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JUNE WAS AN incredibly busy month, and it seems as if July will be the month in which all of the pieces are being picked up that the winners and losers are being sorted out. Broadway shows came and went this past month…magic flourished and comedy suffered. It is now July, and we are getting into the heart of the summer. Temperatures have been warm, but they are going to be getting into the 110-degree range really soon—and even though we are proud that it's a "dry" heat, at that point it's just plain hot. The best place to be is inside a casino or a showroom. When the tourists are not inside; they'll be hanging out on the Strip suffering from heat exhaustion, or by the pool getting sun burnt. It's a great time to really enjoy the beautiful summer nights.
During the same weekend in June, The Mega—Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular opened, as the notable musical, Hairspray, closed its doors after only four months. From the look of the opening, "Phantom" may succeed where other Broadway shows have failed. The show is a brilliant adaptation (which was done by the original team of Hal Prince and Andrew Lloyd Webber), and is housed in a beautiful custom-made theatre.
The new Cirque show opened at the Mirage. Love is a spectacular show that features the music of the Beatles. It is a grand and wonderful production—one that you would certainly expect from the Cirque company.
In the world of magic… Lance Burton just celebrated his ten-year anniversary on the Strip, and Nathan Burton just opened his afternoon comedy magic show at the Aladdin.
The Scintas have now settled in at the Sahara with their music and comedy show. The Popovich Pet Theatre has opened at the V theatre; David Brenner is going to be filling in for Louis Anderson at the Excalibur for a little while…Anderson had to go in for some minor surgery, but will be back on stage in August, and Rita Rudner is spending her last couple of months at the New York, New York Hotel. She will take the month of September off and then open in place of Clint Holmes in October.
Steve Wynn is apparently still not pleased with the production of Le Rêve. It is reported that he has bought out Franco Dragone's interest in the production for $16 million. Wynn is now going to bring in his own team in order to refurbish the show.
The retro-cool musical production Shag With A Twist brings its groovy vibe, swinging music and sophisticated dance to Las Vegas beginning July 13 at the Krave Theatre at the Aladdin. A musical murder mystery set at a 1960s Tupperware party, Shag With A Twist was created by famed visual artist Josh "Shag" Agle and choreographer Cynthia Bradley. The show serves up an evocative cocktail of music, color and choreography that brings to life the campy, hip artwork of Shag, while capturing the carefree spirit of a retro era where big hair, Zoot suits, Tupperware parties and Pupu platters were at the height of fashion. As if immersed in a cartoon come to life, audiences can expect a zany plot, outlandish characters and vividly-colored costumes and sets, all set to catchy swing music and dance. The retro-theming extends off the stage with showroom décor, frilly "birdbath" drinks, Pupu platter appetizers, kitschy ushers and interactive dances that will have audience members energized and on their feet.
Bodies…the Exhibition has just opened at the Tropicana Hotel. It is a very interesting and intriguing display of 17 whole-body specimens and more than 260 organs and partial body specimens in nine galleries. The bodies are posed in order to show off specific details of muscles, bones, nerve, blood vessels, and organs. It is very interesting and educational…though it will not be everyone's cup of tea.
Toni Braxton is going to be opening up at the Flamingo in her new show at the beginning of August.
The most notable event in July for Las Vegas (or for just about anywhere in America) is our Independence Day, of course, and the Fourth of July is bigger and better here than just about anywhere else in the country. The weekend will be jammed, and with the holiday falling on a Tuesday, it will extend the weekend and everyone's stay here in town. It should be a great weekend for Las Vegas. Over a quarter of a million people are expected to be visiting here on the fourth, and if you are anywhere near, or in view of, the Strip you are in for an amazing fireworks display. There are events planned all over the city, and it will be almost impossible to miss. One of the biggest and best events will be at the Desert Breeze Community Center with their annual Red, White, and Boom! celebration—located on the west side of town; it is an all day event with bands, food, a car show, and of course, a tremendous fireworks display.
The purchase of the "sane and safe" fireworks are legal in Clark County, the local fire departments are hoping that few indulge themselves. After having a dry spring, there is a lot of fuel for a fire. Wildfires have already been plaguing the southwest, and no one wants the situation to be worsened by additional fires caused by the fireworks. "Insane and Unsafe" fireworks are available outside of the county, but are illegal in Clark County. Do everyone and yourself a favor—watch one of the planned displays.
There is no other place that knows about celebrations better than Vegas. And this 4th of July will be no exception. The largest and most interesting events are listed here.
Red, White and Boom! Las Vegas' premier 4th of July celebration has expanded to two days of music and activities. Red, White & Boom! will feature musical performances by Train and other top national acts, a carnival and craft and food vendors of all kinds.
Location: Desert Breeze Park, 8275 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas
Time: 4:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Cost: One day $17.50, 2 days $30, Kids 12 & under Free
Fourth of July at Anthem Hills Park Come join the fun at Anthem Hills Park. The festivities will start at 5pm, with free youth activities starting at 6:30 p.m. and continuing until 8:30 p.m. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. there will be live music by Gregg Karukas and great jazz by David Van Such. Fireworks by Grucci start at 9:00 p.m.
Location: Anthem Hills Park, 2256 N. Reunion Drive (off Anthem Hills Parkway)
Time: 4:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Fourth of July at Morrell Park There will be fun for the whole family when the 4th of July Celebration kicks off. Carnival games and attractions will start the fun at 5pm. Game tickets can be purchased at the event. At 9pm the evening festivities will come to an end with spectacular fireworks by Grucci.
Location: Morrell Park, Harris Street and Major Avenue
Time: 4:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Star-Spangled Spectacular The Las Vegas Philharmonic will perform patriotic music along with a fabulous fireworks display.
Location: Hills Park Hillpointe Road west of Rampart
Time: 8:00 p.m., Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
7th Annual Independence Day Jubilee This year's event will feature a variety of food vendors, great music, kids activities including the only 15 ton Snow Mountain in July, along with giveaways and much more.
Location: Seastrand Park, 6330 Camino Eldorado, Las Vegas
Time: 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
America and Christopher Cross Stars on the Lake concert series presents, America and Christopher Cross in their July 4th, Independence Day celebration. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.
Location: Lake Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Cost: VIP Tickets: $59.95 GA Tickets: $29.95
Old-Fashioned 4th of July: Celebrate Independence Day with contests, music, games, food, sparklers and more.
Location: Stupak Community Center, 300 West Boston Avenue, (702) 229-2488.
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Yankee Doodle at the Pool Compete against the lifeguards in different games and activities for a chance to win prizes.
Location:
· Baker Pool, 1100 E. St. Louis Avenue, (702) 229-1532
· Doolittle Pool, 1950 J Street, (702) 229-6398
· Freedom Park Pool, 889 N. Pecos Road, (702) 229-6309
· Garside Pool, 300 S. Torrey Pines Drive, (702) 229-6393
· Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6309
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Red, White & Pool Party: Celebrate Independence Day with food, music, swimming, games and pool fun.
Location: Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive, (702) 229-1488.
Time: 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $3 per person
Age: All ages
There are a lot of good shows coming to town:
During the first week in July
Brian Wilson and Trisha Yearwood will be at the Club in the Cannery, the Scorpions will be in the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel, Ringo Starr and the Beach Boys will be on the beach at Mandalay Bay, David Copperfield is at the Hollywood theatre inside the MGM, Wayne Brady will be at the Mirage, Kool & the Gang is at the Silverton, and Chuck Mangione will be at the Suncoast.
The second week of the month
Little Anthony and the Imperials will be at the Cannery, the UFC will be inside the Mandalay Bay Events Center, while Miranda Lambert and Blues Traveler will be on the Beach at the Hotel, Pearl Jam and Sonic Youth will be at the Grand Garden Arena, and Howie Mandell will be in the Hollywood theatre at the MGM, Jay Leno will be at the Mirage, Boyz II Men will be at the Orleans, The Little River Band will be at the Silverton, and the Carol Lawrence Show will be at the Suncoast.
Week number three of July
World Series of Poker being played at the Rio, Sheena Easton will be at the Henderson Pavillion, David Lee Roth will be at the House of Blues, Rascal Flatts will be at the Events Center at Mandalay Bay, while Pat Benatar will be on the Beach at the Hotel, Andrew Dice Clay will be in the theatre in Mandalay Bay, the Mosley vs. Vargas fight is going on at the MGM, Wayne Brady is going to be at the Mirage, the Tubes will be at the Santa Fe Station, LL Cool J will be at the Sunset, Eddie Money will be at the Silverton, and the Smothers Brothers will be at the Suncoast.
The fourth week
Steely Dan at the Aladdin, Velvet Revolver will be at the Joint in the Hard Rock, Rodney Carrington will be at the Hollywood theatre at the MGM, Jay Leno will be at the Mirage, Engelbert Humperdinck will be at the Orleans, and Trent Carlini will be at the Suncoast.
The last week of the month brings
Cats to the Aladdin theatre, Sammy Hagar at the plaza at Caesars, Santana will be at the Grand Garden Arena at the MGM, Lewis Black will be at the Hollywood theatre, Kevin James will be at the Mirage, The Gypsy Kings will be at the Palms, and Taylor Dayne will be at the Suncoast.
For dates and times, be sure to log onto the Las Vegas Online Entertainment Guide: lvol.com.
Igoshows.com is, of course, the place to read the reviews of all of the shows that are in town so that you can be better informed as to what you should expect from a certain production. The reviews are updated as needed to give you the knowledge you need to spend your entertainment dollars better. 
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