Top Shows in Las Vegas 2015

Vegas might be known for its four-mile strip of land packed to the gills with Cirque du Soleil shows (there were eight at last count and yes, all are spectacular), but there’s a lot of other entertainment here, too. In fact, according to the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, of the 40 million visitors that alighted here in 2013, 72 percent took in a show. Pretty good odds for the entertainment industry, even as glutted as it is with shows. Sadly for Vegas, perpetually popular songbird Celine Dion took a break to deal with her husband’s health issues (but is reportedly ready to return: look for her to announce dates in 2015. And even if you don’t think you’re a Celine fan, you will be after you see her show.) Britney Spears is also worth seeing, if only to gawk at America’s favorite comeback story as she makes $300,000 a night to lackadaisically writhe within the most expensive sets we’ve ever seen. And the Smith Center for the Performing Arts always has worthwhile performances, though many are limited engagements. Here are some of the residencies and long-term shows most worth their ticket prices.

Credit: Foursquare

1 Cirque du Soleil “O”

One of Cirque’s classic Vegas shows, O takes guests on an undeniably heart-stopping and magical journey. One of its biggest delights is the massive pool/tank from which acrobats emerge and into which they dramatically sink. But in the last year, Bellagio added seven exclusive box seats that give you a bird’s-eye view of the water. The private suites include a bottle of Champagne or wine, chocolate truffles and a private cocktail server who will bring you popcorn, cocktails and chocolate-covered strawberries. It’s one of the most decadent ways to see Cirque.

Credit: Foursquare

2 Lipshtick—The Perfect Shade of Stand Up

One of the newest and funniest acts in Vegas right now recognizes the many hilarious female comics who have been rotating through the Sands Showroom in the Venetian. Think Whitney Cummings, Loni Love, Fortune Feimster, Jessimae Peluso and Roseanne Barr. Considering that Vegas has long been an old boys’ network of comedians, Lipshtick is a welcome addition to the Strip’s lineup. You can even purchase VIP packages that include front-row seating and a meet-and-greet with the comedienne. 

Credit: Foursquare

3 Absinthe

Ross Mollison’s raunchy cabaret-meets-acrobatics-meets-burlesque variety show at Caesars is hosted by the foul-mouthed Gazillionaire and assistant Penny Pibbets. It’s held inside a circus tent of sorts, where attendees are hilariously—and sometimes uncomfortably—transported into the middle of the action. But the show isn’t just naughty humor: you’ll also see some of the craziest aerial acts and physics-defying stunts on the Strip. 

Credit: Foursquare

4 Elton John

The first thing you’ll notice about this performance by Elton John at the Colosseum (doing classics like “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer”) may not be Elton John, but his piano, aglow with 68 LED Yamaha video screens. A full band backs him up in the production that is as visually stunning as it is a tour de force of Elton’s hits. Ladies: Do not miss the hot Croatian electric cello duo 2Cellos, which makes several guest appearances. For the full Elton experience, have a cocktail at Fizz, the Champagne bar owned by Elton’s partner David Furnish, which is meant to approximate the experience of being in their own (gilded) home. 

Credit: Foursquare

5 Le Reve—The Dream

Le Reve, at the Wynn, will hit its decade anniversary in 2015, and to celebrate, it has just added ambitious hydro- and pyrotechnics, to the tune of $3 million, which took nearly 60 designers, technicians, engineers and choreographers more than 18 months to complete. It will be the only show in which performers actually dance through fire. Steve Wynn was the one who originally commissioned the Bellagio fountains, after all; look for 172 high-powered fountains and shooters and 16 fire-shooting devices. 

Share on Google Plus

About

Visit Every day " and Stay connected".