Las Vegas Shows Reviews

• Mega Bubble Las Vegas Tickets

By Devon Brooke Clasen

Finding even a modicum of innocence in “Sin City” is a challenging feat to be sure, but a world of innocence, wonder and enchantment awaits visitors to the Mega Bubble Show, playing in the Steve Wyrick Theatre in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile shops from Thursday through Sunday at 3 p.m., with an additional 11 a.m. show on Saturday and 1 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday.

Innocuous enough, bubbles enraptured us all as wee little ones, with an ethereal and magical quality like nothing else found in nature. Eventually the novelty wears off and as we grow up, bubbles receive nary a thought… The Mega Bubble Show reintroduces us to the beguiling fascination of the bubble, which we recognized and appreciated as children and perhaps need the occasional reminder of as adults.

A family-friendly show claiming to be “unbubblievable” and guaranteeing show-goers will be “bubble-azed”, children and parents alike will delight to the playful, wholesome simplicity of the performance. A single performer, identified only as the foreign-born and heavily accented Jaro, creates bubbles and bubble constructions, large and small. Utilizing various apperati including tubes, wands and even his own hands, Jaro blows and builds unique bubbly designs. Employing minimal stage décor, Jaro lets the bubbles speak (or act) for themselves. As the show progresses, the “tricks” grow more elaborate and more impressive. When a smoke-filled bubble pops, the gracefully vanishing cloud inspires plenty of “oohs” and “aahs.” Children called up to the stage are encapsulated inside massive bubbles, surely as much fun to experience as it is to watch. Mega Bubble Show is somewhat dependent on the cuteness of the young audience participants, but this presents a challenge unto itself.

Younger kids in the audience, ranging from three to nine or ten years of age, are eager to volunteer for on-stage participation, but once that spotlight hits them, they’re rendered silent and noticeably stage-shy. Jaro’s sensitivity, humor and gentle rapport with children help lighten the inevitable slowdown. The icing on the bubble is that each pint-sized participant is bestowed with a souvenir bubble making kit.

As can be expected, bubbles are delicate, unpredictable and sometimes uncooperative. Occasionally, a bubble trick doesn’t go off exactly as planned, but Jaro quickly recovers and keeps the action moving comfortably along, lest the uber-exuberant kids be distracted and reduced to a roomful of screeching hyenas. Much of the show is dependent on vibrant lighting effects and thematic musical accompaniment, enhancing the brilliant display of bubbles which, if presented alone, might fail to keep the kids attention. During a colorful laser show finale, bazillions of bubbles literally flood the audience as the young and not so young in attendance squeal with joy, or possibly shriek with surprise from the sudsy shower they receive from above.

Beautiful to behold, bubbles inevitably burst, resulting in a slippery, soapy mess. Several bubble machines arranged high over the audience tend to drip the bubble fluid, and bubbles broken on the skin, hair or clothing leave spotty evidence of the solution behind. Attendees should opt to dress down and prepare to leave a little wetter than they arrived. However, this interactive element of the show offers the greatest thrill to children. Unlike a two dimensional movie, Mega Bubble Show indulges kids’ instinct to get messy and incorporates them in a tangible, touchable way, which brings them to their feet with endless enthusiasm.

Parents will no doubt appreciate the relaxing qualities of the bubbles, as well as the totally enrapturing effect the bountiful bevy of bubbles has on little ones. This is not a show where kids fuss and squirm in their seats. It is a show that provides parents a momentary break from child watching responsibility, and allows them to loosen up and relive a time when they too where fully captivated by the magical qualities of the bubble.

Is it the most elaborate, exclusive and breathtaking show the city has to offer? No, but its appeal is truly in its simplicity. Granted, this is a kids’ show, but parents will enjoy the distinct un-sexiness of the show, its innocence and light heartedness. In a city packed to the gills with scantily clad showgirls, strippers and overblown production shows, Mega Bubble Show is a refreshingly pure option for any age. Taking into account that families with young children do indeed vacation in Vegas, Mega Bubble Show invites all to escape into their own childlike imagination, where the world is as uncomplicated as ever and catching a drifting bubble offers the greatest delight to be found.

• Mega Bubble Las Vegas Tickets

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• Toxic Audio Las Vegas Tickets

by: By DW Grant

“Toxic Audio,” what the heck is that?

It’s one of best small shows in Vegas; and at half the price its just as much fun as The Blue Man Group, moves with just as much energy as Gans or Newton, and delivers just as many laughs as a night out with the Second City comedy troupe.

So, what is it? It’s Voice, and all voice. Not a sound comes from the stage that isn’t produced by someone’s voice. Drums, guitars, sax, bass, and some mysterious musical modulations come out of the mouths and noses of these performers with such amazing clarity you can then understand why the promotional icon is a guy with a microphone for a head.

It’s five singers with no back up band or recorded tracks pumping out “Autumn Leaves” in English, French, German, Korean, Scat, and Pig Latin. Its Paul Sperrazza, a “human beat box,” tearing up the audience like a mix of Jim Carey, Jerry Lewis, and that guy who almost won American Idol last year. It’s also Rene Ruiz, the founder of the group, whose credits include “Forever Plaid,” delivering a unforgettable show to a cheering audience.

Oh and there are 4 other performers making it happen for the audience too; Christine Vienna, Tim Jones, and Heather Friedman, and the “sound guy. The sound guy gets his own song during the show and definitely deserves his own sentence in this review, his name is Shannon Brady. There is no band to coordinate but he’s does a heck of job keeping five very good singers in perfect balance.

Simple, but too big for the room, Toxic Audio has been playing a weird 5:30 pm slot at The Planet Hollywood’s V-Theatre for a few months or so. I’m glad I caught it early before word of mouth got out because this show is going to play at better times and tickets are going to get harder to get. Thank god Planet Hollywood is expanding the theatre!

Toxic Audio has been traveling the country and the world since it was discovered by Disney at the Orlando International Fringe Festival in the late 1990s. It played to packed houses at the Jazz Club in Pleasure Island at Walt Disney World, and set up off-Broadway in 2004, where they won the 2004 Drama Desk Award for “Unique Theatrical Experience.” It was crowned champion at the National Harmony Sweepstakes in California in 1996, and did a brief stint at The Luxor, here in Las Vegas, in 2005. Vegas now has its own Toxic Audio troop, including two original cast members, while other “Toxics” have to travel the country. Hurray for us!

You have to like a team of singers who can improv a beat box song about Pat and Debbie Boone and who will play “Jaws” with its audience. As a matter of fact the audience is almost the 6th player in the troop. Four or Five audience members are brought on stage at different times in the 70 minute show, and singers perform in the isles just a frequently.

Toxic Audio is family friendly too, mixing it up with TV themes from “Route 66″ and “I Dream of Jeannie,” a better than The Muppets version of “Menomena,” and an eerie but beautiful surround-sound version of “Stand by Me.” They even “put the lime in the coconut” and make hacking and coughing sound lyrical. Some fresh beat box crash brings the kids back in and rounds out a great show built for everyone.

Some of these vocals are tracked on the Toxic Audio “Chemstry” CD along with other fun songs you didn’t hear in the show like “Easter Island Head” and “Paperback Writer,” the old Beatles fave, done the Toxic Audio way. Of course the CD is available after the show to those of us who didn’t get a free one for taking part in the performance.

It’s hard not to give a standing ovation to a show that already has you on your feet clapping and cheering. “Toxic?” No, I would much rather rate it “addictive.” I’m going back to see it again.

• Toxic Audio Las Vegas Tickets

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• La Cage Las Vegas Tickets

by: Nicole “Niko” Acevedo

Believe it when you see it! There’s no need to go back in time to experience the legendary Diana Ross and sophisticated Judy Garland, and you don’t have to squint your eyes to witness the dance moves of Michael Jackson and Britney Spears in large overcrowded stadiums. Why not intimately see them all on the same evening at the snazzy zebra-striped Mardi Gras Pavilion of Vegas’ one and only Riviera Hotel & Casino?

Presented by stunning female impersonators of famous celebrity superstars such as Madonna, Celine Dion, Cher, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears, Judy Garland, and the mega-diva Diana Ross, you will be so enthralled by their performances that you will forget that they are in fact merely impersonating! When “Celine Dion” performed “My Heart Will Go On”, her passionate facial expressions and mannerisms were flawlessly identical and encompassed a witty charm. For a moment I was so excited to catch one of her final Las Vegas performances at Caesar’s Palace until of course I realized Bette Midler had already replaced the show.

Oh? Maybe I am at Caesar’s Palace after all… “Bette Midler” is now singing “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” up and down the stage!

For those with the fashion flare, you will delight in the “Gucci” and alternate designer gowns and furs flaunted by host Frank Marino while presenting each artist of the evening, not to mention the revealing and “voguish” outfits of the artists themselves. Speaking of vogue, performing “Music” and “Express Yourself” in le cabaret de La Cage, “Madonna” is the two-fold slim, sexy pop icon in the form-fitting white cowgirl suit and hat and the hysterically burly-beautiful, cone-breasted-corset expression of… well… herself.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg until the provocative “Britney Spears” allures you with her black leather outfit and gesturing dance moves, you will hope she’ll “do it again.” Finally now that you’ve forgotten that you’ve been watching impressionists, you won’t leave without additional astonishment as they reveal their deep-seated transformation in a heartfelt presentation.

Curious about the rest of these talented and seductive women and the King of Pop, “Michael Jackson”? Totaling twelve mirror image impersonators, visit these dazzling gentle-ladies of the La Cage Theater at the classic Riviera Hotel & Casino as they celebrate their 22nd year of elegant artistry, comedy, and sensuality. Souvenirs of La Cage are available in t-shirts, an 18-page photo book of all the stars from the past 22 years of production, and a 90 min. DVD of the show.

La Cage Las Vegas is so intimate in fact, host Frank Marino (as Joan Rivers) remarked that if his G-string broke they would lose the whole front row! Voted “Best Entertainer of the Year,” Frank Marino engages audiences with such comedic excitement and charisma that you are sure to laugh out loud as did the diverse group of younger and older “experienced?” persons during the evening of my attendance.

This is by far one of the most enjoyable and entertaining shows I have seen. If you’re looking for an evening of fun and laughter, great dance music and classic hits, and just an overall playful night out on the town, this is the show to go see!

• La Cage Las Vegas Tickets

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• Stomp Out Loud Las Vegas Tickets

by Erin Guernsey

For those seeking high-energy entertainment, comedic antics and pure theatrical brilliance look no further than Stomp Out Loud located at The Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Don’t let the show’s humble opening of one lonely cast member sweeping the stage fool you as it barely gives a hint of what is to come.

Every night the talented performers take audience members on a journey through the world of rhythm and percussion. The show throws the definition of a traditional musical instrument out the window by creating magnificent sounds from the most random objects such as keys, lighters, trash cans and lids, brooms, sand, plastic bags and of course … kitchen sinks.

As you enter the Stomp Out Loud Theatre you are greeted by a kaleidoscope of junk. The theatre designers managed to make this hodgepodge of items appear to be art on the walls instead of looking like someone’s trash can exploded. The stage itself is also filled with a plethora of mismatched items which will later be creatively incorporated into the show by the cast. Another distinct feature of this production is its costuming. You won’t find any lavish gowns or fancy wigs in Stomp Out Loud. These amazing performers wear simple street clothes that allow plenty of freeform movement.

There are two segments during the show that stand out and are a true testament to the genius of the show’s creators. The first segment involves cast members each taking various lengths of rubber pipes and beating them on the stage to create an alluring sound like no other. As you sit in your seat the melody slowly creeps inside you and then leaves you wondering if the notes you just heard actually came from rubber pipes. The other segment uses different-sized boxes filled with a mixture of dried beans and ping-pong balls. The boxes are thrown and pushed around the stage in a beautifully choreographed dance that must have taken an eternity to rehearse.

One character steals the show with his impeccable comedic timing as he tries to stay in line with fellow cast members, but usually receives the short end of the broom. His hijinks are sure to keep you laughing throughout the entire performance.

Stomp Out Loud is the perfect addition to a night out with friends or a romantic evening with a date. This spectacular show will leave you exhilarated and in awe of how so much intense energy was packed into 90 minutes.

• Stomp Out Loud Las Vegas Tickets

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• Folies Bergere Las Vegas Tickets

by Chuck Stanec

Raw. Provocative. Sexy. Alluring. Just a few words among many that can be used to describe Les Folies Bergere at the Tropicana. If you’re looking for a trip into Las Vegas past, this is it – without the DeLorean.

When one thinks of old Vegas, they envision the big, bold shows with the tall and supple women and the huge, bright feathers that adorn them. The energy, the passion, and the colors all appease the senses as you’re engulfed into history. The transient experience makes it feel as if you can walk out of the theater and sit down with Dean, Frank, and Sammy for a drink.

Perhaps the fact that Folies has been in Vegas since the time of the Rat Pack is what gives it that timeless feeling. Folies Bergere has been a staple at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino for nearly 50 years. The latest version of which chronicles American history as well as the history of the showgirl. Folies is a whirlwind through time and space with gorgeous women and the most pristine of costumes. The dance numbers and intertwined comedy personify the fad that swept the nation in the early 1900’s - Vaudeville.

While Vaudeville was becoming an American classic in the 1920’s and 30’s, the Folies had been running in France since 1869 and did not have its first nude showgirl until 1918. Folies Bergere gained its first exposure in the United States on Christmas Eve, 1959, at the Tropicana’s Fountain Theater. In 1975, the show moved into the new, better equipped, Tiffany Theater and has remained there ever since. Also, in 1975, the reigns of the Folies Bergere were handed over to Jerry Jackson, who is still the creative mind behind the show. Most notably, Jerry designed the 100th Anniversary show in Paris in 1966.

No other Vegas show opens with a topless rendition of ‘NSYNC’s “Dirty Pop”, but this is not just another Las Vegas show. True, the opening act does tastefully depict scantily clad women thrusting their agile bodies about the stage, but there is so much more offered. A gorgeous prima ballerina graces the stage and hypnotizes the crowd with her beauty and elegance; flowing costumes that, if one sits close enough, really show the girls are having fun; one priceless stage comedian that gives himself a medal every time he completes a trick injury free.

Like any show of its kind, Folies Bergere is not complete without its Can-Can. Every performer takes the stage in what becomes a routine unto itself. In fact, there is so much going on that one would have to view Folies 2-3 times just to catch it all. Unfortunately, like all good things, the show does come to an end. However, not before you’ve been cast through time and have been able to catch glimpses of what Vegas – and France – use to be.

The Folies Bergere has captivated the minds and imaginations of the thousands in its wake. One can be fully immersed into the show. You will quickly find yourself lost in time - warped even - through the 90 minutes spectacle. The changing scenery, slap-stick humor, and flamboyant costumes will leave you searching for words. But, that will pale in comparison because all the while, you’re still trying to spot that lovely dame that danced off with your heart during Act One.

• Folies Bergere Las Vegas Tickets

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• 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.

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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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• 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!

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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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