Columnist Joe Delaney: Production shows still providing bang for buck

Joe Delaney

Friday, Jan. 15, 1999 | 11:35 a.m.

Production show comparison shoppers should find this column helpful, for the budget-minded, especially. ... We will take the shows by category and price within the category. ... "Cirque du Soleil" opened first in a tent on the Mirage grounds and developed "Mystere" for Treasure Island next door. ... "Cirque's" newest effort is "O" at Bellagio.

Since its opening, this column has rated "Mystere" as LV's top production show. ... With "O," a new high standard has been set. ... Tickets for "O" go for $90 and $100, including tax, depending upon location. ... "Mystere" continues at $63.50 plus tax, making it a comparative price bargain. ... If you've seen either, you should see the other.

"Imagine" (Luxor) was created as a lower-budget "Cirque"-type production with a $39.95 ticket price, including tax. ... If you're here with a $39.95 production show budget, see "Imagine."

It's magic

Siegfried & Roy (Mirage) took magic and illusions from a 20-minute act in a production show and are now selling out 10 shows a week at $83.75 plus tax, including gratuity, two drinks and a program. ... Siegfried & Roy are responsible for magic being the No. 1 attraction in Las Vegas today. ... Starting Jan. 27 and 29, respectively, Penn & Teller (MGM) and David Copperfield (Caesars) will open.

Copperfield's ticket price will be $80, plus a $2.50 handling fee, while Penn & Teller will command approximately $40 plus tax. ... All three magic shows will do excellent business five or six nights a week.

More magic: It's Dixie Dooley (Boardwalk, $8.95); Caesars Magical Empire ($75, which includes dinner; "Spellbound" (Harrah's, $34.95); Steve Wyrick (Lady Luck, $27.95); Nick Lewin's "Comedy Magic" (Maxim, $9.95); Lance Burton, best buy, (Monte Carlo, $39.95) and Rick Thomas (Tropicana, $20.95).

Impressionists

Impressions, carbons of celebrities, have always been popular, a vital part of an act with many comedians and a fine art form for the late Sammy Davis Jr. and Shecky Greene. ... Rich Little and Frank Gorshin preceded Danny Gans, who now sells out at $83 (Rio) as an impressionist headliner. ... If price is a factor, Bill Acosta (Luxor) at $24.95 is one of LV's better comparative price bargains.

"Jubilee" is lavish, earlier Las Vegas updated (Bally's, $49.50 and $66). ... "The Great Radio City Spectacular," starring the Rockettes (Flamingo), has dinners starting at $52.50, and cocktails shows at $42.50. ... "EFX" (MGM Grand) now stars Tommy Tune, priced at $51.50 or $70. ... "Lord of the Dance," a hit (New York, New York), is $50 and $60.

"Splash" (Riviera) costs $39.50 or $49.50. ... "Enter The Night" (Stardust) has three prices, $29.95, $35 and $45, while the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere" has tickets at $49.75 and $59.75.

Cautionary note

It should be noted that some prices quoted may include tax, gratuity and drinks; other do not cover all three. ... Check when making reservations to ascertain precise cost. ... Other show choices: "Forever Plaid" (Flamingo, call for prices); "Broadway Cabaret" (San Remo, $24.95); "Viva Las Vegas" (Stratosphere, $10); "Hooray, America" (Westward Ho, $12); and "The Michael LaRocca Show" (World Trade Center, $20).

"Legends In Concert" (Imperial Palace, $34.50) and "American Superstars" are more of the same (Stratosphere, $22.95). ... These two shows offer duplications rather than a single performer doing impressions.

Comedy: Harrah's Improv, $19.95; Maxim Comedy Max, $19.95; Catch A Rising Star, MGM Grand, $15.95; O'Shea's, $19.95; Riviera, $14.95; and Tropicana Comedy Stop, $16. ... Shows are changed weekly; check for this week's listing, drinks are included some places.

Conclusion

There are three more choices: Kenny Kerr's "Boy-lesque" (Plaza, $23.95); "An Evening at La Cage," $21.95, and "Crazy Girls," $18.95, both at the Riviera. ... Star policy shows are usually found at Caesars Palace, Desert Inn, Gold Coast, LV Hilton, MGM Grand, Orleans and Rio; the shows and prices vary from show to show. ... Use your good taste, there are no bad shows, find the ones you like, that fit your budget, then go and enjoy.

Friday addenda

Recommended: "Tango Argentina," from Buenos Aires, 25 superb dancers and musicians, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m., UNLV's Ham Hall, call 895-3801. ... See you next Thursday.