By Scott Roeben
Vegas-style shows may not be for everyone, but here’s the great thing about Las Vegas shows. Even if you think you know what a “typical” Vegas show is, there’s a good chance there are lots of Vegas shows that are nothing like that.
Here are some Vegas shows determined to defy all your expectations.
“Absinthe” at Caesars Palace
This “adult carnival” outside Caesars Palace took just about everyone by surprise, and it’s been winning over audiences ever since. At its core are a number of rock-solid variety acts, but things wander into surreal territory when the show’s co-hosts, the eccentric Gazillionaire and seemingly-angelic Penny Pibbets, take the stage. Their raunchy humor is a refreshing departure from the predictable, and this daring duo brings an audacity that helps make the show unforgettable. Throw in a bit of burlesque and scary-close, in-the-round seating, and you’ve got one of the best-reviewed shows in Sin City in ages.
“Blue Man Group” at The Venetian
Blue Man Group, currently at The Venetian but moving to the Monte Carlo in the fall of 2012, continues to out-offbeat the competition with its mix of humor and music and just-plain-weirdness. Blue Man Group opened at Luxor in 2000, so it’s been around for some time, but if you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on one of the most enthralling, quirky entertainment experiences you can imagine. The show features three, well, blue men, dressed in black. We’d say the show is avant-garde, but that would make it sound too fancy. It’s filled with percussion and surprises and paint and PVC pipes and marshmallows and generous amounts of humor. Blue Man Group isn’t just different from your typical Vegas show, it’s pretty much different from any show, ever.
“Jersey Boys” at Paris Las Vegas
If you think Vegas shows are all about rhinestones and French-Canadian contortionists, think again. “Jersey Boys,” which recently moved from The Venetian to Paris Las Vegas, is a Broadway-quality stage show in every possible sense, from the elaborate sets to the Lichtenstein-inspired visuals and jaw-dropping live singing of its talented cast. “Jersey Boys” tells the story of one of music’s most iconic groups, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The show is divided into four “seasons,” with each of the band members taking turns telling their side of the story. This award-winning show is fast-paced, captivating and cheese-free, and is sure to set any Broadway musical fan’s heart aflutter.
“Penn & Teller” at Rio Las Vegas
Close your eyes and imagine what a Las Vegas show is like. Now, take that image, turn it inside out, and set it on fire, because comedy-magicians Penn & Teller are all about ripping your expectations to shreds. You won’t find bouquets of flowers being pulled from sleeves or any of the other clichés of magic at Penn & Teller’s acclaimed show. What you will experience are edgy illusions extracted from the veteran performers’ sometimes twisted imaginations, masterfully executed and sometimes explained in full (sort of). These “Bad Boys of Magic” will renew your childhood appreciation of the magical arts and tickle your funny bone, all at the same time.
“Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater” at The Miracle Mile Shops
Unlike quite a few shows in Las Vegas, “Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater” at The V Theater in The Miracle Shops is as family-friendly as they come. The show features a loveable cast of characters (dogs and cats), many of whom have been rescued from animal shelters. Gregory Popovich is a Russian-born, fourth generation circus performer and award-winning juggler, not to mention being a world-class animal trainer. Popovich infuses his shows with humor and heart, while channeling Charlie Chaplin and other iconic physical comedians in the process. Bonus expectation defied: Yes, Popovich has even trained his cats. It’s a Las Vegas miracle!
One thing’s for sure, there’s a show for every taste in Las Vegas. Tell us your favorites on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/todayinlv
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