Top 10 Shows Not to Miss in Vegas (2019)
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VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but the word is out about these shows. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Shows Not to Miss in Vegas (2019). For this list, we're taking a look at shows that are still playing in Las Vegas, Nevada as of early 2019. Fair warning: some racy content ahead!
Top 10 Shows Not to Miss in Las Vegas
What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but the word is out about these shows. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Shows Not to Miss in Las Vegas.
For this list, we’re taking a look at shows that are still playing in Las Vegas, Nevada as of early 2019. Fair warning: some racy content ahead!
#10: “Aussie Heat”
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
If you’ve seen the movie “Magic Mike” more than a dozen times, then this steamy show should be right up your alley. “Aussie Heat” promotes itself as the “most hands-on show in Vegas,” as well as the city’s “best male strip show.” This adult show brings together the hottest dancers from Australia, who specialize in everything from break dancing to freestyle. You may come for the stripping and six-packs, but you’ll stay for the epic dance moves. On top of that, “Aussie Heat” incorporates elements of comedy, embracing just how raunchy its premise is. Just be prepared for the unexpected, as interaction with the audience is a large part of the show. For bachelorette parties in particular, this show is guaranteed to bring the heat.
#9: “Paranormal – The Mindreading Magic Show”
Bally’s Las Vegas
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, “Paranormal” is an undeniably fun show carried by the charisma of Frederic Da Silva. Mixing together mind-reading and magic, Da Silva was hailed as Europe’s finest mentalist and he’s brought his talents to Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. In one of his most popular bits, Da Silva blindfolds himself and uses his illusionist instincts to figure out what somebody else drew on a whiteboard. Rather than just saying what the other person sketched, though, Da Silva will draw out his own copy, keeping the audience on their toes at all times. If you go in with an open mind, you’re sure to walk out of the theatre asking, “how did he do that?”
#8: Carrot Top
Luxor Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
Iconic for his large head of red hair, Scott Thompson, better known as Carrot Top, is usually the first person who comes to mind when we think of prop comedy. Carrot Top’s brand of humor isn’t limited to props and inventions, as he also brings observational and dark comedy to the table. Skewing towards college students, his twisted, theatrical style has made him a great fit for the Luxor Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The redhead has picked up a variety of accolades for his Vegas show with Nevada Magazine naming him Comedian of the Year and the American Comedy Awards deeming him Best Male Standup Comic. Guests can even schedule a meet and greet with Carrot Top, complete with a special goody bag.
#7: Terry Fator
The Mirage
Ventriloquist Terry Fator walked away with a million dollars for winning on the second season of “America’s Got Talent.” Fator’s net worth would rise even higher from that point on, signing a five-year contract with Vegas’ The Mirage for $100 million. Fator has brought a wide variety of puppets to life, all of which have a distinct personality. Actually, some of his puppets have multiple personalities. Winston the Turtle, for example, can do a spot-on impression of pretty much any celebrity. Speaking of which, Fator also has puppets modeled after big names like Michael Jackson, Elton John, and President Donald Trump. Through his singing, impressions, and masterful puppetry, Fator has strived to show audiences that ventriloquism is a legitimate stagecraft that deserves serious recognition.
#6: “Purple Reign”
Tropicana Las Vegas
The Artist Formerly Known as Prince passed away in 2016, but his legacy, influence, and music will never die. The spirit of Prince is alive and well in “Purple Reign,” an award-winning tribute show that reminds us why this musician was nothing short of legendary. Before making it to Vegas, “Purple Reign” gained popularity through performances at college clubs and late-night talk shows. As a matter of fact, it was the first tribute act to perform on “David Letterman” as a musical guest. Jason Tenner in particular has been praised for his impersonation of Prince, getting his look, voice, and mannerisms down to a T. If you never had the opportunity to see Prince live, “Purple Reign” may be the closest you’ll ever get.
#5: Penn & Teller
Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
From Jen Kramer to Mac King, Vegas is home to some of the world’s most mind-blowing magicians. Of all magicians still currently performing in Vegas, however, no duo has defined the profession like Penn Jillette and Raymond Teller. Aside from their impressive illusionist skills, these guys became household names largely thanks to their recognizable personas. Penn is, shall we say, by far the more talkative of the two, speaking a mile a minute with natural showmanship. Teller, meanwhile, almost always keeps his lips sealed, although it doesn’t take much more than a simple reaction for him to get a laugh. Together, theirs is a perfect recipe for both stage magic and comedic magic. That’s exactly why Penn and Teller have become the longest-running headliners in the history of Vegas.
#4: Blue Man Group
Luxor Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
The Blue Man Group is easily one of the strangest acts ever to hit Vegas, but that’s also one of the reasons why it has become one of the city’s most iconic shows. Even if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing this musical group live, there’s little doubt that you’ll recognize their black attire, bald heads, and blue faces. The group regularly performs at several venues around the country and even inspired a global tour. However, the show’s sheer spectacle and surreal atmosphere arguably makes it best suited for a Vegas audience. The Blue Man Group has cooked up some of the kookiest instruments and props ever conceived, giving the show an otherworldly ambiance that’s only made more festive with psychedelic lights and toilet paper confetti.
#3: “Absinthe”
Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
While some of the shows on this list can appeal to families, “Absinthe” is exclusively meant for audiences 18 and older. Of course, the reason most people visit Vegas is because they’re looking for something a bit more adult. “Absinthe” delivers on that front, priding itself on being the most outrageous show in town. Performed inside a tent, this show has the flair of a circus and the risqué nature of a burlesque show. If you took “Moulin Rouge!” and crossed it with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” you’d get something along the lines of this wacky, vulgar, and just plain wild descent into insanity. Some folks go to Vegas for the parties, others go for the shows, but at “Absinthe” you get the whole package.
#2: “Le Rêve – The Dream”
Wynn Las Vegas
Quite a few Vegas shows involve acrobatics, but Le Rêve incorporates one element which sets it apart from all the rest: water! The show’s theater-in-the-round stage is like the Bellagio Fountains condensed into a single auditorium. With a water capacity of nearly 1 million gallons, Le Rêve is the ultimate showcase for synchronized swimmers, divers, and Olympic athletes. The show itself is practically operatic, plunging the audience into the protagonist’s mystical dream. For eight years in a row, Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association named Le Rêve Best Production Show. It’s without a doubt a deep dive into the abyss of imagination that’ll take anyone’s breath away. Once you’ve been submerged, you’ll never want to come back up to the surface.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“All Shook Up’
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
“Fantasy”
Luxor Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
Piff the Magic Dragon
Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas
“Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal”
Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
#1: “Love” – Cirque du Soleil
The Mirage
From “Mystère,” to “O,” to “KÀ,” you can’t go wrong with Cirque du Soleil in Vegas. If we had to single out this company’s best offering, however, it would have to be “Love.” Why? Because the show combines the wonder of Cirque du Soleil with the immortal music of the Beatles, amounting to a match made in heaven. The extravagant set, colorful costumes, and miraculous choreography transport the audience back to the 1960s when the Fab Five reached the pinnacle of superstardom. It’s an experience that takes us underwater in a yellow submarine, soaring in a sky of diamonds with Lucy, skipping through Strawberry Fields, and slipping away across the universe. If you only get to see one Vegas show, all you need is “Love.”
What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but the word is out about these shows. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Shows Not to Miss in Las Vegas.
For this list, we’re taking a look at shows that are still playing in Las Vegas, Nevada as of early 2019. Fair warning: some racy content ahead!
#10: “Aussie Heat”
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
If you’ve seen the movie “Magic Mike” more than a dozen times, then this steamy show should be right up your alley. “Aussie Heat” promotes itself as the “most hands-on show in Vegas,” as well as the city’s “best male strip show.” This adult show brings together the hottest dancers from Australia, who specialize in everything from break dancing to freestyle. You may come for the stripping and six-packs, but you’ll stay for the epic dance moves. On top of that, “Aussie Heat” incorporates elements of comedy, embracing just how raunchy its premise is. Just be prepared for the unexpected, as interaction with the audience is a large part of the show. For bachelorette parties in particular, this show is guaranteed to bring the heat.
#9: “Paranormal – The Mindreading Magic Show”
Bally’s Las Vegas
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, “Paranormal” is an undeniably fun show carried by the charisma of Frederic Da Silva. Mixing together mind-reading and magic, Da Silva was hailed as Europe’s finest mentalist and he’s brought his talents to Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. In one of his most popular bits, Da Silva blindfolds himself and uses his illusionist instincts to figure out what somebody else drew on a whiteboard. Rather than just saying what the other person sketched, though, Da Silva will draw out his own copy, keeping the audience on their toes at all times. If you go in with an open mind, you’re sure to walk out of the theatre asking, “how did he do that?”
#8: Carrot Top
Luxor Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
Iconic for his large head of red hair, Scott Thompson, better known as Carrot Top, is usually the first person who comes to mind when we think of prop comedy. Carrot Top’s brand of humor isn’t limited to props and inventions, as he also brings observational and dark comedy to the table. Skewing towards college students, his twisted, theatrical style has made him a great fit for the Luxor Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The redhead has picked up a variety of accolades for his Vegas show with Nevada Magazine naming him Comedian of the Year and the American Comedy Awards deeming him Best Male Standup Comic. Guests can even schedule a meet and greet with Carrot Top, complete with a special goody bag.
#7: Terry Fator
The Mirage
Ventriloquist Terry Fator walked away with a million dollars for winning on the second season of “America’s Got Talent.” Fator’s net worth would rise even higher from that point on, signing a five-year contract with Vegas’ The Mirage for $100 million. Fator has brought a wide variety of puppets to life, all of which have a distinct personality. Actually, some of his puppets have multiple personalities. Winston the Turtle, for example, can do a spot-on impression of pretty much any celebrity. Speaking of which, Fator also has puppets modeled after big names like Michael Jackson, Elton John, and President Donald Trump. Through his singing, impressions, and masterful puppetry, Fator has strived to show audiences that ventriloquism is a legitimate stagecraft that deserves serious recognition.
#6: “Purple Reign”
Tropicana Las Vegas
The Artist Formerly Known as Prince passed away in 2016, but his legacy, influence, and music will never die. The spirit of Prince is alive and well in “Purple Reign,” an award-winning tribute show that reminds us why this musician was nothing short of legendary. Before making it to Vegas, “Purple Reign” gained popularity through performances at college clubs and late-night talk shows. As a matter of fact, it was the first tribute act to perform on “David Letterman” as a musical guest. Jason Tenner in particular has been praised for his impersonation of Prince, getting his look, voice, and mannerisms down to a T. If you never had the opportunity to see Prince live, “Purple Reign” may be the closest you’ll ever get.
#5: Penn & Teller
Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
From Jen Kramer to Mac King, Vegas is home to some of the world’s most mind-blowing magicians. Of all magicians still currently performing in Vegas, however, no duo has defined the profession like Penn Jillette and Raymond Teller. Aside from their impressive illusionist skills, these guys became household names largely thanks to their recognizable personas. Penn is, shall we say, by far the more talkative of the two, speaking a mile a minute with natural showmanship. Teller, meanwhile, almost always keeps his lips sealed, although it doesn’t take much more than a simple reaction for him to get a laugh. Together, theirs is a perfect recipe for both stage magic and comedic magic. That’s exactly why Penn and Teller have become the longest-running headliners in the history of Vegas.
#4: Blue Man Group
Luxor Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
The Blue Man Group is easily one of the strangest acts ever to hit Vegas, but that’s also one of the reasons why it has become one of the city’s most iconic shows. Even if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing this musical group live, there’s little doubt that you’ll recognize their black attire, bald heads, and blue faces. The group regularly performs at several venues around the country and even inspired a global tour. However, the show’s sheer spectacle and surreal atmosphere arguably makes it best suited for a Vegas audience. The Blue Man Group has cooked up some of the kookiest instruments and props ever conceived, giving the show an otherworldly ambiance that’s only made more festive with psychedelic lights and toilet paper confetti.
#3: “Absinthe”
Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
While some of the shows on this list can appeal to families, “Absinthe” is exclusively meant for audiences 18 and older. Of course, the reason most people visit Vegas is because they’re looking for something a bit more adult. “Absinthe” delivers on that front, priding itself on being the most outrageous show in town. Performed inside a tent, this show has the flair of a circus and the risqué nature of a burlesque show. If you took “Moulin Rouge!” and crossed it with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” you’d get something along the lines of this wacky, vulgar, and just plain wild descent into insanity. Some folks go to Vegas for the parties, others go for the shows, but at “Absinthe” you get the whole package.
#2: “Le Rêve – The Dream”
Wynn Las Vegas
Quite a few Vegas shows involve acrobatics, but Le Rêve incorporates one element which sets it apart from all the rest: water! The show’s theater-in-the-round stage is like the Bellagio Fountains condensed into a single auditorium. With a water capacity of nearly 1 million gallons, Le Rêve is the ultimate showcase for synchronized swimmers, divers, and Olympic athletes. The show itself is practically operatic, plunging the audience into the protagonist’s mystical dream. For eight years in a row, Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association named Le Rêve Best Production Show. It’s without a doubt a deep dive into the abyss of imagination that’ll take anyone’s breath away. Once you’ve been submerged, you’ll never want to come back up to the surface.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“All Shook Up’
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
“Fantasy”
Luxor Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
Piff the Magic Dragon
Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas
“Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal”
Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
#1: “Love” – Cirque du Soleil
The Mirage
From “Mystère,” to “O,” to “KÀ,” you can’t go wrong with Cirque du Soleil in Vegas. If we had to single out this company’s best offering, however, it would have to be “Love.” Why? Because the show combines the wonder of Cirque du Soleil with the immortal music of the Beatles, amounting to a match made in heaven. The extravagant set, colorful costumes, and miraculous choreography transport the audience back to the 1960s when the Fab Five reached the pinnacle of superstardom. It’s an experience that takes us underwater in a yellow submarine, soaring in a sky of diamonds with Lucy, skipping through Strawberry Fields, and slipping away across the universe. If you only get to see one Vegas show, all you need is “Love.”
