Show Clean and otherwise in Vegas
What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but that doesn’t mean the city itself stays the same.
In fact, the City of Lights has changed considerably in recent years; even those
who attended Clean
’03 there may find that it is a little brighter than they remember. The changes
have been even more dramatic compared to when the Clean Show was first held in
Las Vegas in 1991 and for the second time in 1997.
These days, Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. with a
population of almost 2 million people. But that
’s a drop in the bucket compared to the number of tourists. Last year alone 38.9
million people visited the city.
What once was a small desert town that traditionally housed dark, velvet-walled
casinos has been upgraded with more elaborate and elegant hotels and towering
condominiums to populate its impressive skyline.
While changes to Vegas have made it more grandiose, modern and popular, one
crucial element has managed to remain the same: the city is still considered
the entertainment capital of the world.
During the week of the Clean Show, many stars will be in town to provide a
variety of shows suitable for every taste.
Some of the performers include: Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, Howie Mandell, David
Copperfield, the Blue Man Group, George Wallace, Neil Diamond, Toni Braxton,
Rita Rudner and Joe Piscopo.
Tickets to the big-name events can set you back a little — running up to $225 for Dion and Manilow, for example. Those planning on
catching a big entertainment event should buy tickets ahead of time.
A less expensive option is to go to a show that recreates the spirit of old
favorites. The
“Fab Four Mania” play Beatles’ cover tunes and “Barbra & Frank: the Concert That Never Was” brings together sound-alikes of Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. Other
popular groups pay tribute to Liberace and the Rat Pack, as well.
In addition to drawing out the stars, Las Vegas is also renowned for its lavish
larger-than-life productions.
Cirque du Soleil will be offering five shows around town including its most
popular,
“O,” described as an aquatic tapestry of artistry, surrealism and romance. Other
productions include:
“Zumanity,” “Kà”, “Mystére,” and “Love,” their newest offering that celebrates the music of the Beatles.
Those who prefer Broadway will certainly have lots of options to sift through: “Mama Mia,” “Forever Plaid,” “Menopause: The Musical” and “Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular” are all on the venue.
David Hasselhoff from TV’s Baywatch and Knight Rider will sing and dance in a production of “The Producers” and fans of off-the-wall humor will likely enjoy “Monty Python’s Spamalot.”
Las Vegas is also famous for its variety shows and burlesque reviews, which can
be found all throughout the city. The longest running show is
“Jubilee” at Bally’s, which features show girls, comedy and more.
If those shows are sold out, there are plenty of alternatives. A collection of
priceless artwork is on display at the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum. There is
the Neon Museum downtown, also.
Also located downtown is the $70 million Fremont Street Experience, a four-block
pedestrian concourse featuring over 2 million lights and 208 speakers in a
special light and sound show.
Those seeking to spend less on entertainment will be happy to know that there
are plenty of free offerings.
On any given day, visitors can witness the Sirens of Treasure Island, an
erupting volcano at the Mirage, a water show at the Bellagio, talking Roman
statues and changing lighting at Caesars Forum, a harbor rainstorm at
Aladdin/Planet Hollywood, and a light, water and sound show at Bally
’s.
For more information on what the city has to offer, visit the city’s official tourism web site located online at www.visitlasvegas.com.
For a full list of options, go to www.google.com and type in “Las Vegas shows.”
