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By Santorini Dave
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The 14 Best Shows in Las Vegas
1. Best Comic Show: Carrot Top
Everyone always seems to be surprised at how much they enjoy Carrot Top. The prop comic offers a fun show that runs at a quick pace. If one joke doesn’t land, another one is right behind it seconds later. The show frequently updates itself to stay fresh with current events.
Location: The Luxor, where the theater is an easy walk from Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, MGM Grand and any resort in the mid-to-south part of the Strip.
How to buy tickets: luxor.com
Price: Tickets begin at $40
Nearby Restaurants: The best restaurant in the Luxor is Tender Steakhouse. A pedestrian overpass leads to the Shoppes at Mandalay Place, where Ri Ra has some great casual Irish pub food.
Insider tip: The Luxor does a deal for Carrot Top, Blue Man Group, and Fantasy, who all perform there; Carrot Top and Fantasy share the same theater. For $75, you can see any two of the three shows.
2. Best Magic Show: David Copperfield
The illusionist known for walking through the Great Wall of China and making the Statue of Liberty disappear presents a scaled-down version of his act on a relatively stripped-down stage. David Copperfield is the ultimate pro, presenting illusions large and small, while knowing that charm and audience interaction are the keys to a fun night out.
Location: MGM Grand. The theater is in the middle of the hotel’s crowded lobby and close to south-to-mid Strip resorts. If you’re driving and want to eat before (or after) the show, dine at Hakkasan Restaurant, which has its own private free valet and is just steps away from the theater.
How to buy tickets: mgmgrand.com
Price: Tickets begin at $71.37
Nearby Restaurants: Even without the valet, Hakkasan is an incredible Cantonese restaurant with a dark, romantic atmosphere. If you’d like to save a few bucks, check out TAP Sports Bar.
Insider tip: Copperfield usually does two shows a night plus an early 4 p.m. show on Saturdays.
3. Best Tribute Show: Beatles Love
The music of the Beatles is the inspiration for this Cirque du Soleil production, which is heavy on 60s-era psychedelic visuals. Acrobats, dancers, and gymnasts do their part as the Fab Four’s greatest hits play in remixed form (by original producer George Martin) over a crystal clear sound system. Not much in the way of a plot. The show is more about atmosphere and spectacle than story.
Location: The Mirage. An easy walk from the Venetian, Palazzo and Wynn across the street or Treasure Island next door. A reasonable walk from Caesars Palace and the Bellagio.
How to buy tickets: mirage.com
Price: Tickets begin at $79.
Nearby Restaurants: The Mirage has streamlined its restaurants a bit in recent years. You’ll find far more interesting fare across the street at the Palazzo (Mott 32 for high-end Cantonese or Once for South American/Asian fusion) or the Venetian (especially Delmonico Steakhouse and its incredible whiskey list).
Insider tip: Bring a few extra dollars if you’re a Beatles fan. The gift shop is the only store in the world to exclusively carry fully licensed Beatles merchandise.
4. Best Big-Name Headliner: Lady Gaga “Enigma”
When it comes to superstar headliners, Lady Gaga is the complete package. The long-term residency production is full of spectacle with music, stunts, and special effects, However, the singer is at her best when she simply sits at the piano and belts out a few ballads toward the end. Gaga rotates her full-scale “Enigma” production with intimate “Jazz & Piano” shows, which also have a reputation for being incredible.
Location: The Park Theater at the Park MGM. Walk over easily from any hotel at CityCenter or in the mid-to-south end of the Strip.
How to buy tickets: parkmgm.com
Price: Tickets begin at $77.90
Nearby Restaurants: Stay where you are. The Park MGM has its own great collection of dining spots like NoMad Restaurant (high-end Modern American), Bavette’s Steakhouse, Best Friend (elevated L.A. street food by Roy Choi) and the exceptional Italian dining/retail hybrid Eataly.
Insider tip: If you eat on the property before a show, come early or make a reservation well in advance. The restaurants get busy on show nights, especially if there is also an event across the street at the T-Mobile Arena.
5. Best Cirque du Soleil Show: KÀ
Ambitious Cirque du Soleil production with an Asian theme and levitating stage. Has more of a plot than most Cirque shows (this one following an epic battle across land, sea, and sky), but like all of them, it’s best to just relax and focus on the stunts and incredible costumes.
Location: On the south end of the Strip at the MGM Grand, right next to the gourmet French fine dining restaurant, Joel Robuchon. An easy, short walk from most southern Strip hotels, including Excalibur, New York-New York, Aria, and The Cosmopolitan.
How to buy tickets: mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com
Price: Tickets begin at $86.38
Nearby Restaurants: The MGM Grand has amazing restaurants on site, including Joel Robuchon and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, both right next to the KÀ theater, plus Hakkasan Restaurant, and TAP Sports bar.
Insider tip: The theater is large and so is the show. Sit too far back, and you’ll miss the details. Sit too close, and you’ll miss the big picture. Splurge on tickets in the sweet spot, about rows 5 to 15.
5. Best Show for Bachelorette Parties: Chippendales
Stick with the pros. If you’re celebrating a bachelorette party or a girls night out, the Chippendales are rowdy and fun without being offensive or intimidating. The performers also don’t pressure the audience to tip, unlike other male revues. Celebrity guest stars are occasionally featured. Past ones include Tyson Beckford and Ian Ziering.
Location: The Rio. It’s west of the Strip and across the street from the newly renovated Palms, although it’s not an easy walk between the two resorts. Your best bet is a taxi or rideshare.
How to buy tickets: chippendales.com
Price: Tickets begin at $54.95
Nearby Restaurants: Detour to the recently renovated Palms and its incredible lineup of new restaurants, including Mabel’s BBQ, Bobby Flay’s Shark, and Scotch 80 steakhouse.
Insider tip: A meet-and-greet with the dancers can be booked for an additional $39.
6. Best Ventriloquist: Terry Fator
The “America’s Got Talent” winner has been a fixture in Las Vegas for more than a decade now. He’s incredible at what he does, using a wide range of puppets and voices over the course of an easy-going and legitimately funny show. A few of the jokes are right-of-center, which appeals to Midwest tourists but aren’t scathing enough to be offensive. Many have noted Fator, who has a perfectly fine voice on his own, actually sings better while assuming the identity of a puppet and not moving his lips.
Location: Terry Fator has his own eponymous theater at the Mirage. A free tram connects the resort to the neighboring Treasure Island, but it’s also just across the street from the Venetian and Palazzo.
How to buy tickets: mirage.com
Price: Tickets begin at $59.99
Nearby Restaurants: Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak is the best restaurant at the Mirage and Otoro is a nice option for sushi robata grilled skewers.
Insider tip: For a few weeks in December, Terry Fator does a Christmas show that’s just as good — if not better — than his regular production.
7. Best Rock Show: Aerosmith “Deuces are Wild”
While most rock residencies commit to just a short-term run, Aerosmith is booked through the end of 2019 — with more dates to possibly come. The early part of the show focuses on the band’s 70s classic rock heydey while the second half features radios hits from their 80s and 90s comeback era. Despite being in his 70s, singer Steven Tyler looks and sounds incredible, and the band is as tight as ever.
Location: Park Theater at the Park MGM. The venue is centrally located, next to CityCenter, New York-New York, and close to the Cosmopolitan and Bellagio. Parking at the Park MGM is surprisingly efficient.
How to buy tickets: parkmgm.com
Price: Tickets begin at $75
Nearby Restaurants: The new collection of restaurants at the Park MGM includes Bavette’s Steakhouse, Nomad Restaurant, and fresh Italian at Eataly. For something casual, head outside to The Park where you’ll find Beerhaus for German-inspired bar food and Sake Rok for sushi.
Insider tip: The show begins with an intro video that runs at least 30 minutes. Yes, it’s way too long and you won’t miss a thing if you take the time to grab an extra drink in the lobby while most of the crowd is taking their seats.
8. Best Family Show: Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group brings together three bald, blue men who mix music and comedy without saying a single word the entire show. Whether banging on pipes, playing with paint, or playfully tossing marshmallows in each other’s mouths, the group puts a unique spin on family entertainment. Although the show has been around a while in a number of markets, the Las Vegas production is at the top of its game and incorporates regular updates.
Location: The Luxor.
How to buy tickets: blueman.com
Price: Tickets begin at $75.27
Nearby Restaurants: The best restaurant in the Luxor is Tender Steakhouse. A pedestrian overpass leads to the Shoppes at Mandalay Place, where Ri Ra has some great casual Irish pub food.
Insider tip: Occasional shows are billed as sensory-friendly with stage effects toned down for those with autism and other sensitive conditions.
9. Best Vocal Group: Tenors of Rock
This UK quintet has a golden set of pipes — and stick strictly to hard rock and heavy metal songs from the 70s and 80s. The set is well paced and the effects, which include smoke and lights, almost make the event feel like an arena show. If you’re a fan of AC/DC, Guns n’ Roses, and KISS, this production delivers on all fronts.
Location: After a run at Harrah’s, the act is now at the Sin City Theater at Planet Hollywood — next door to the Paris and across the street from the Cosmopolitan, CityCenter, and Bellagio.
How to buy tickets: tenorsofrock.com
Price: Tickets begin at $69.95
Nearby Restaurants: Strip House is one of the most underrated steakhouses on the Strip and has a sexy, seductive style that matches well with the image of the Tenors of Rock. For something more casual, Gordon Ramsay Burger has some of the best gourmet burgers in Vegas.
Insider tip: The Sin City Theater is relatively intimate. Save money on general admission seats and you’ll still see everything just fine.
10. Best Adult Show: Fantasy
Las Vegas has its share of topless dance revues, but Fantasy is the best one of all. It takes pride in having a classy image and stays away from overly raunchy undertones. It also has professional-level choreography and real singing in place of lip syncing. Of course, the girls are beautiful and the show is updated on a regular basis to incorporate new routines and current hit songs.
Location: Luxor, which sits between Mandalay Bay and the Excalibur. All three resorts are accessible from each other via pedestrian walkway or a free tram.
How to buy tickets: fantasyluxor.com
Price: Tickets begin at $39
Nearby Restaurants: Rice and Company is a solid choice for sushi, noodles, and other Asian fare. It’s right next to the theater. For something more formal, head downstairs to Tender steakhouse.
Insider tip: The show runs seven days a week — rare in Vegas. They have enough performers to rotate in and out, often making the show different for those who return to see it more than once.
11. Best Duo: Penn & Teller
The comedy and magic duo have the longest running show been in Vegas — at least in the same theater. The act alternates between fun stunts and sleight-of-hand gags while staying creative and avoiding worn out tropes. The humor is a little more intellectual with a libertarian bent, but will still find wide appeal among a wide range of demographics, including youngsters.
Location: The flagship show at the Rio is just west of the Strip. Prepare to take a taxi or rideshare service.
How to buy tickets: caesars.com/rio-las-vegas
Price: Tickets begin at $84.30
Nearby Restaurants: The Rio is relatively thin on solid restaurants. An exception is the VooDoo Steakhouse. It’s showing its age but has great food and spectacular views from the 50th floor of the resort.
Insider tip: Penn & Teller will stick around, sign autographs, and meet with anyone after the show.
12. Best Raunchy Show: Absinthe
Set up in a tent outside Caesars Palace, Absinthe is popular with audiences who can handle dirty jokes, coarse language, and sexual innuendo. The evening is hosted by “The Gazillionaire,” who presents a dinner party of acrobats, burlesque dancers, and other performers.
Location: The Caesars Palace courtyard, which connects directly by pedestrian overpass to the Bellagio and is across the street from the Flamingo and Cromwell.
How to buy tickets: spiegelworld.com
Price: Tickets begin at $107.91
Nearby Restaurants: Searsucker inside Caesars Palace has a special dinner-and-show package. Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen is just steps away from the Absinthe tent in its own stand-alone building.
Insider tip: Front-row Premium VIP tickets include a free cocktail.
13. Best Dance Show: Jabbawockeez
This show has an unusual ability to make mystery playful. The masked dance troupe, who built a following on “America’s Got Talent,” remains silent the entire show. Yet their dance moves are so innovative, audiences remain glued to the stage from beginning to end. The show is light and easy, so it doesn’t feel like a major event, but you’ll be wondering how they pulled off running in slow-motion without looking ridiculous.
Location: The Jabbawockeez have their own theater inside the MGM Grand, which is toward the south end of the Strip, close to the Tropicana, Excalibur, and New York-New York.
How to buy tickets: mgmgrand.com
Price: Tickets begin at $49.99
Nearby Restaurants: The MGM has something for everyone. Go with Joel Robuchon for high-end French or Michael Mina’s Pub 1842 for its famous peanut butter burger. For something different, try Greek Sneek, which serves up semi-casual Greek and Mediterranean.
Insider tip: The distinctive white Jabbawockeez mask is for sale in the gift shop, but keep in mind — you could get in trouble wearing a mask in the casino lobby for security reasons.
14. Best Dinner Theater Show: Marriage Can Be Murder
Marriage Can Be Murder is small-scale production that puts a lively update on the dinner-and-a-show concept. It runs two hours — long by Vegas standards — but includes a three-course meal served at your table while the plot thickens. The show is highly interactive with audience members assigned roles as the everyone gets in on the act of trying to solve a murder.
Location: The D, which is one of the biggest hotels on the Fremont Street Experience. It’s within walking distance from other downtown resorts, but you’ll need a taxi or rideshare coming from the Strip.
How to buy tickets: marriagecanbemurder.com
Price: Tickets begin at $75.27
Nearby Restaurants: Since dinner is included with the show, you’ll probably only need something light afterwards. Try Pizza Rock, which is just a block away and has the best pizza slices in Vegas.
Insider tip: The “Rest in Peace” ticket package includes two alcoholic drinks, a t-shirt, and photo.
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About Santorini Dave