Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011 | 2 a.m.
The technological artists behind laser shows at Walt Disney World, Six Flags and Cirque du Soleil have brought their talents to Sam’s Town.
The Boulder Strip property recently debuted an updated laser light show with new music, more sophisticated effects and a wide range of colors. The free attraction plays three times nightly in the indoor atrium between the hotel’s casino and buffet.
“The show was dated, the music was dated and the technology was dated,” Sam’s Town Vice President and General Manager John Sou said. “We looked at what we previously had and wanted to expand.”
The upgrade is the first major renovation of the show since it debuted in 1994. Sam’s Town executives declined to say what the upgrades cost, except to note the price was in the six figures.
Until last month, the seven-minute show consisted primarily of a Western adventure. Music, lights and animatronic characters chronicled the pioneer experience. The new show runs 15 minutes and features several different themes, including an homage to stock car racing and a tribute to patriotism. The production begins as it always has but now segues into the new bits.
“The music literally changes from Shakira to country to big band, with a salute to NASCAR and ‘Proud to be an American,’ ” Marketing Director Melanie Mabry said.
The lasers used in the new show are eight times more powerful than those they replaced and can emit 16 million colors. They also shoot light across the entire pavilion, whereas the show’s earlier incarnation used only half the space. An animatronic bear, eagle and mountain lion growl and move to the music, while fountains shoot water eight stories into the air.
The show was produced by Laser Show Design Inc., an Orlando, Fla., company that develops laser displays for theme parks and planetariums. Las Vegas-based DTB Technical Services designed the theatrical lighting. The company also works on numerous Cirque du Soleil shows, including “Love” and “O.”
And more changes are in store for the production. At the end of November, it will receive a winter makeover with lights, garlands, a holiday soundtrack and falling snow.
Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, located on the corner of Boulder Highway and Flamingo Avenue is six miles east of the Strip near Frenchman's Mountain. It features a large casino and rooms built around a unique indoor atrium, where a water-and-laser show dazzles spectators.
The hotel’s 646 rooms are built around Mystic Falls Park. With a 10-story glass roof and a 25,000-square foot indoor park with live trees, waterfalls and footpaths, Mystic Falls Park is one of Las Vegas’ many surprises and has free 15-minute shows at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. music, laser lights, water and animatronics. The property also features two RV parks with a total of 500 lots.
The casino is spread across three levels and features table games and slots, a race and sports book, a poker room, a bingo room and keno.
Dining options include Willy and Jose's Cantina, Billy Bob's Steak House & Saloon and the Firelight Buffet, as well as several other places to grab a quick bites. Sam’s Town has dozens of other amenities including a 56-lane bowling alley, an 18-screen movie theater and the Sam’s Town Live! entertainment complex.
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