Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Las Vegas Show Guide

Whether you’re looking for something quirky, something funny, something famous, something kid-friendly or something more sensual, Las Vegas has no shortage of options for your entertainment pleasure.

"Blue Man Group" at the Venetian provides 105 minutes of high-energy percussion by three blue-hued men. There is no speaking, so the group uses its interactions, silly expressions and driving percussive beats to evoke responses from the audience. The show started in the 1980s in New York City by a group of friends who eventually moved from street performances to off-Broadway. The show first opened in Las Vegas at the Luxor in 2000, and moved to the Venetian in 2005. Shows are twice nightly and tickets range from $99.35 to $139.50.

Also at the Venetian is the hit Broadway musical, "Phantom of the Opera." The show does differ from the classic Broadway performance: It is performed in a theater custom-designed for the show, it has been trimmed down to 90 minutes and has elaborate special effects and sets. Tickets range from $76.10 to $250.

Other musicals include "Mamma Mia!," a musical based around the band ABBA; "Jersey Boys," which profiles Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Bob Gaudio and examines their rise to fame as the Four Seasons; among others. Check the events calendar for a complete listing.

If you’re looking for classic Vegas, check out "Folies Bergere", performed twice nightly (except Sundays) at the Tropicana. The show made its Vegas debut in 1959. It tracks the history of the showgirl through the ages, starting in 1850s and following her through present-day with elaborate dance routines and costumes. Tickets are $38.50.

A Las Vegas phenomenon has been the success of the several Cirque du Soleil shows. "Ka," "Le Reve," "LOVE," "O" and "Zumanity" draw sellout crowds nightly. Cirque du Soliel is a modern circus, the focus is completely on the performers. The shows feature continuous live music, elaborate set changes by performers during the show and a unique storyline. Cirque melds together circus styles from around the world. Depending on the show, tickets range from $75.90 to $196.90.

Kids of all ages enjoy the medieval-themed "Tournament of Kings." Held twice nightly at the Excalibur, the show includes dinner and audience participation as spectators cheer for the king representing the section where they are sitting. The kings take part in a horse race, a jousting match, sword fighting and gladiator-style battles. Tickets for dinner and the show cost $58.24.

Wayne Brady brings his improv humor to Las Vegas with his show "Making it Up." Best known from the TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?,” Brady makes up songs, jokes and skits based on suggestions from the audience during the 90-minute show. Performances are Thursday through Monday nights at the Venetian. Tickets range from $83.50 to $171.50.

For a classic magic show, see Lance Burton, who has been performing at the Monte Carlo for 10 years. For a different twist on magic, try "Penn & Teller," who break all the rules in their edgy show at the Rio. And in a brand-new show, "Believe," Chris Angel shows off his stunning illusions with Cirque du Soleil at the Luxor beginning in October.

For those with adult tastes, "Thunder From Down Under" provides an all-male feast that leaves little to the imagination by the end of the show. Daily shows at the Excalibur start at $43.95. And for the male audiences, "Fantasy" features gorgeous women in a sensual topless revue. Daily shows at the Luxor range in price from $55 to $72.