Las Vegas: City of Evolving Entertainment
...extravaganzas and late night magic shows, but during the last few years the city has taken a more upscale approach to its entertainment offerings.
The evolution of the new era of Vegas entertainment can be tracked back to the debut of Cirque Du Soliel’s Mystere, which proved so successful it spawned four additional shows. Most recently the organization debuts a tribute to the Beatles’ music with a show called LOVE, which is now at the Mirage,
At the same time two other forms of musical entertainment began hitting the scene, top draw headliners that are eschewing exhausting touring in favor of setting up a home base; and the relocation of some of Broadway’s greatest hits.
Most recently Prince set up shop at the Rio where he is playing on Friday or Saturday Nights at his own club, 3131. For fans it’s a great opportunity to see the renowned performer in a small venue which holds just 1,500 people. He also hosts a show on Wednesday nights where his pals play.
The rumor mill is getting lots of grist regarding Michael Jackson who is looking to set up a permanent performance slot in Las Vegas. While some reports do not peg him a facility, word has been bubbling up he could land a show at the New Frontier casino. The property which is part of the old Las Vegas guard of hotels could use a revolutionary show to bring more people in its doors.
Over at Caesars, Celine Dion is getting ready to cede her turf to an as of yet unnamed superstar to replace her five year old show. When Dion first committed to playing Las Vegas, the resort provided her with her own $95 million theater and an incredibly lucrative $100 million three year contract. Her show was created by Franco Dragone who was formerly with Ciruqe Du Soliel, where he was widely credited with creating its successful aesthetic and appeal. When Dion is not performing Elton John holds court and now it looks like he could split time with either Cher or Bette Midler, both of whom are reportedly in talks to star in their own show.
Barry Manilow has also enjoyed resurgence as a performer with his regular show at the Las Vegas Hilton while Toni Braxton performs does a show at the Flamingo.
Seeing mixed success are Broadway shows which are being transplanted to the desert. Set to open shortly are the incredibly successful shows the Producers and Spamalot. The Producers, starring David Hasselhoff, is scheduled to open Jan. 31 at the Paris Las Vegas hotel while Spamalot will debut sometime later this year. While hope is high for these shows, others have failed, most notably Avenue Q which debuted with much fanfare and its own $60 million theatre. It lasted nine months while Hairspray at the Luxor made it only four months.
Also set to close is Mamma Mia! which has been at the Mandalay Bay. While it is not due to close until next year, the announcement was made purportedly to help spur flagging ticket sales.
"We always knew that the show would not run indefinitely," Mandalay Bay marketing director Scott Voeller told The Associated Press. "In Vegas in particular, you’re always looking out for what’s going to be the next great thing that’s going to keep us at the pinnacle.
© Copyright 2006 Glenn Haussman's material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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