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Top Ten Shows in Las Vegas
Le Rêve
"Le Rêve" has quickly become my favorite show in town. I think that it is brilliant. Conceived and created by Dragone, you can see the artistic progression that he has made from his days at Cirque. The subtitle of the show is "A Small Collection of Imperfect Dreams," and by using dreams as a basis for the production, it certainly opens up the possibilities to include anything. The show takes place on, in, and over a pool of water—fills you with wonder, and allows you to laugh. It had a hard time finding its feet, but now, there is no better way to spend an evening. The theatre for the show is, right now, the best theatre in the city.
O
"O" is beautiful to see and wonderful to watch. It is Cirque du Soleil's crowning achievement in theatrical production. Themed around water ("O" is a homonym for "eau" which is French for "water") the production shows the relationship between humans and water. The Cirque performers will make you agape with awe. The theatre, too, is a star in its own right, because of its ability to transform and recreate itself to redefine the audience/performer relationship.
Mystere
Built around human potential, "Mystere" shows off the abilities of a cast of amazing performers. You walk away from the production wondering and muttering, "how is it possible?" The show can oftentimes be overwhelming and going back to this show time and time again is almost necessary to be able to absorb it all.
Mac King
The comedy magic of Mac King is probably one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Vegas. The brilliance of the show lies in both its simplicity and in the talent of the performer. There are no big sets or special effects; it is just Mac King with a few small objects and his wonderful sense of comedy. Held inside the comedy club at Harrah's, the show offers an up-close and personal magical experience. Audiences are continually amused and amazed by Mac King.
Follies Bergere
This is the quintessential Las Vegas show. It has been around for over forty years, which makes it one of the longest running shows in America, and it is still running strong. It has been updated through the years in order to keep up a contemporary interest, but it still has all of the classic elements—especially the showgirls. There is great spectacle, wonderful dancing, and great singing. The show is sometimes overshadowed by the bigger and newer shows. In the current world of Las Vegas entertainment this is certainly on the "softer side."
The World's Greatest Magic
"The World's Greatest Magic" is playing at the Greek Isles Hotel…it is a bit off the Strip, but definitely worth the walk. It is inside the old Debbie Reynolds theatre—a perfect small-venue showroom, and a great space for this show. All forms and styles of magic are presented in this production for some of the top magicians in the country. If they're in town, they're added to the line up. You will be amazed—both close up and stage magic are presented. This is a great show for families.
The Fashionistas
This is a smart, sexy provocative production that will cause your jaw to drop open with wonder. It is a multi-sensory experience that has a multitude of things going on all at once. At times, you are completely surrounded by the experience as it gyrates all around you. Adult film director, John Stagliano, who always wanted to put on a dance show, put the show together. His ability to translate his screen vision from film to stage is done extremely well. This has some of the best dancing of any show in town. It is not topless, but it certainly is an adult show.
Celine Dion
All right—so you may have to use your tax refund or take out a loan to go see her, but it is an experience that you'll never forget, and it is an experience from the first entrance into the theatre to the final exit. This production is extremely well articulated and seems to run with flawless perfection. The visual imagery is absolutely stunning and breathtaking, and Celine's voice is unblemished in the space. It does help to be a Celine fan, but if you are a fan, then pay the extra money to get the best seats as well.
"Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular"
The Las Vegas version of Phantom is playing inside the brand new theatre at the Venetian Resort & Casino. This Phantom production reunites Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Hal Prince, and choreographer Gillian Lynne; who together reconceived the show into a 95-minute spectacular, including each and every song from the original Phantom of the Opera production. From the moment you enter the magnificent custom-built theatre, you find yourself in the famed Paris Opera House immediately entranced in the Phantom's world. It is an amazing production, and the night flew by…wonderfully.
Lance Burton
Lance Burton is the best magician in Las Vegas; no question and no doubt. He has that rare combination of gifts that include personality, charisma, talent, and ability that make his performances superb. He plays inside the Lance Burton Theatre at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. Very simply, the show is wonderful. The execution, timing, amazement, and pure entertainment of the evening were all great. I don't think that I've ever given a Magic show, or a Magician, a standing ovation before, but Lance Burton deserved it and received it. Burton uses a combination of magical styles—both prop magic and sleight-of-hand. He is skillful and adept at both, and he incorporates enough theme and variation within each of the illusions to truly make every trick an absolute marvel. 
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