Las Vegas Shows

It used to be that a show was an essential part of the Vegas experience. Back in those days, a show was pretty simple: A bunch of scantily (and we mean scantily) clad showgirls paraded around while a comedian engaged in some raunchy patter. The showgirls are still here and still scantily clad (though not as often topless; guess cable TV has taken some of that thrill away), but the productions around them have gotten impossibly elaborate. And they have to be, because they have to compete with a free pirate-battle stunt show held several times nightly right on the Strip. Not to mention a volcano, a Mardi Gras parade in the sky, lounge acts galore, and the occasional imploding building. All for free.

The big resort hotels, in keeping with their general over-the-top tendencies, are pouring mountains of money into high-spectacle extravaganzas, luring big-name acts into decades-long residencies and surrounding them with special effects that would put some Hollywood movies to shame. Which is not to say the results are Broadway quality -- they're big, cheesy fun. Still, with the exception of the astonishing work done by the Cirque du Soleil productions, most of what passes for a "show" in Vegas is just a flashier revue, with a predictable lineup of production number/magic act/production number/acrobatics/production number.

Unfortunately, along with big budgets and big goals come big-ticket prices. Sure, you can still take the whole family of four to a show for under $100, but you're not going to get the same production values that you'd get by splurging on a Cirque du Soleil show. Which is not to say you always get what you pay for: There are some reasonably priced shows that are considerably better values than their more expensive counterparts.

Note: Although every effort has been made to keep up with the volatile Las Vegas show scene, keep in mind that the following reviews may not be indicative of the actual show you'll see, but the basic concept and idea will be the same. What's more, the show itself may have closed, so it's a good idea to always call the venue and check.

Our vote for best show? It's a toss-up between O at Bellagio and Mystère at Treasure Island, both by Cirque du Soleil. Either must be seen to be believed -- and even then you may not believe it, but you won't be forgetting the experience anytime soon. Most intelligent show is put on by Penn & Teller and we are grateful. The best magic show, and one of the most reasonably priced productions (and thus the overall best value for the money ), is Lance Burton at Monte Carlo. Best classic Vegas topless revue is Jubilee! at Bally's. Best we aren't sure what the heck to call it is Blue Man Group at Luxor.

Aladdin: X-An Erotic Adventure Eight female dancers perform erotic routines set to music from today's hottest acts. Shows Saturday-Thursday at 10:30pm. (minors allowed if accompanied by an adult, this is not a topless show but very seductive).

V-the Ultimate Variety Show Comedy, magic, jugglers, contortionists and other specialty acts in a variety show with a rotating cast. Shows nightly at 7 and 9pm.

Bally's: Jubilee! (Las Vegas-style revue)

Bellagio: Cirque du Soleil's O (unique circus-meets-performance-art theatrical experience)

Caesars Palace: Celine Dion (music and variety)

Excalibur: Thunder from Down Under Two hours of stimulating dynamic dance routines by the internationally acclaimed male dance troupe from Australia. Adults only Shows Friday-Wednesday at 7:30 with additional shows at 11:30 on Friday and Saturday.

The Flamingo Las Vegas: Gladys Knight The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer performs Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30pm

George Wallace The well known funny man performs regularly in the Flamingo showroom. Shows Tuesday-Saturday at 10:00pm

Golden Nugget: Downtown Gordie Brown Nonstop music and comedy by Brown, who performs dozens of celebrity impersonations. Check for show times and dates.

Greek Isles: The Rat Pack A nostalgic look back at the 1960s when Frank, Sammy, Joey and Peter ruled the strip. Dinner at 5:30pm, show at 7:00.

Harrah's: Clint Holmes (music and variety)

Las Vegas Hilton: David Brenner The stand-up comic and talk-show regular has an extended engagement at the Shimmer Cabaret.Friday-Wednesday at 8:00pm

Imperial Palace: Legends in Concert (musical impersonators)

Luxor: Blue Man Group: Live at Luxor (hilarious performance art)

Mandalay Bay: Mamma Mia! (a musical that features ABBA songs and was a great hit in London and on Broadway)

MGM Grand: KA. The newest revelation from Cirque du Solely combines acrobatics, martial arts, puppetry and special effects, all wrapped around an epic story and set in a new, state of the art theater that seats nearly 2,000 guests.Shows Friday-Tuesday at 7 and 10:30pm.

The Mirage: Danny Gans (impressions)

Monte Carlo: Lance Burton: Master Magician (magic show and revue)

New York-New York: Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity (adults-only provocative revue)

Paris: We Will Rock You We Will Rock You made its worldwide debut on May 14, 2002 in London, where nearly 1,000 audiences have since proclaimed their love for the show with standing ovations. At the heart of the futuristic rock comedy are Queen's legendary hits, including "We Are the Champions," "Another One Bites the Dust, "Bohemian Rhapsody" and, of course, "We Will Rock You." Culminating in a grand finale that will leave you breathless, We Will Rock You is at once romantic and hilarious, with an infectious energy that's palpable. Since London audiences heralded We Will Rock You a smash hit, the show has spawned sister productions in Australia, Spain, Russia and Germany. Now, Paris Las Vegas brings We Will Rock You to North America.

The Riviera: A Neil Diamond Tribute Jay White performs Diamond classics in a fast-paced show. Sunday-Thursday at 7:00pm

Stardust: Wayne Newton The Las Vegas legend croons inside a new state-of-the-arts theater that bears his name. Check for show dates and times.

Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower: American Superstars (an impression-filled production show) and Viva Las Vegas (Las Vegas-style revue)

Treasure Island: "The Sirens of Ti" The Sirens of Ti is Treasures Island's all new pirate battle spectacular. The shows begins with a 17th century clash between a group of beautiful tempting Sirens and a band of renegade pirates. Experience music, dance, excitement and seduction. Shows Nightly at 5:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm and 10:00pm

Tropicana: Folies Bergère (Las Vegas-style revue)

Major Production Shows --This category covers all of the major Las Vegas production shows and a few of the minor ones as well. In addition to the following, we also recommend Rita Rudner 's stand-up comedy at New York-New York, and we urge you to stay away from the musical family the Scintas at the Rio; a fossilized Vegas act full of near-parody-level lounge singing and jokes at the expense of every ethnicity, handicap, and sexual orientation out there.

Appropriate shows for kids include the following:

Tournament of Kings at Excalibur

Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo

Cirque du Soleil's Mystère at Treasure Island