Recommendations/List for Shows I have Seen in Vegas

Just for fun, I decided to try and put together a list of the shows I have seen in Vegas over the 20+ years we have been going there. (Where a YEAR is listed, I had to look up some of them on the internet because, well, it’s been a while ).

When we were younger and had less discretionary income, it was a big treat to see one of the larger shows in Vegas, and it was NOT something we did every trip. But we would do what we could to find a deal or a 2-for-1, etc, to avoid too big of a hit on the budget.

MyVegas really helped us to expand our horizons and enjoy many of the Cirque Shows for free, and we have actually seen many of them more than once. And we eventually reached the Diamond Level at Caesars and prior to the pandemic, that included a pair of show tickets to one of the Caesars mid-tier shows each month. I will miss that perk IF that is a permanent revision to the Diamond Benefits.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Bottom-line, for the shows that are currently still in Vegas, here are the ones I can wholeheartedly recommend:

BEATLES LOVE – Have seen this multiple times and Enjoyed it Every time. Quoting FROMMER’s, “The best daytime show, in fact one of the most exceptional shows in Vegas period”.

KA – This needs to be seen once just for the design of the Theatre and the Spectacle of the Moving Stage

LEGENDS IN CONCERT - Yes, this is a good high energy show for the average tourist, ESPECIALLY if you are a fan of the LINE-UP for that night.

MAC KING – Have also seen this Multiple times, it is Sooooo funny

“O”

And perhaps MORE importantly, here are the ones that I would recommend NOT going to:

CRISS ANGEL

JABBAWOCKEEZ – Well in Fairness, there was a solid 5-ish minutes worth of Entertainment in this one


HERE’s the Overall LIST

1) BEATLES LOVE - MIRAGE

2) BLUE MAN GROUP - LUXOR

3) CHEAP TRICK - PARIS
Sgt Peppers Live, 2010

4) CLEOPATRA’s BARGE Lounge Singers - CAESARS

5) CIRCUS 1903 - PARIS
~2017

6) DIRK ARTHUR - TROPICANA

+) DIVA's LAS VEGAS ( FRANK MARINO ) - FLAMINGO I THINK but not 100 % sure

7) FOLLIES BERGERE - TROPICANA

8) FOREVER PLAID - FLAMINGO
~2000

9) KA – MGM
Admittedly this took a little while to grow on me, but it is a top-notch show. I have seen it several times.

10) LEGENDS IN CONCERT - FLAMINGO ( now TROPICANA ? )

11) MAC KING - HARRAH's ( now at EXCALIBUR )
This might be tied with BEATLES LOVE for having seen the most number of times.

12) MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET - HARRAH's

13) MYSTERE - TREASURE ISLAND ( thanks for catching that mistake )

14) O – BELLAGIO

15) PENN AND TELLER – RIO

16) PAUL ZERDEN - PLANET HOLLYWOOD ( Ventriloquist )

17) PHANTOM of the OPERA - VENETIAN

18) PIFF the MAGIC DRAGON - FLAMINGO

+) RAT PACK IS BACK - DOWNTOWN, the PLAZA maybe

19) RONN LUCAS - RIO ( Ventriloquist )

20) SOMETHING 1 Variety Show ( I forget the Name ) – RIVIERA
~2001

21) SOMETHING 2 ( Really Crappy Afternoon Show, Years Ago ) – FLAMINGO
~2001

22) TAYLOR HICKS - BALLY's ( American Idol Winner )
~2012, After winning American Idol in 2006, I am sure Taylor Hicks didn’t think he would be playing what was essentially a large bar at Bally’s in Vegas. But to his credit, he came out full of energy and ready to entertain, and put on an Excellent show.

23) TENORS of ROCK - HARRAH's
~2017

24) TERRY FATOR – was MIRAGE, Now at NYNY

25) TODD PAUL - HOOTERS
~2009, Todd Paul was hilarious and this was one of those rare finds that was a highlight of our trip.

26) WOW - RIO
~2017

27) ZARKANA - ARIA

28) ZOMBIE BURLESQUE - MIRACLE MILE SHOPS

29) ZUMANITY - NEW YORK NEW YORK

UPDATE: Added DIVAS LAS VEGAS and RAT PACK IS BACK but didn't bother renumbering everything.

Nice job, great list.


Beatleshow inside the Miracle Mile mall is good too.
https://vtheater.com/beatleshow

If you're going to wander into Circus Circus anyway, the free Circus acts every hour or so are worth watching.

Let's not discount the street performers on Fremont Street or even on the bridges that cross the Strip.

What about the free gander at the Show Girls on the Strip? Some are rather ouch and worth shielding your eyes from, but occasionally, some talent.

If he ever returns to performing The Amazing Johnathan is worth a look. Also Divas with Frank Marino, and La Reve at Wynn.


And yes I would agree - forget about the Criss Angel show.

I saw KA after a 6:00 am flight to Vegas, a full day of gambling, a steak dinner and a couple of cocktails. I slept like a baby through the whole show. Poor planning in hindsight.

Quote: JohnnyQ

Just for fun, I decided to try and put together a list of the shows I have seen in Vegas over the 20+ years we have been going there. (Where a YEAR is listed, I had to look up some of them on the internet because, well, it’s been a while ).

When we were younger and had less discretionary income, it was a big treat to see one of the larger shows in Vegas, and it was NOT something we did every trip. But we would do what we could to find a deal or a 2-for-1, etc, to avoid too big of a hit on the budget.

MyVegas really helped us to expand our horizons and enjoy many of the Cirque Shows for free, and we have actually seen many of them more than once. And we eventually reached the Diamond Level at Caesars and prior to the pandemic, that included a pair of show tickets to one of the Caesars mid-tier shows each month. I will miss that perk IF that is a permanent revision to the Diamond Benefits.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Bottom-line, for the shows that are currently still in Vegas, here are the ones I can wholeheartedly recommend:

BEATLES LOVE – Have seen this multiple times and Enjoyed it Every time. Quoting FROMMER’s, “The best daytime show, in fact one of the most exceptional shows in Vegas period”.

KA – This needs to be seen once just for the design of the Theatre and the Spectacle of the Moving Stage

MAC KING – Have also seen this Multiple times, it is Sooooo funny

“O”

And perhaps MORE importantly, here are the ones that I would recommend NOT going to:

CRISS ANGEL

JABBAWOCKEEZ – Well in Fairness, there was a solid 5-ish minutes worth of Entertainment in this one


HERE’s the LIST

1) BEATLES LOVE - MIRAGE

2) BLUE MAN GROUP - LUXOR

3) CHEAP TRICK - PARIS
Sgt Peppers Live, 2010

4) CLEOPATRA’s BARGE Lounge Singers - CAESARS

5) CIRCUS 1903 - PARIS
~2017

6) DIRK ARTHUR - TROPICANA

7) FOLLIES BERGERE - TROPICANA

8) FOREVER PLAID - FLAMINGO
~2000

9) KA – MGM
Admittedly this took a little while to grow on me, but it is a top-notch show. I have seen it several times.

10) LEGENDS IN CONCERT - FLAMINGO ( now TROPICANA ? )

11) MAC KING - HARRAH's ( now at EXCALIBUR )
This might be tied with BEATLES LOVE for having seen the most number of times.

12) MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET - HARRAH's

13) MYSTERE - MIRAGE

14) O – BELLAGIO

15) PENN AND TELLER – RIO

16) PAUL ZERDEN - PLANET HOLLYWOOD ( Ventriloquist )

17) PHANTOM of the OPERA - VENETIAN

18) PIFF the MAGIC DRAGON - FLAMINGO

19) RONN LUCAS - RIO ( Ventriloquist )

20) SOMETHING 1 Variety Show ( I forget the Name ) – RIVIERA
~2001

21) SOMETHING 2 ( Really Crappy Afternoon Show, Years Ago ) – FLAMINGO
~2001

22) TAYLOR HICKS - BALLY's ( American Idol Winner )
~2012, After winning American Idol in 2006, I am sure Taylor Hicks didn’t think he would be playing what was essentially a large bar at Bally’s in Vegas. But to his credit, he came out full of energy and ready to entertain, and put on an Excellent show.

23) TENORS of ROCK - HARRAH's
~2017

24) FATOR – was MIRAGE, Now at NYNY

25) TODD PAUL - HOOTERS
~2009, Todd Paul was hilarious and this was one of those rare finds that was a highlight of our trip.

26) WOW - RIO
~2017

27) ZARKANA - ARIA

28) ZOMBIE BURLESQUE - MIRACLE MILE SHOPS

29) ZUMANITY - NEW YORK NEW YORK
link to original post

Holy cow!! I have lived in Las Vegas for 30 years and have probably only seen 10 shows.

Quote: DRich

Holy cow!! I have lived in Las Vegas for 30 years and have probably only seen 10 shows.
link to original post

Haha.

Well I guess you didn't waste your time with MyVEGAS (once upon a time this was THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD, but notsomuch anymore). It got us 2 Free tix to "O" in the center of the Front Row, and many tix to BEATLES LOVE, KA, and others.

Ditto for getting up to DIAMOND at Caesars, which could be costly but for us all-in-all worth it at the time. And unfortunately, ALSO maybe notsomuch anymore.

Quote: MDawg

Also Divas with Frank Marino

You know what, now that you mention this one, I think we also saw it. I remember the very end where Frank took off his wig, make-up, etc.

Absinthe. Great.

I love all the Cirque shows. Seen them all multiple times.

One I hated...X Burlesque at Flamingo. Decent titties but, terrible show and environment.

I did love KA. You cannot beat a theater designed for a show. I have a soft spot for Absinthe. It's an intimate non-Cirque show that has elements similar to the original Cirque experiment held behind Caesars Palace way back when Cirque first started. I attended one of those first pre-Cirque Cirque shows before it became a thing.

I am glad you mentioned Zombie Burlesque. My friends and I went to see it, and I think they rigged it so I would get chosen from the audience to go to the stage. I was the guy who had his head bounced on by the steel buns of one of the girls while strapped into a chair.

Of course, the guys filmed it and immediately sent it to my girlfriend.

Quote: redietz

I did love KA. You cannot beat a theater designed for a show. I have a soft spot for Absinthe. It's an intimate non-Cirque show that has elements similar to the original Cirque experiment held behind Caesars Palace way back when Cirque first started. I attended one of those first pre-Cirque Cirque shows before it became a thing.

I am glad you mentioned Zombie Burlesque. My friends and I went to see it, and I think they rigged it so I would get chosen from the audience to go to the stage. I was the guy who had his head bounced on by the steel buns of one of the girls while strapped into a chair.

Of course, the guys filmed it and immediately sent it to my girlfriend.
link to original post

I have seen most everything, but I have yet to see Beatles Love. I have planned it a few times, but somthing came up each time.

I am not sure if the following two performances fit into your category JQ:

1. Cher

2. There is a magical Australian duo that do a very impressive show where they change the central figure's outstanding costumes instantly. Don't know what the show title is, or even exactly where they performed?

Quote: Wellbush

I am not sure if the following two performances fit into your category JQ:

1. Cher

2. There is a magical Australian duo that do a very impressive show where they change the central figure's outstanding costumes instantly. Don't know what the show title is, or even exactly where they performed?
link to original post

Just don’t expect to see Sonny Bono with Cher. He’s taking a time out.

Quote: Marcusclark66

Just don’t expect to see Sonny Bono with Cher. He’s taking a time out.
link to original post

😊like a 50-year+ time out?

Quote: SOOPOO

Absinthe. Great.
link to original post

I forgot to make a section for shows I still want to see, it is a short list: ABSINTHE !

Quote: redietz

I am glad you mentioned Zombie Burlesque.

I wasn't a fan of Zombie Burlesque.

https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/las-vegas-attractions/shows/24527-zombie-burlesque-is-a-horrible-show/#post504674

Quote: Wellbush

Quote: Marcusclark66

Just don’t expect to see Sonny Bono with Cher. He’s taking a time out.
link to original post

😊like a 50-year+ time out?
link to original post

He went to sleep in 1998.

Thought maybe you were hoping for a reunion?

My old post on Zombie Burlesque had the name of the other show that wasn't very good and I couldn't remember:

21) BOTTOM'S UP = SOMETHING 2 ( Really Crappy Afternoon Show, Years Ago ) – FLAMINGO
~2001

and I have remembered three other shows we saw:

32) AUSTRALIAN BEEGEE's - Might have been at EXCALIBUR

33) NATHAN BURTON - FLAMINGO ?

34) TOURNAMENT of KING's - EXCALIBUR

"Clean-up on Aisle 5"..... Adding in the ones I forgot and renumbering.....

HERE’s the UPDATED Overall LIST

1) AUSTRALIAN BEEGEE's

2) BEATLES LOVE - MIRAGE

3) BLUE MAN GROUP - LUXOR

4) CHEAP TRICK - PARIS
Sgt Peppers Live, 2010

5) CLEOPATRA’s BARGE Lounge Singers - CAESARS

6) CIRCUS 1903 - PARIS
~2017

7) CRISS ANGEL

8) DIRK ARTHUR - TROPICANA

9) DIVA's LAS VEGAS ( FRANK MARINO ) - FLAMINGO I THINK but not 100 % sure

10) FOLLIES BERGERE - TROPICANA

11) FOREVER PLAID - FLAMINGO
~2000

12) JABBAWOCKEEZ

13) KA – MGM
Admittedly this took a little while to grow on me, but it is a top-notch show. I have seen it several times.

14) LEGENDS IN CONCERT - FLAMINGO ( now TROPICANA ? )

15) MAC KING - HARRAH's ( now at EXCALIBUR )
This might be tied with BEATLES LOVE for having seen the most number of times.

16) MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET - HARRAH's

17) MYSTERE - TREASURE ISLAND ( thanks for catching that mistake )

18) NATHAN BURTON - FLAMINGO ( ? )

19) O – BELLAGIO

20) PENN AND TELLER – RIO

21) PAUL ZERDEN - PLANET HOLLYWOOD ( Ventriloquist )

22) PHANTOM of the OPERA - VENETIAN

23) PIFF the MAGIC DRAGON - FLAMINGO

24) RAT PACK IS BACK - DOWNTOWN, the PLAZA maybe

25) RONN LUCAS - RIO ( Ventriloquist )

26) SOMETHING 1 Variety Show ( I forget the Name ) – RIVIERA
~2001

27) SOMETHING 2 = BOTTOM's UP ( Really Crappy Afternoon Show, Years Ago ) – FLAMINGO
~2001

28) TAYLOR HICKS - BALLY's ( American Idol Winner )
~2012, After winning American Idol in 2006, I am sure Taylor Hicks didn’t think he would be playing what was essentially a large bar at Bally’s in Vegas. But to his credit, he came out full of energy and ready to entertain, and put on an Excellent show.

29) TENORS of ROCK - HARRAH's
~2017

30) TERRY FATOR – was MIRAGE, Now at NYNY

31) TODD PAUL - HOOTERS
~2009, Todd Paul was hilarious and this was one of those rare finds that was a highlight of our trip.

32) TOURNAMENT of KINGS - EXCALIBUR

33) WOW - RIO ( Variety Show )
~2017

34) ZARKANA - ARIA

35) ZOMBIE BURLESQUE - MIRACLE MILE SHOPS

36) ZUMANITY - NEW YORK NEW YORK

Quote: JohnnyQ

Quote: redietz

I am glad you mentioned Zombie Burlesque.

I wasn't a fan of Zombie Burlesque.

https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/las-vegas-attractions/shows/24527-zombie-burlesque-is-a-horrible-show/#post504674
link to original post

My only recommendation for Zombie Burlesque is if you get chosen from the audience to have your head bounced on by a steel derriere while strapped in a chair.

That's about as far as I can go recommending that show.

As far as headliners go, I was always a sucker for Sheena Easton, whether at Caesars' Palace or South Point. And the last time I saw Tom Jones, it made me feel like aging could be some fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kNksLL0sv4

Because I was solo for a show of hers at Caesars, they gave me a seat at her entourage's table down in front. I sat next to her traveling masseuse, who kept poking fun at me for wearing a sport coat.

If you like Absinthe, Opium at the Cosmo is worth seeing. We saw Opium twice, which - not sure if it was worth seeing twice, but we did it. Both Absinthe and Opium are adults only comedy variety shows.

Quote: MDawg

If you like Absinthe, Opium at the Cosmo is worth seeing. We saw Opium twice, which - not sure if it was worth seeing twice, but we did it. Both Absinthe and Opium are adults only comedy variety shows.
link to original post

We saw Opium last time the guys and I were in LV. Had some almost front row seats. A friend of mine who knows what goes into designing these shows said that Opium was excellent and superior to Absinthe, which I really like. I picked up the drink tab for one drink each before the show. Well, mine was $40, but it was really good.

For whatever reason, I usually don't go to shows in Vegas - it's probably "sticker shock" from the ticket prices more than anything else.
Here are the ones I can think of that I have seen:

• The Beatles "Love" - got a free ticket from MyVEGAS (back when you could earn decent single tickets), but would have paid full price for that one.
• Terry Fator - the only part I didn't like was when he wasn't doing a character; it seemed to slow the show down.
• Jabbawockeez - as I said in an earlier trip report, it's a 60-minute show that they tried stretching out to 90 minutes.
• Spamalot (with John O'Hurley as Arthur) - I think the whole "audience participation" bit at the end brings it to a screeching halt. (Not particularly well known fact that I have probably mentioned on WoV before: the surviving Monty Python cast got together for a series of reunion stage shows in England to help pay damages against Eric Idle in a lawsuit from one of the Monty Python & the Holy Grail producers for a share of the Spamalot proceeds.)
• Ka - got a free ticket with MLife Mastercard points; good, but not overwhelming, as it lacked the aerialism I expected from a Cirque show (it concentrates too much on that moving platform they use for a stage).

Quote: ThatDonGuy

it's probably "sticker shock" from the ticket prices more than anything else.

AMEN, Preachin' to the Choir TGD !

Quote: ThatDonGuy

The Beatles "Love" - got a free ticket from MyVEGAS (back when you could earn decent single tickets), but would have paid full price for that one.

Yeah, I didn't see how that business model and/or M-Life could keep MyVegas going with Rewards to top-notch shows available (and ditto for some of the Buffets), but it was an excellent deal back in the hey-day.

BEATLES LOVE is my go-to recommendation if anyone asks me what they should see in Vegas.

Quote: ThatDonGuy

Jabbawockeez - as I said in an earlier trip report, it's a 60-minute show that they tried stretching out to 90 minutes.

I think you are being generous TGD, there is only 5 to 10 minutes of entertainment in there ! Note: At my age, I am probably not their target demographic.

Quote: ThatDonGuy

Ka - got a free ticket with MLife Mastercard points; good, but not overwhelming, as it lacked the aerialism I expected from a Cirque show (it concentrates too much on that moving platform they use for a stage).

I have seen this multiple times THANKS to MyVegas. When I have had front row seats, I had to be very aware of NOT stretching out my legs/feet because the performers come running by multiple times.

Does anyone have any experience with FILL-A-SEAT ? Sounds like it is best for smaller to medium sized shows, but I am not a member. Might be a good excuse to get out of the house. I think I first heard of this several years ago on Groupon ?

Also, don't Vegas locals get some good show discounts ?

https://www.fillaseatlasvegas.com/about.php

I have gone to a couple of concerts at home ( Blue-Oyster Cult courtesy of Empty-my-Wallet ) recently and I just try to be sensible Covid-wise, wearing a mask, etc.

A correction to my original post:

This comment:

Quoting FROMMER’s, “The best daytime show, in fact one of the most exceptional shows in Vegas period”.

.....belongs with MAC KING – NOT BEATLES LOVE.

Quote: JohnnyQ

A correction to my original post:

This comment:

Quoting FROMMER’s, “The best daytime show, in fact one of the most exceptional shows in Vegas period”.

.....belongs with MAC KING – NOT BEATLES LOVE.
link to original post

The Mac King show is decent in my opinion but nothing to write home about. It is one of the few shows that I have seen because it is an afternoon show. I am getting ready for bed at 7pm so most shows are out for me.

Quote: DRich

The Mac King show is decent in my opinion but nothing to write home about.

Thank-you for sharing, EVEN THOUGH It pains me to hear you say that !

Now who's opinion should we take to heart, DRich's or JohnnyQ + Frommer's ?

Mac King is one of the few shows that I have seen that is consistently LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY ( Todd Paul was also one, but I think he might be retired now ) even though I have seen the show before.

Now yes MAC KING relies on some audience "volunteers" and their good nature is critical to success, but I think he can size up the audience pretty well and pick the right couple and that just ADDS to the comedy HI-JINX.

And I am sure you know, as an afternoon show, it comes at a steep discount compared to a typical evening show. There used to be coupons readily available to make the show even less expensive to see. I don't know what that situation is after his move to Excalibur.

I stand by my recommendation. And for being so funny, it is a good show for families.

Quote: JohnnyQ

[

I stand by my recommendation. And for being so funny, it is a good show for families.
link to original post

Absolutely, I think it is targeted at both kids and adults.