The Best Shows In Las Vegas To See
Las Vegas, the self-proclaimed “Entertainment Capital of the World”, never disappoints whether it be in terms of Vegas’ luxury hotels or entertainment. Beginning with the shows of the Rat Pack, the city has continued to grow and expand until some of the world’s best entertainment can be found all in less than a 10 square mile radius. Choosing the best shows in Las Vegas can be a daunting task, and brings challenges for the visitor.
With only a few days in town, how on earth do you choose which shows to take in? Over 100 shows can be found on any given day of the week so it is no wonder choosing just a couple can be a daunting task.
The variety alone is mind-boggling, offering up comedy and magic shows, Broadway-style musicals, and an entire array of Cirque du Soleil, makes for enticing ideas. This is the year to board your private jet and fly to Vegas, the entertainment capital of the World. Here are a some of the best shows in Las Vegas to check out when you are in town.
Comedy
There is no lack of comedy shows in Las Vegas, some very family-friendly, while others push the limits and maybe wouldn’t be the show you want to take grandma to. Carrot Top is a surprise headliner in the comedy class of Vegas. Many are familiar with his crazy demeanor and mop of red hair, but few may realize just how funny he really is. He makes fun of himself, human nature and American culture with an incredibly high-energy show.
The Laugh Factory has been drawing both newcomers and big names to Vegas for decades. The comedy is adult, but not over-the-top, and along with their headliners they regularly have celebrity drop-ins. Just a few of those who have appeared over the years include Tim Allen, Rosanne Barr, Jim Carey and George Carlin.
Magic Shows
Magic shows have long been some of the best shows in Las Vegas. The Legendary David Copperfield often hailed as the greatest illusionist in the world, has been a long-term highlight of the Las Vegas entertainment scene. His unforgettable show continues to enchant at the MGM Grand.
The unlikely duo of Penn & Teller brings comedy to their unconventional act. Their rapport with each other, and the audience allows for an unusual level of interaction. Even after years of entertaining audiences, they are still some of the best.
It’s hard to top such legendary performers, but Mat Franco, the season nine winner of “America’s got Talent”, is now astounding crowds at The LINQ hotel. He offers a rejuvenated twist on some old magic tricks with enough humor thrown in to keep it light-hearted.
Music
Since the early day’s music concerts have been a highlight of the Las Vegas entertainment circle. Elvis, long a headliner, created the perfect environment for the singers who followed. No mention of live shows can be complete without mentioning Celine Dion. She is one of the few entertainers since Elvis to perform with no other performers on stage. Love her or leave her, no one can deny the power of her voice.
Las Vegas is about reinvention and no one personifies that more than Brittany Spears, easily on her second or third career. Planet Hollywood redesigned the spectacular Axis Theater just for her show. She has come out an older, sexier, version of her best self.
J.Lo’s show is the complete opposite of Celine’s. Featuring seven acts, a full band, and 16 backup dancers she salsas and sings her way across the stage providing large-scale, full-on, pure Las Vegas glitz.
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil. The name says it all. Undoubtedly, one of the best shows in Las Vegas is Cirque du Soleil. Cirque is currently running eight different shows nearly every night of the week, and six of them are great for the entire family. O is spectacular, featuring skyrocketing and diving acrobatics, all performed in a large water tank. It is often hailed as the best show Vegas has ever seen.
Mystere is a visually gorgeous show with the performers doing impossible acrobatics. Although there is no “story”, the brightly colored costumes, amazing acrobatics, and astonishing tricks make it a favorite and one of the best family shows in town.
Ka tells the story of separated twins using all of the best Cirque du Soleil tricks of acrobatics, martial arts, dance, pyrotechnics, and gorgeous costumes. It’s definitely one of the more impressive, large-scale, and best shows in Las Vegas.
For a combination of music and dance check out The Beatles LOVE and Michael Jackson’s ONE. Both shows feature the best of these iconic acts put together with the wild costumes, stunning backdrops, and incredible acrobatics that Cirque du Soleil has perfected.
Out of the box
Dirty, raunchy, and set inside a carnival tent outside of Caesar’s, Absinthe has an adult variety show, comedy, and lots of sordid behavior hosted by the greasy-haired, crass Gazillionaire. The naughty show combines old-world burlesque with outrageous comedy but know that the language and humor are not kid friendly.
Le Reve is like Cirque du Soleil- but not. Voted the best production seven years running, Le Reve means dream in French and is performed inside an incredible aquatic theater-in-the-round. The audience feels part of the show because of the unique stage with lines between performers and spectators blurred. There are high dives, underwater tangos, and breathtaking aerial acts each more mesmerizing than the last.
Three bald, blue men on stage playing instruments. Intrigued? If not you should be because the visually stunning Blue Man Group combine comedy, rock, and technology into an irresistible show. Unlike anything else you’ve seen, the show is hilarious and energetic. While some of the comedy is a bit off-color, they also sprinkle in some kid-friendly act.
Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind destination. Perfect for business conventions, bachelor or bachelorette parties, couples, and families. One of those magical spots where there truly exists something for everyone. Stroll the themed casinos, lay by the pool, and try your hand at roulette. But also make sure to take in at least one of the best shows in Las Vegas that exist all around you.