7 Shows to Attend in Las Vegas
When people visit Las Vegas, 36% visit for pleasure or vacation. Even if you travel to the desert city for business, catching a show is a very Las Vegas thing to do.
The historical hotels offered accommodations to guests. They also provided stages where the greats of that time performed. Liberace, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin are among the most famous who headlined shows in the early days of Sin City.
In 2022, Vegas has maintained the tradition of putting on shows. Pick from musical residences, versions of cabarets, and magic shows. For example, the Legends in Concert at the Tropicana remains a Top 10 show to see. It’s also the longest-running performance.
The following are seven shows to attend in Las Vegas.
1. Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil started as a group of 20 street artists in Quebec, Canada. The group managed to grow its popularity so much that it now employs 4,000 employees and 1,300 artists. In addition, Las Vegas visitors can pick from six shows to watch.
The Cirque du Soleil shows running in Sin City are:
- Mad Apple at New York New York Hotel & Casino
- The Beatles LOVE only at The Mirage Hotel and Casino
- KÀ at MGM Grand
- Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
- Mystère at Treasure Island
- “O” at Bellagio Hotel & Casino
Each one features a theme with acrobatic, ballet, and tumbling artists.
Vegas remains relatively safe for visitors. However, practice your street smarts as you make your way from shows to dinner or nightclubs. If you need legal help, it’s available to you.
2. David Copperfield
Reviewers describe David Copperfield as the greatest illusionist of his time. The show at the MGM Grand Hotel is intimate. He performs a set of magical illusions that wow the crowd as some hope to become part of the performance.
Copperfield draws on his experience – he started practicing at the age of 12. He taught a course on magic at New York University at the age of 16.
Every set lasts 90 minutes.
3. Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group started performing in Las Vegas in 1991. A group of three blue-painted artists performs comical and musical tricks as they interact with guests.
You’ll find the performance at the Luxor Hotel and Casino.
The show aims to make the audience laugh, rock, and party.
4. Legends in Concert at the Tropicana
The Legends in Concert at the Tropicana is the longest-running show in Vegas. It pays tributes to legends of the past and present. For example, Legendary Divas celebrates five decades of divas such as Cher and Celine Dion.
Each set features artists dressed as the divas while the costumes and backdrops take the performances to a higher level.
5. Absinthe
Absinthe premiered in 2006 at Caesars Palace. The show currently stands as the number one to see in Las Vegas. It features a blend of carnival and spectacle.
The audience doesn’t miss a beat of the performance since they can sit up close to the circular stage. Guests will enjoy a burlesque show designed for adults only.
6. Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly
Those who seek more magic in their lives can attend the Mat Franco – Magic Reinvented Nightly show.
The interactive performance pays homage to the magicians and illusionists of the past. It also intertwines new magic tricks for the modern era.
Mat Franco first performed on the stage of America’s Got Talent. Then, his show opened at the Linq in 2015.
7. Penn & Teller
For Vegas shows, Caesars Entertainment has a lock on several including Penn & Teller.
The performers incorporate magic into their set. In addition, guests also watch sideshows. Reviewers describe the performance as edgy and hilarious.
Since 2001, the duo has made audiences laugh at Rio Hotel and Casino. They also wow them with large-scale illusions.
Bonus: Musical Residencies
The success of Celine Dion at the Caesars Palace made musical residencies popular again in Las Vegas. Her residency lasted eight years the second time around.
Now, you’ll find a rotating list of musical residencies. Among the most anticipated is Adele.
When your favorite musical artist lands a recurring gig in Sin City, it’s a great way to make a trip out of it. For example, stay in the hotel where they will perform and enjoy the amenities offered to round out the visit.
Conclusion
The original rock stars and lounge singers helped build Las Vegas. When you visit the city, catch a show that celebrates them or one that celebrates the present. Each of the above shows receives rave reviews again and again.
