Las Vegas, Nevada, began as an outpost along a major Spanish and Indian trading route and has developed into one of the nation's leading gaming cities. The greater Vegas geographic region is home to Callaway Golf Center and public and private golf clubs, including the Wynn, Painted Desert, Desert Pines, Bali Hai and Angel Park. After a day on the greens, the city turns on the neon lights to welcome visitors to elaborate floor shows and entertainment attractions in smaller show venues.
Blue Man Group
The Blue Man Group began as three performance artists working as street performers, but the show now features a trio (trained by the original members) of men performing in stage venues in seven cities around the globe. The group defines its performance as a combination of "music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment." The Las Vegas show is staged at the Venetian Casino and Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Check the casino website for show dates and times and available seating options.
The Blue Man Group
The Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino
3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 414-1000
venetian.com/Pages.aspx?id=358
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is a long way from its first touring tent performances conducted on the Santa Monica Pier in the 1980s. The group now has permanent performance venues in numerous cities and choreographed show offerings that change each year. The Cirque performs in a variety of Las Vegas casinos, many venues designed specifically for the acrobatic show. "KA" is Cirque du Soleil's most recent show offering; it may be seen at the MGM Grand. The Treasure Island Casino hosts "Mystere." "O" is seen at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, while "Zumanity" is performed at New York New York. "Beatle's Love," with music from the Beatles rock group, is at the Mirage. The Luxor Casino and Hotel features "Criss Angel: Believe" and the Aria Resort & Casino brings Elvis back to the city in "Viva Elvis." Times, dates and prices vary with the venue. Consult the Cirque du Soleil's website for links to the various performance locations.
Cirque du Soleil
Las Vegas, NV
cirquedusoleil.com/LasVegas/en/home/index.asp
Magic
Lance Burton's long-running magic show, "Lance Burton: Master Magician," has been featured at the Monte Carlo Casino for the past ten years. Burton's show is so popular that the hotel designed a special venue, the Lance Burton Theatre, to host his magic performances. Large-scale magic tricks, including a disappearing car, are Burton's specialty. Online ticket sales offer two categories (and price levels). Mezzanine seats are only a few dollars more than balcony seats. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Consult the casino website for special ticket prices and for pricing for large groups.
Lance Burton Theatre
Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino
3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(877) 386-8224
(702) 730-7160
montecarlo.com/LanceBurton/
About The Author
Lee Grayson is an ethnographer and freelance writer. She has written for both Oxford and Harvard University presses and research publishers, including Facts On File and ABC-CLIO. She holds certificates from the University of California campuses at Irvine and San Diego.
