The Las Vegas shows you have to see
Las Vegas is more than just gambling. It is the entertainment capital of the world, and has attracted some of the best talent around who have taken up residency.
Award-winning musicians, Rock and Roll hall-of-famers and pop icons play night after night, week after week, and sometimes month after month. They are even in such demand their performances are extended for years. So what’s good, and what’s great? It’s hard to pick just a few.
Las Vegas has everything from magicians to comedians, country singers to pop stars. Ultimately, the best show is the one you want to see. So, here’s a look at what’s going on right now:
Barry Manilow
A long time favorite, Barry Manilow has started recently in Las Vegas. Since February 2019, he has been serving up some of his best performances. And the audiences love it. If you are looking to check off some boxes on your list of live performances, this is one not to miss.
From the spectacular costumes, including metallic jackets, to the incredible band and background singers, Barry Manilow brings it.
Manilow: Las Vegas will continue at the iconic Westgate Theater for three nights a week until the end of June.
Barry Manilow: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109, +1 888 796 3564
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an institution, just short of the Rolling Stones. The number-one selling rock band in the US has come to Las Vegas for an extended residency. And this is the time to see them. Their show is on point, perfected, and pleases audiences
And don’t think you’ve heard it all before. They are incorporating never before heard sets, and might even show some brand new material if you are lucky.
Aerosmith: Park MGM, Park Theater, 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, +1 855 788 6775
Boyz II Men
Are you looking for something nostalgic? The Mirage Hotel & Casino is putting on R&B vocal group Boyz II Men in an extended residency at the Terry Fator Theater. This Philly trio starring Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris has come back like they never left.
This is actually their second residency, so if you missed them once before, you have another shot. The Mirage, which hosted the group in 2013 and 2014, was inundated by fans demanding their return.
It is considered a close and intimate performance, with the singers engaging the audience.
Boyz II Men: The Mirage, The Terry Fator Theatre, 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, +1 800 963 9634
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani’s “Just a Girl” Vegas show is taking place at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Her residency has already been extended once, so come see what all the fuss is about. Stefani has three Grammys, four MTV Video Music Awards and two Billboard Awards, and has sung some of my favorite songs. Plus, I hear her 10 year-old son Zuma is even helping back stage.
And the show doesn’t stop there. Guests can purchase bottle service and VIP packages to make the experience even better. But be quick. The show will run from July through November, unless it gets a third extension.
Gwen Stefani: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Zappos Theater, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, +1 855 234 7469
Cher
MGM struck big when they landed the Goddess of Pop, as many have come to know her. Cher will perform six shows in total at the MGM Resorts in both August and September. An Emmy, Grammy and Academy-Award winner, she is also the recipient of hundreds of other awards spanning her decades-long career as one of the top-selling performers of all time.
And this is a show even other celebrities want to see. Recent audience members include Kim Kardashian West and her husband, Kanye.
Cher: Park MGM, Park Theater, 3770 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, +1 855 788 6775
Diana Ross
Diana Ross. Need we say more. She is a powerhouse, and her live performance carries with it an energy that surpasses any recording. You have to go and hear her live to know what we are talking about. Really, go and get your tickets.
Ross performs her greatest hits along with some lesser-known tracks. And she favors the audience with her wardrobe of incredible costumes. It really is a great display of entertainment.
Diana Ross: Wynn Resorts, Encore Theater, 3131 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, +1 702 770 9966
ABSINTHE
Looking for something fun and adult that mixes in a little bit of everything? Like the namesake spirit, this show caters to a select crowd. No kids allowed. The burlesque-inspired Spiegelworld production has become a favorite in town, frequently selling out its daily, multiple showings. If you don’t go through Tix4Tonight, or a concierge, you might not even get a ticket, so don’t hesitate.
Right outside Caesars Palace Roman Plaza, you just need to look for the big-top tent to know where to go. A theater in-the-round experience, you get to combine spectacle with drinks specials, which is always ace in our book.
The show mixes circus acts, sexy performances and suggestive comedy routines that will cap out any night, without leaving you exhausted.
ABSINTHE: Caesars Palace, Roman Plaza, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, +1 888 929 7849
Blue Man Group
A show synonymous with Las Vegas, these three bald and blue men headline at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. Their performance has evolved into an interactive extravaganza, high in energy, excitement, and spectacle. Combining music and art, they have made something unique which brings fans back again and again.
And if you are interested in a real souvenir, the pictures made on-stage are available for sale after every performance. That is something special to bring home.
Blue Man Group: Luxor Hotel & Casino, 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89119, +1 800 258 3626
“O”
Cirque du Soleil has multiple shows, so it is hard to pick one. But “O” is our favorite, since it brings together an international cast of world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers and divers. They take to the water and beyond in a theatrical dreamworld that is hard to describe.
Who knew that you could find in the deserts of Nevada an underwater world, and story to match?
But we should note, KÀ, another Cirque du Soleil production is in the same tier. It wouldn’t even be a bad decision to see both.
“O”: Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, +1 702 796 9999
Aces of Comedy
The Mirage is great for offering a variety of excellent shows and entertainment. And a perfect example is their Aces of Comedy.
With such heavy hitters such as George Lopez, Bill Maher, Iliza Shlesinger, Jay Leno and so many more, they pack a punch with some great audience favorites. Even with a changing roster, they always attract top talent.
Tickets are available through to December. Check the programming schedule if you want to see a particular comedian.
Aces of Comedy: The Mirage, The Terry Fator Theatre, 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, +1 702 792 7777
Magic Mike Live
Magic Mike was a huge success and has spawned a great Las Vegas show. This 360-degree spectacle immerses the 18+ audience members in a sultry and energetic performance.
Guests will truly feel like they are in the Club Domina as they watch 13 extremely fit, barely-clothed men dance and strip for 80 minutes. It might not be for everyone, but for some, it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Magic Mike Live: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169, +1 800 745 3000
Cardi B
Cardi B has begun her first Las Vegas residency at the Palms club, KAOS, with tickets now on sale.
Palms Casino Resort announced the 26-year-old rapper’s appearance as part of its debut of their new dayclub and nightclub amphitheater-style complex. It is set to be an experience that will attract a young and vibrant crowd.
Cardi B: Kaos Nightclub, Palms Resort Casino, 4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103, +1.702.953.POOL (7665)