Las Vegas Tips, Entertainment and News

Not that it needs an introduction, but Cirque du Soleil is a collection of fabulous acrobatically oriented shows, many of which having permanent residence in Las Vegas. The shows feature not only a dynamic display of acrobatic talent, but also fabulous set design, costuming, and general creativity. Cirque du Soleil currently offers five shows in Las Vegas: KA, Mystere, “O”, Love, and Zumanity. If you decide to take in just one show while in Las Vegas, try Cirque du Soleil. Tickets are not cheap, but unless you insist on a fourth-wall production, you won’t go wrong.

KA, playing at MGM Grand, takes on an industrial theme, exploring the ties of two “cirque” tribes. While the plot may be less than innovative, the set is anything but. The main stage of KA is a rotating platform. To use the word rotating, however, is unjust. This is not merely a rotating stage like that of Les Miserables’ famous design. This stage rotates in every angle in all directions. Up, down, vertical, horizontal, you name it, the stage moves. While the acrobatics might be less of a feature than in other shows, the overall impression of the show is stunning.

Mystere, found in Treasure Island, frequently matches with KA for highest marks in professional reviews. The show takes on a light feel, and includes many displays of strength and acrobatic prowess. If you are looking for the comedic approach of Cirque du Soleil, this is definitely the way to go. If you can, try to arrive early, as the pre-show antics are especially entertaining.

“O” is the aquatic Cirque du Soleil found in Bellagio. “O” is billed as a tribute to both theater and the pureness of water. Elaborate scenes take place in, on and above the water, featuring acrobatic divers, and impressive synchronized swimmers.

Love, playing at The Mirage, is a “cirque” which features the music of The Beatles. The stage is a circle in the center of the theater, with seating 360 degrees around the stage. Although it holds true for most Cirque du Soleil theaters, Love’s theater is widely known for not having a bad seat in the house. While its reviews are typically a touch behind those of KA and Mystere, any music lover should see this show. Besides, when the shows are this incredible, being a close second is for all practical purposes negligible.

Zumanity, found in New York-New York, is considered to be the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil. The show is adult oriented, and restricted to adults 18 and over. While still known to be an impressive show, many struggle with the melding of eroticism and love to the light “cirque style”. Still, impressive acrobatics, dancing, and vivid set design await the ticketholder.

Seen them all? Waiting for more? In September 2008, Luxor will open the sixth Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. “Believe” will be a mysterious and magical cirque, inspired by and featuring famous (and weird) Las Vegas magician Criss Angel. Also, not to speculate, but many are counting on an Elvis-themed Cirque du Soleil sometime late 2009. It would reside in the now-under-construction City Center complex. It is rumored to have hit a few bumps in production, but we think an Elvis themed show would be a perfect semblance of Las Vegas culture and Cirque du Soleil’s style!

Without a doubt, Cirque du Soleil is here to stay in Las Vegas. In fact, many consider the experience a staple to any Las Vegas visit. We have never come across someone completely unsatisfied with a Cirque performance, but if you know someone, make sure to let us know!

Every year, Las Vegas hotels spend millions to try to lure you into their casinos. Before you gamble a dime, however, you need to be on their property. What better way to get you there than offering free entertainment? The Las Vegas Strip is full of free attractions, events, and shows. Many of these productions are absolutely fabulous, and are worth seeing every chance you get. For example, the Bellagio Fountains are incredible. They are gorgeous at night (especially for those of you lucky enough to be watching them from a Bellagio fountain view suite), and worth watching again during the day. Unfortunately, not every free show is on par with The Fountains. The quality of shows really runs the gamut, all the way from the stupendous to the downright embarrassing. That’s not to say that they all aren’t worth a visit, however!

Take for example the animatronics in the Forum Shops at Caesars. While seemingly a little dated, less than classy, and a little cheesy, they are still fun. Even if it just isn’t your ticket, you probably won’t be able to keep yourself from laughing at the hoards of people who’ve gathered around just to see a few flames, fireballs, and robots speaking in a room with terrible acoustics.

Perhaps equally cheesy is the Sirens of TI spectacle at Treasure Island. From the lip syncing to the absurd songs, it isn’t about to win the Tony for Best Musical. Still, you’d be surprised at how packed the “docks” of TI are at show time! Some may cite the fireworks, pyrotechnics, and dancing “sirens”, but come on! The real draw is seeing a pirate ship the middle of the desert! And, like it or not, you’ll probably find yourself joking with your friends as you incessantly try to get those snappy song lyrics out of your head (something about honey and shaking?).

Needless to say, there are lots of free things to do in Las Vegas. And, if you’ve got a few bucks to spare, your choices are nearly limitless. While sometimes lacking the wow-factor, odds are you’ll get at least a sprinkle of entertainment out of each one. If not, take comfort in knowing you’re only steps away from a casino resort with hundreds of other things to do (ut-oh, their marketing scheme worked!).

Want a sneak peek? Use the playlist below to check out some of the free Las Vegas attractions.

Louis Theroux is an amazing documentarist (easily my favorite) who usually dabbles in more taboo subjects.  A while ago, he did a documentary about Las Vegas for the BBC.  In it, Louis follows around several high rollers.  Their personalities and backgrounds are diverse, ranging from a “whale” brought in by a personal host, to a local woman who lost $4,000,000 (yes, 6 zeros) over the course of seven years. 

If you have seen any of Theroux’s work before, you’re familiar with his quaint “likable” attitude while balancing severe undertones of sarcasm and even condescension.  It makes for a perfect mix, as he really brings into question some of the potential pitfalls of Las Vegas.  From asking how much fun a gambler his having when down $250,000 to questioning a woman’s son on how he feels about his lost inheritance, Louis is a master at pushing the envelope without coming off too hard.

In the end, Louis really brings to light some important aspects and questions with the Las Vegas culture.  I think the main take-away here is simply: Have fun in Las Vegas.  Set a budget, stick to it, and never let Sin City get the best of you.

If you have a little time to kill, enjoy a 20 minute clip of Theroux’s work, Gambling In Las Vegas.