Entertainment in Las Vegas is like the weather in Florida. If you
don’t like what you see, just be patient, because the scene will
soon change.
“Storm” blew away at Mandalay Bay, Michael Flatley’s “Lord of
the Dance” stomped out of New York-New York, “Melinda, First Lady
of Magic” has vanished from the Venetian and “Tease” has twirled
its last tassel at the Blue Note at the Aladdin.
Rat Pack Tribute “The Main Event,” Latin revue “Beats of
Passion” and Stevie Wonder tribute “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” all
opened and closed at the Showroom at the Venetian without even
creating a blip on the radar screen. Others have held on, at least
for now, by moving to new venues. Bob Anderson, singer and Dean
Martin impersonator, has taken his old Las Vegas lounge-style show
to the Stardust where a minishowroom has been created for him.
Charo has moved her “Cuchi-Cuchi” to the Sahara, replacing the
David Cassidy-produced “Rat Pack is Back.” And singing impersonator
Andre Philippe Gagnon has set up shop at Paris Las Vegas.
All of the above were former victims, make that veterans, of the
Showroom at the Venetian. As existing shows die or reinvent
themselves, others crop up to take their places. Following is an
overview of some of the entertainment offerings that have opened
during the last few months.
Gotta Dance
“Spirit of the Dance” at the Golden Nugget opened almost
simultaneously with the closing of “Lord of the Dance.” The show
includes classic Irish folk dancing and much more. It is a tribute
to a world of dance styles from flamenco to Bob Fosse. Tickets are
$45. Call 702-386-8100.
Funny Bones
Rita Rudner’s husband, Martin Bergman, has produced a show with
a gory twist called “Boo!” Rudner performs her comedy act in an
early show at New York-New York’s Cabaret Theater and “Boo!” takes
over later in the evening. The show combines improvisation, skits
and other silliness and wraps it in a Halloween theme. Tickets are
$29.95, including a ride on the New York-New York roller coaster,
the Manhattan Express. Call 702-740-6815.
The Old is New Again
“V The Ultimate Variety Show” has combined some of the Las Vegas
Strip’s most popular curtain acts into a fast-paced stage show sans
dancing girls. The acts will vary but the recent opening included
flying acrobats, comics, Chinese pole climbers and motorcycle
daredevils. Tickets range from $22 to $29. Call 702-737-5540.
The Rat Pack
Elvis is in danger of being replaced as the most-impersonated
entertainer on the Las Vegas Strip. Since Frank Sinatra’s death,
tributes to the Rat Pack and its members have been cropping up like
weeds. Unlike dandelions, they seem to die off quickly. Currently,
Dean Martin’s son, Ricci, is performing a tribute to his dad in the
Riviera’s Le Bistro Theater, and Buddy Hackett’s son, Sandy, plays
Joey Bishop in “The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean” at
the Greek Isles on Convention Center Drive.
Tickets for Ricci Martin are $14.95. Call 702-298-5111. Tickets
for “The Tribute” are $45.95 to $57.68. Call 702-737-5540.
Everybody, Let’s Rock
Also in the Riviera’s Le Bistro Theater is “Rock This Town Live”
a tribute to a host of ’50s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll pioneers such as
Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly and, of
course, Elvis. Tickets are $25.25 to $36.57.
Call 702-794-9433.
Coming Attractions
While the smaller shows struggle for survival, two big-time
offerings are on the horizon. In February, The Mandalay Bay is
replacing “Storm” with “Mamma Mia” a hit London and Broadway
musical based on the music of ABBA. The most anticipated opening in
many years, though, is Celine Dion’s yet-to-be-named show at
Caesars Palace set to open in March. Tickets are on sale for $87.50
to $200. Call 702-731-7110.
