Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Las Vegas Shows



Even though the number of huge Las Vegas shows has increased dramatically over the last decade or so, they haven’t gotten any cheaper or easier to get into. This is something you should begin researching when you first lock in the dates you’ll be visiting. Some of the more notable shows sell out well in advance, even with ticket prices starting well over $100.

If you just want to see a show while you are in Las Vegas, you’ll have no problem finding one to attend while you are in the city, but if you want to see a specific show you’ve got to be on the ball. Broadway-style hits like Spamalot and Mamma Mia! can be sold out way in advance.

Check the shows page on Lasvegas.com for the specific shows that will be playing while you’ll be in town.

Production shows
Most of the largest theaters in Las Vegas feature large Broadway-style shows with huge casts, lavish costumes, and sometimes even stars in the main roles. Several actual Broadway shows are always in town including Phantom, Mamma Mia!, and Spamalot, but again, the lineup changes periodically so it’s important to check the listings for when you’ll be in town. Prices for the top shows can range from $80 to about $200, and many sell out nearly every show so it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance over the phone or Internet if you have your heart set on one in particular.

Magic shows
There has never been a shortage of magic acts in Las Vegas, but now the town is filled with them. Lance Burton and Penn & Teller are the big names, but many other talented magicians perform regularly in major hotels as well.

Tribute shows
Ever since Beatlemania hit in the 70s, Vegas has been putting on high-quality tribute shows of all kinds. Legends In Concert has been running for a couple decades now, but other tribute shows featuring Neil Diamond, the Rat Pack, and the Beatles are also popular in the medium-sized rooms in Las Vegas.

Adult shows
A growing number of lavish shows for “adults only” are popular in Las Vegas. The traditional drag shows like Follies Bergere are still around, but now they are joined by Chippendales shows and stripper-based shows so there is something for everyone but the kids in this category.

Lounge shows
These aren’t as popular as they once were, but if you walk through a casino or two you are bound to come across a band or singer performing their heart out in front of people who just happened to wander by. These can be campy and cheesy, but the performers are almost all quite talented so this is a good, free, and authentic way to get a bit of Vegas in an old-school way.

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