The following represents only my opinions - maybe they aren't yours.
Number 1 show to see if you haven't before is
"O" - Try booking through a Mirage/MGM host who may be able to get seats
(they'll charge your charge card) if you have a MGM slot card. Usually sold
out. You can stand in line for any left over seats a couple of hours before the
show. Try to book at least 1 or more months in advance.
#2 - "Ka" - new Cirque du Soliel at MGM Grand
Re "Cher" and any other show at MGM Grand arena. The problem is this is a
huge venue and almost all seats are far away from the stage. Seats are also
small and hard - not good for anyone oversized like myself. You need to bring
binoculars unless you are one of the lucky ones close to stage. Also people
often stand up during the performances, making viewing bad for
non-standees. This ripple effect is annoying - especially if you have trouble standing
for long periods. To avoid this, try to get seats in lower grandstand - so
when people on floor stand up you can still see, but only 1 or 2 rows of people
are ahead of you in grandstand so they won't block your view if you sit.
Corners may give better viewing when this happens.
CHER - was great - great voice, terrific costumes and show. BUT - the
whole show was a lot better on the TV broadcast because I could see her face
and costumes close up - not in a binocular. Look for the concert perhaps
available on DVD or tape now?
I love Bette Midler, but she looked only 1 inch high from my bad seat at MGM
Grand - it was kind of a waste to go.
I've seen several shows at MGM and enjoyed them - but the seating is so bad
it really hurts. Only see someone you absolutely must see in this bad venue.
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Shows NOT to see (unless free or otherwise) -
Wayne Newton - His voice is GONE. He tries, orchestra and other singers
are good, but it was terrible when he sang. Mr. Entertainment maybe, but he
can't sing anymore.
Danny Gans - good show but overpriced. Also his material is still the
same after years and years and seems dated. Seeing older (now dead) actors and
comedians may be okay if you remember them (like Henry Fonda or George Burns)
- but who can remember exactly what they sounded like or remember movies
like "On Golden Pond" or "Scent of a Woman"? See if FREE, otherwise maybe try
another show.
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Some Good Shows:
Mac King (Harrah's) - get the cheapie ticket being handed out at Carnival
Court at Harrah's. Go at least 1 hour early to make sure you get a seat. This
is the best low-cost show in Vegas.
Scintas (Rio)- I enjoyed them every time I've seen them. Show remains the
same though so you may not to watch more than once. (One friend found them
too "ribald" for her taste)
Skintight (Harrah's later at night)- I found this topless show enjoyable.
They have both male and female "topless" dancers.
Mystere (T.I.)- very good Cirque du Soliel. Apparently more available now
that others are in town.
Jubilee - best of the classic Vegas shows with showgirls, costumes, great
stage, topless in a few parts but classily done (Bally's)
La Cage (Riviera) - still a classic
Celine Dion - (Caeasars) expensive and seats are too far from enormous stage
but still worth seeing. Try to get as close as you can. She sounded great
on 3 of 4 times I've seen her (all comped) but 1 time had bad lisp.
Havana Night Club (Stardust) - excellent. Look for $20 Match Plays upon
leaving and ask for more - check the waste baskets too? Great play to go and
get these.
Society of 7 - (Bally's afternoon) - enjoyed them.
Clint Holmes (Harrahs) - always excellent
Blue Man Group (Mandalay Bay) - exciting, fun show - definitely worth seeing
if you haven't before.
"Mama Mia" - very good adaptation of Broadway musical.
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Maybe Shows:
Elton John - a "must" for Elton fans. Interesting and sometimes odd
graphics and over-done stuff on stage. Couldn't they have given him a revolving
piano for parts? What were they thinking. I enjoyed it more then 2nd time than
first - but I'm not a big fan. He sounded good though.
Tony & Tina's Wedding (Rio) - dinner show with okay cheapo Italian food.
Interesting show but I couldn't always hear or see what was going on. Still a
fun night and the food is included. Try to arrive early to sit in better
seats with major characters.
Penn & Teller (Rio) - I love these guys - but having seen them 3-4-5 times
over a number of years, not enough material is new, and some is definitely old
in the current show. Still they are fun. Worth seeing if you haven't
before - assuming you have a good sense of humor.
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Other things to see (good and bad):
Masquerade in the Sky - Rio - always worth a look. Note skimpily dressed
'Bevertainers" too while you are there. Free
Sirens of TI - Not worth waiting too long in the cold to see, but might be
worth a look if you can. Not as good as the old show, but fun.
Liberace Museum - Collection of costumes, cars, etc. is interesting -
perhaps even fascinating.
Bellagio - flowers - this changes each season - worth going again.
Bellagio - fountains - best viewed at night (closed when windy). Get a list
of songs from the front desk.
Gladys Knight (Flamingo) - haven't seen; heard it's good.
"Forever Plaid" - this was a very good show when I saw it several years ago
- it is coming to Gold Coast - could be good (my fingers are crossed)
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