‘Absinthe’ keeps flowing at Caesars Palace: New run begins Oct. 21

By John Katsilometes

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 | 6:34 p.m.

Like the drink for which it is named, “Absinthe” has staying power.

Las Vegas’ favorite roundabout tent show is returning to Roman Plaza at Caesars Palace beginning Oct. 21. A formal news release announcing that the BASE Entertainment/Spiegelworld showcase will be held over is due tomorrow.

There is no official word yet on an end date, though it is expected that the production will be committed to its space at Caesars for another year. Show ringleader The Gazillionaire is said to be telling the cast to be prepared to stay in Vegas for just that long.

What also can be said is that the antique, century-old Spiegeltent that buckled under hard rains late last week as it entered the final weekend of its original six-month contract is being replaced by a sturdier model. As rains pounded the tent in the show’s final week, its roof sagged and forced the cancellation of three shows and the removal of the production's aerial acts (most notably the farcical “Caesarean Silk”) in its final performances.

The new venue will be an in-the-round setting and is said to embrace the antiquated charm of the old tent without collapsing during a driving rainstorm.

In a move that should thrill repeat visitors to the show, all of “Absinthe’s” now-familiar characters and cast members are reportedly returning, chief among them the filthy-rich ringleader, The Gazillionaire, and his profanely excitable sidekick, Penny Pibbets.

However, it is not yet known whether special guest star Angel Porrino -- the topless tapper who inhabits a gigantic bubble midway through the show -- will return.

“Absinthe” will be staged Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10 p.m. and Wednesdays and Sundays at 8 p.m. (dark Mondays). During its reopening week, the schedule is Oct. 21-23 at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $79, plus tax, with a VIP package offered at $109, plus tax (the VIP package includes early entrance into the Speigeltent for special reserved seating and one drink).

The show has become one of the best word-of-mouth productions in Las Vegas in a long time. To its extended life, we can only say, “Cheers.”

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