sit-down engagement at The Rio, now in its 5th year (shows 9pm nightly Sat-Wed)

Ticket holders may be seated up to an hour in advance to enjoy the jazzy rhythms of the Mike Jones Duo, a virtual mini-show in itself. Throughout the set, Jones invites audience members up on stage to “look at a box and sign an envelope” – both props to be used later in the show. Just how they are used we won’t give away here. Not that it’s certain Penn & Teller would even mind. After all, their stock and trade, celebrated throughout the show, is all about giving away the secrets – of magicians, mystics and assorted charlatans. As world renowned authors, Broadway and film performers, and stars of their own TV show and specials, Penn’s in–your-face personality along with Teller’s mime-savant persona are well-known in most circles.

In terms of upholding their reputations, the two do not disappoint here at The Rio. Employing a variety of standard magic bits from a simple Cups & Balls
illusion to the more dramatic Sawing a Lady in Halves, Penn & Teller manage to inject their unique take and unexpected punchline every time. Other parts of the act incorporate totally unusual devices, such as an Airport Metal Detector. And Penn’s romantic fire-eating interlude is in a category all its own, as is his nail-biting nail gun routine. Teller, despite his trademark staunch silence, shines every bit as brightly in many acts highlighting his deft sleight of hand skills.

A double-barreled finale fittingly rounds out this evening of magic, mirth and mayhem. Both Penn and Teller have honed their individual styles and abilities of audience interaction to perfection, thus making this anti-Vegas show perhaps the ultimate Vegas experience by creating an intimate and lasting connection with the audience.

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by Sarah Steinberg

“Barbra & Frank, The Concert That Never Was…” at the Riviera Hotel & Casino is pure Vegas entertainment. Imagine if you will, an evening with two of the greatest musical icons of the 20th Century – Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra, together on the same stage. It never happened. It never could have happened. But Sharon Owens and Sebastian Anzaldo will make you feel as if it did, with you
right there in the audience. Frankie starts the night off with the classic “I’ve Got A Crush On You.”

Anzaldo is dapper and debonair as Sinatra and quickly pulls you into the illusion. He’s got Frankie down. The voice and the physicality is unmistakably Sinatra. Owens’ Streisand has all the mannerisms of the real Streisand – the long nails, the hair. But it’s when she opens her mouth that she becomes Barbra. Her nasally speaking voice is true to character. She delivers the songs like a pro.

The relationship between these two is magic. Sinatra is cool and aloof, wanting to do his thing, while Streisand doesn’t let him get away with anything and takes great pleasure in pestering him, ribbing him and delivering the delicious personality she’s famous for.

Streisand wants in on the act and Sinatra tries to snub her, saying he only records alone. That doesn’t stop our stubborn and sassy Babs, who makes sure that she’s heard. Owens butts right in with “Luck Be A Lady” which beautifully showcases her skill. She then belts out some show stoppers, while a long video sequence from “Funny Girl” plays. Songs include “Second Hand Rose,” “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “Woman In Love” You forget that the woman onstage isn’t Barbra Streisand. The musical numbers include ‘60’s Broadway and ‘70’s Disco, including “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” which Streisand performed with Donna Summer.

Before doing some duets with Barbra, Sinatra gives us “I’ve Got The World On A String,” “Strangers In The Night,” “Come Fly With Me,” “My Way” and “That’s Life.” Then the duets begin. Both of them singing “It Was A Very Good Year” while a montage showed the early years of Sinatra’s life was powerful and poignant. While the montage continues, Owens sings “Memories.” The following duet of “The Way We Were” is also memorable.

In between their witty and comedic bantering, Streisand and Sinatra entertain us with “The Way You Were,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “All Of Me and “Witchcraft.” The show ends with some more beautiful duets: “I Love You,” “When Somebody Knows You,” “Happy Days Are Here Again (Get Happy”) and“Somewhere (There’s A Place For Us).” With the accompaniment of pianist Joey Singer, you can’t go wrong with “Barbra & Frank, The Concert That Never Was…” No matter what your age, If you’re a fan of this era – this is a show you won’t want to miss. With two strong personalities onstage, it shouldn’t come as any surprise when they argue about who will close the show. You will want to know. So, come on down to the Riviera and find out.

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