Top 10 Las Vegas Shows by Linda Johnson

Although I love being entertained, I’ve never really thought of myself as a show critic. When my editor sent me an e-mail suggesting that my next blog be about the top 10 Vegas “must-see” shows, I didn’t realize what hard work it would be to narrow it down to 10 since there are so many terrific shows here. After making my list and adding, deleting, and crossing some off, here are the best shows Las Vegas has to offer. Remember, the opinions expressed in this blog are mine and mine alone!

1. Drum roll please… Jersey Boys! Jersey Boys is the story of how Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio, and Nick Massi joined together to attain fame and stardom as the Four Seasons. They take turns telling their stories through their incredible music. It’s hard to believe how much great music they created. I read that they had 71 songs on the charts and eight of them shot to #1. If you’ve been around long enough to remember who shot JR, how to use a typewriter, rabbit ears, and 45 records, you’ll probably know the words to most of the songs in this production. I promise you that on your way out, you’ll want to buy the soundtrack!

Show details: Showing Thursday to Tuesday at the Palazzo, Jersey Boys is dark on Wednesday. Ticket prices go from about $75 to well over $200 for this two-hour production. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Be sure you make a reservation early if you want premium seats since they often sell out.

2. Love – A Cirque du Soleil production showing at the Mirage. If you love Beatles music, then you’ll love Love (that’s a lot of love, isn’t it?). There are approximately 25 Beatles hits showcased on the stage through amazing performances by the cast of 60. There is so much going on that it’s hard to know where to look. I’ve been to see Love five times and see new things each time. My favorite scene is “Help,” in which four amazing skaters take to the stage and perform incredible athletic twists, jumps, and flips on specially made ramps. My second favorite act is performed to the song “Revolution/Back in the USSR” and features amazing trampoline feats. I was lucky to score a backstage pass and got to see the hydraulic lifts, secret doors, lighting, and rigging involved in producing this theater in the round.

Show details: There are two shows nightly at 7:00pm and 9:30pm Thursday to Monday. Prices range from $93 to $150. I would recommend seats no lower than the tenth row since you want to be able to see everything happening at once.

3. O – A Cirque du Soleil production at Bellagio. O is a spin-off from the French word eau, meaning water. At one time, O was my number one pick, but I guess I’ve become a bit jaded from living in Las Vegas and having access to the latest technology when it comes to stages. The stage will keep you in awe, as it is instantly transformed from a solid surface to a 30-foot deep, one million gallon swimming pool. The cast of 85 performers consists of high divers, contortionists, acrobats, and synchronized swimmers. More than 150 stagehands are needed to keep the special effects working seemingly effortlessly. All the while, there is a haunting soundtrack performed by live musicians and singers. You’ll want to buy the DVD!

Show details: There are two performances nightly at 7:30pm and 10:00pm and the show is dark on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ticket prices are a bit steep at between $130 and $200. Reservations are suggested since O often sells out.

4. Viva Elvis – Surprise, another Cirque du Soleil show. Viva Elvis showcases the life and music of Elvis Presley through authentic video clips, gymnastics, dance, and, of course, music. One thing I really liked about this production is the amount of dancing in it. You will love the scene featuring what must be some of the best trampoline acrobats in the world. The sound system in the theater is of the highest quality and the seats were very comfortable. I particularly enjoyed the actual footage from newsreels of Elvis going into the Army and his wedding to Priscilla.

Show details: Viva Elvis is performed at Aria twice nightly at 7:00pm and 9:30pm. It is dark on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ticket prices are in the $115 to $175 range.

5. Penn and Teller – Poker fans will be familiar with the Penn and Teller Theater at the Rio since this was the setting for the final table of the 2008 and 2009 WSOP Main Event final tables. How do you describe the Penn and Teller show? It’s a zany combination of magic and comedy. Performing together for about 30 years, this two-man act keeps the show fresh by adding new tricks and routines all the time. They have a great partnership, with Penn doing the hilarious narration while Teller carries out the tricks.

Show details: Prices are about $85 or you can have dinner at Buzio’s and the show for about $30 more. There is one performance nightly at 9:00pm and the show is dark on Thursdays and Fridays.

6. Mystere – Back to Cirque du Soleil. Mystere has been featured at Treasure Island since 1993 and is a fun, entertaining production that will keep you smiling. You will be reminded of being at a circus. Clowns are abundant, as are remarkable athletes who perform amazing acts of strength and agility. There is a strongman act that will blow you away. I never get tired of Mystere!

Show details: Performances are twice nightly at 7:00pm and 9:30pm. Mystere is dark on Thursdays and Fridays. Ticket prices are in the $80 to $130 range.

7. Lion King – The Lion King had a tough act to follow after Mamma Mia left Mandalay Bay, but it has met all expectations. The Lion King is the story of Simba, the young lion, who will be king of the jungle one day. The costumes and music will grab you. This play won Tony Awards on Broadway and will surely win awards for its Las Vegas rendition.

Show details: Lion King is dark on Fridays and features matinees at 4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays as well as an 8:00pm show these days. It plays at 7:30pm Monday to Thursday. Ticket prices range from $75 to $200.

8. Carrot Top: I was reluctant to see Carrot Top because I thought it would be a silly, corny show. Well, it is a bit silly and corny, but I’ve seen it many times because it’s also laugh-out-loud funny! Carrot Top uses lots of props for his one-liners and occasional groaners. Each performance is different and you never know what will happen next. Go see this show if you are in the mood for a good time. Be sure to get there a few minutes early to watch some funny videos and catch the opening comedy act.

Show details: Carrot Top shows at 8:30pm at the Luxor every night except Tuesday. Tickets are in the $60 to $70 range, providing a good value for this 90-minute show.

9. Le Reve – Le Reve, at the Wynn, is amazing! It is very fast-paced and features a multitude of acts involving gymnasts, synchronized swimmers, high divers, and dancers performing amazing feats. The stage is constantly transforming from water to a solid platform and the backstage lifts and technology create awesome effects. The theater is unique and was built to allow attendees to be seated very close to the nonstop action. Don’t miss this show!

Show details: Le Reve is dark on Wednesdays and Thursdays and has two shows nightly Friday to Tuesday at 7:00pm and 9:30pm. Tickets in the splash zone start at $110.

10. Gordie Brown – Rounding out the top 10 list is Gordie Brown, one of the best impressionists I’ve ever seen. He’ll make you laugh with his comedic lines and musical renditions. You’ll love his Michael Jackson routine!

Show details: Gordie Brown performs Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8:00pm at the Golden Nugget. Prices are $60 to $80 for this one-man, 80-minute act.

Remember, show venues, times, and prices are subject to change, so please call the various showrooms to confirm the information I’ve given you here. Then, have a great night out on the town at one of my favorite shows.

Check out Linda Johnson’s top Las Vegas attractions and Las Vegas restaurants.