What I’m taking my kids to see in Las Vegas:

• Mac King Comedy Magic at Harrah’s – If you know me, read me or have ever been even remotely close to me, you know I’m a huge fan of Mac King. His show is a throwback. It takes you back to a time when talent was pure. No need for special effects or the extra glitter and diversions. This guy in the plaid suit will entertain you with his ability. He’ll make you laugh and he’ll dazzle you with a few illusions. It’s not ground breaking but it is the best family show in Las Vegas and I often say the best show on the Las Vegas strip.
• Blue Man Group at Monte Carlo Resort – The music is in your face and the performers are hilarious. If your kids can read they’ll have more fun and if they enjoy a high energy experience they’ll be tapping their toes and then stomping their feet. This is perfect for the pre-teen years all the way through the retirement aged kids.

• Mystere by Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island Hotel – First off I should tell you that it is not cheap so if you have a family of four you might pay a bit more than your budget will allow. However, you’ll get a show that the entire family will talk about for a long time to come. The acrobats, the music, the comedy and the overall production make this one of the best shows in town.

• Nathan Burton
  Nathan Burton has a way with people and you see it in the way he interacts with the audience. This show caters to the afternoon crowd so you’ll get a family friendly show that can have some adult tones. They are very few and no more than you would get in everyday broadcast television. His act is magic, magic and a bit more magic. It’s high energy and the kids will feel like they are in a real Las Vegas show.

• Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre
  
  I’m not a pet person. Honestly, I don’t see the point in having another organism walking around my house that will never pick up after themselves. However, I have raised two ids who are pet lovers so by default I’m interacting with cats, rats, lizards and snakes in my home every day. My kids loved this show and were so captivated by it that they could hardly get in a sentence through their laughter.

As the taped introduction by Whitesnake’s “legendary” front man David Coverdale puts it, “enjoy having your face melted.”

If you’re interested in what happens between the shredding versions of “Cum On Feel The Noize,” “Sister Christian” and “Don’t Stop Believin,’” the story goes something like this: Drew, a bizarrely good looking kid from Detroit comes to Hollywood in search of his rock dream and ends up cleaning vomit out of the bathroom of a fictional place called the Bourbon Room, a “legendary temple of kickassery” set amongst the real Sunset Strip, where so many famous bands got their start (Van Halen, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Jane’s Addiction…). His love interest is Sherri, a starstruck blonde from somewhere in the Midwest (was I supposed to remember that?) with ambitions higher than her hair.

The band which got its start at Bourbon Room is called Arsenal, and just as they are about to break up, the club owner gets an order to evacuate so that some nefarious and fastidious (don’t they always go together?) German executive can knock the place down to build a strip mall. Hilarity ensues, as do some unexpected forbidden love story twists and some classic rock video-inspired dance sequences.

And really, the whole story is about the club’s sound engineer, anyway. Bet you saw that one coming.

Not that the show is too long, but you’re going to want some food first. Although there are a load of great choices on restaurant row right across from the theatre (including B&B, Delmonico steak, Aquaknox seafood and Pinot Brasserie), really the right move for you is Public House, with a big menu of elegant share plates and an incredible beer selection. I love the fried quail & waffles, and they make a great upscale burger. There are some fancy things here, too, but enough choice to go in any direction, and still have time to make it to the theatre.

One really cool thing about Rock of Ages is that every ticket includes a free shot (age permitting, of course) at the Venetian’s own Bourbon Room, a great recreation of the club that includes karaoke and performing waitresses and all kinds of participatory fun. Just like the show, you almost can’t help having an awesome time here. The kind of night from which legends are made.

That is the experience of Le Reve (literally “The Dream” in French), the Cirque Du Soleil-inspired show at Wynn resort, where a circular theatre surrounds a performance space unlike any other, designed to present a show that will stay with you for a long time afterward. Dancing becomes diving, an embrace turns into flight, the laws of physics seem suspended as actors do live what might seem like trick photography if you were watching a movie.

To describe Le Reve in words would almost be like trying to catch a butterfly in amber: the show is a living, breathing entity (with dozens of immensely talented actor-dancer-swimmers) that indeed changes from performance to performance, matching human agility to man-made technology in telling a story without margins. A woman dreams of her love denied as she searches the dreamscape for truth, wisdom. She is reunited, then torn, then reunited again. What you see in the show may reflect what you put into it, or simply just be a visual buffet.

What’s important to note about the Le Reve theatre is that there are no bad seats, only different ones. Closer to the ground,you will be able to study actors more intensely. Further away, you’ll take in more concurrent action (as the show indeed is in constant motion). In fact, the VIP seating is at the very top row, in special plush areas, where your experience is augmented by video cameras showing underwater activity (there may also be some champagne and strawberries to ‘augment’ too).

As for that meal you should enjoy before hand, there are many fine choices at Wynn. Bartolotta might be too lavish an experience by itself, but certainly La Cave, SW Steak, Wazuzu or the Country Club would be fine ways to ease into an evening of shared enticement and reflection.

Afterward, you’ll surely want to sit with your seatmate(s) and reflect on what you’ve seen, and what you saw in it. For that, Wynn offers several excellent lounges, including Parasol (Up or Down), Eastside, the Tower Suites bar (with a semi-secret list of by-the-glass rarities) and indeed, again, La Cave.

Got a room nearby? They have a few of those here too, and you’re likely to want one, if only to create your own dreams. Make them sweet.

And before you start wondering, yes, they will be Showing and you will be Peeping. This is Vegas, and despite the show’s nursery rhyme-inspired theme, this is definitely a hot hot hot adult show. And Coco is not the only one onstage, not by a long shot.

Truth be told, there are many ‘adult revues’ to choose from on the Las Vegas Strip, but Peep Show, swiftly becoming an institution, is a little different. Why? Because it’s the only one with Broadway-level production values, original music, and an actual storyline. In other words, it’s a great choice for couples with a sense of adventure, and by the way, it isn’t only the women onstage who lose their tops.

“It’s not about how much you take it off, it’s how you take it off” says creator/director Jerry Mitchell. The story follows one little Bo Peep trying to find her way through traps set by fairytale land characters like Red Ridinghood on her way to finding true love. Every character has her (or his) own twists, but you’ll be impressed that the talent is more than skin deep. So just in case you’re there when Coco might have the night off (You got a problem with that? Talk to Ice T), it’s still a great show full of smoking hot talented singing and dancing women and men. Did we mention the men? Because no matter who you are, if that bathtub scene doesn’t stir something inside you, better check your pulse.

Early for the show? Maybe you should consider grabbing a bite downstairs at Gordon Ramsay’s on-fire fancy BurGR spot (get the burger with duck bacon, trust me). Or play a few hands in the casino’s Pleasure Pit, surrounded by sexy dealers and dancers. Focus on the cards!

Afterward, stay in the sexy mood with a visit to the sexy Gallery Nightclub and their Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Saloon. Or maybe just stop by for a drink at Strip House. The steakhouse next to the theatre is known as a place where the Peep Show cast likes to unwind.

Thanks to E.C. Gladstone, Las Vegas Writer, who contributed to this piece. It’s not that I don’t enjoy good looking performers in outfits that make me think about bed time stories, he is just a bit better about being objective in these situations. Confused? Yeah, me too

For a Beatles fan, that’s an easy sell, The theatre-in-the-round experience (which could only happen in this unique, custom-built venue) starts simply enough, with screens projecting images of John, Paul, George and Ringo performing. But then, the cast emerges, bringing to life so many of their song characters, from Eleanor Rigby to Mean Mr. Mustard, Lovely Rita to the Walrus, and so many moments in their mythology, you’ll feel as if you’ve crossed Abbey Road and stumbled into Pepperland. Where does history end and imagination begin? Within LOVE, you’re never quite sure, and maybe you don’t care.

But do you need to be a Beatles aficionado to love LOVE? If so, it probably would not still be drawing people into the Mirage day after day, after month after year. The show is so enveloping, so uplifting, and exotic, even if you’ve never heard the music (if that’s possible). Just as the group’s music progressed from hard-rocking to baroque and introspective, the show weaves emotions into a tapestry of experience. Performers of all shapes and sizes dance, spin, bounce, flip, skateboard and fly in every direction, bringing to life a seamless symphony of remixed songs (again, you don’t need to be a Beatles fan to enjoy it, however if you know the songs, the way that producer George Martin and his son Giles have recombined the songs truly makes appreciate them anew). Keep your eyes wide open, or you’re likely to miss something: a caravan of rainboots, an exploding car, a scrim wrapping the whole audience like a cloud. Okay that last one you can’t possibly miss.

And don’t miss the gift shop afterward: it might just seem like another place to spend money, but there’s actually a lot of cool Beatles memorabilia on display, too.

Not so. There are an incredible variety of regular performers in Las Vegas shows on the Strip for almost any taste.

Magicians are always popular in Vegas, and the ever-evolving show of Penn and Teller at the Rio remains among the best, though you might also want to consider the folksy, humorous Mac King’s matinees at Harrah’s. Anyone who can impress you with a camping tent and some goldfish must be good at his job.

Both America’s Got Talent winner Terry Fator (Mirage) and Canadian Gordie Brown (Golden Nugget) show astounding ranges of talent in singing, impressions, comedy, and in the case of Fator of course, throwing his voice into his cast of puppet friends.

Comedians including Rita Rudner (Harrah’s), Louie Anderson (Palace Station), George Wallace (Flamingo) and Carrot Top (Luxor) all have funny shows, really, and touring names like Jay Leno, David Spade, Ron White, and Jerry Seinfeld also visit regularly. The Riviera has been hosting some edgier shows lately, or for a more relaxed setting, check out The Improv at Harrah’s or Brad Garrett’s at MGM.

Broadway musicals Jersey Boys (Paris) and Rock of Ages (Venetian) pay tribute to different eras in rock and roll, while local legend Frankie Moreno (Stratosphere) seems to be creating an era all on his own. Touring artists are often booked at Palms, Cosmopolitan, MGM and Orleans arenas, and of course the Hard Rock Hotel.

Not only that, but a few other unexpected celebs are trying out the Vegas stage. Cee-Lo Green is about to drop his tribute show “Loberace” at Planet Hollywood. And Playmate Claire Sinclair is bringing a burlesque show to Stratosphere. That’s right.

And if you none of this excites you, and you need something just a little edgier, then Absinthe is the show for you. A little vaudeville, a little burlesque, a little circus, and a lot of fun. Showtime!

Free?
Maybe you need a free show? The iconic Bellagio Fountains can be enjoyed without spending a dime. The pirate battle at Treasure Island, The Siren’s of TI still entertains hundreds for free. Head in to Circus Circus and yes, you can still get free circus acts that are the best deal in town because they cost you nothing.

My Favorite Shows in Las Vegas:

• The Beatles “Love” by Cirque du Soleil
• Mac King at Harrah’s
• Le Reve at Wynn
• Jeff Civillico at The Quad
• Absinthe at Caesars Palace

However, there are a couple that require discretion and are perfect for the couple wanting to explore their risky side or for the group of open minded individuals looking for some adult entertainment or a chance to laugh at some of those subjects that often are considered off limits.

In other words, Vegas is still Vegas and you should be able to get some real adult entertainment right on the Las Vegas strip.

4 Adult Shows You Should See in Las Vegas

Zumanity – Even though Cirque du Soleil transformed the Las Vegas show scene into a friendly French Canadian spectacle of super talented freaks of nature they also brought the circus to the sensual side. Zumanity by Cirque Du Soleil at the New York/New York Hotel and Casino is the gentle balance between the performances that you are accustomed to from Cirque du Soleil and a show about exploring sensuality. The performers do a great job of sticking to the Cirque mold but the narration and interaction from the characters are what help craft a subtle and at times not so subtle exploration of sexuality and what we perceive to be acceptable. Go in with an open mind and a need to laugh and you’ll have fun.

Fantasy – I’m surprised each time I see this show as it is both very well done and these entertainers do a great job while looking spectacular. Of course very attractive women dancing quite seductively in tantalizing costumes can’t be bad, right? If you can imagine what your naughty dreams look like when combined with a little Vegas flair and some catchy music you get an idea of what the show is about. It consistently gets rave reviews around town because the material is presented in a classy way and the numbers are performed by professionals who just so happen to look very good wearing next to nothing.

Absinthe – This is the ultimate Las Vegas show that will require an open mind and an ability to laugh at those things society gets politically correct about. Las Vegas needed a show like Absinthe because it was getting soft. There is nothing family friendly about Absinthe. Instead it gets in your face, in your lap and in your pants. This show is a cross between a Cirque show and Red Foxx doing stand up comedy. It’s rude, vulgar and raunchy all in the good way entertainment should push the limits.

Thunder From Down Under – If I can be honest with you, I can right? I don’t like this show. It’s offensive to men. It makes men out to be objects of desire. These guys have brains. They are more than sex symbols. They are far more than perfect specimens to be drooled over. I also probably didn’t like the show because a guy dancing with very little on does nothing for me. However, I should point out that my wife who helped me with my review of the show seemed to enjoy it a bit too much. Apparently, she does not understand the concept of journalistic integrity or objectivity. She stood up and screamed, squealed and whistled as if she had never seen a Las Vegas show. Weird.

Can you repeat that?

Do you want to repeat that?

You will.

You’ll raise your hands for no apparent reason and you’ll practice those beat box sounds that you had long abandoned. You might squirm in your seat with a need to feel the rhythm. You’ll wiggle your toes as you whistle and you’ll consider experimenting with paint, PVC pipe and drum sticks.

The Blue Man Group is contagious. Their brand of entertainment is enthralling. It works for any age as long as you are not opposed to loud music, rhythmic chanting and loud surprisingly addictive beats. You’ll be entertained by audience participation and engaging segments of the show that require you to be involved.

The Experience
Before the show even starts you’ll experience the percussion dance. It’s not called that but that is what it is. A parade of sound. A line of motion. Imagine a centipede with musical instruments moving along and getting you prepared for what is in store for you once the curtain goes up. Look up, look around and try not to blink. You’ll read, you’ll listen and you’ll infer. Make sure to seek out the details and be prepared to laugh at yourself and other people.

Who Will Go
The Blue Man Group is one of those shows that works for the entire family. Each of my children has seen the show on numerous occasions from the time they were 5 years old. Teenagers enjoy the show as well as couples on a date. I would say that the only group that has a tendency to not enjoy the show as much is the older crowd. A lot older. Flashing lights, loud music. Repetitive rhythms. At times the theater looks and feels like a Las Vegas nightclub. While that is a generalization it really only applies to a small segment of the population. Stand outside of the show as people are leaving and you see the giggling, the smiles and the head bobbing.

The Blue Man Group
Nightly at the Monte Carlo Las Vegas
Blue Man Group Theater

How comfortable are you with really good looking guys with tremendous physiques balancing themselves within close proximity of each other and you?

Do you offend easily?

Would you kiss a stranger?

Ever have to wash out your mouth with soap?

Good.

You are perfect for Absinthe at Caesars Palace. You get a lot of choices for shows in Las Vegas but very few combine all the aspects of the best shows under one roof. Well, I mean tent. As in this show is under a tent.

Anywhere you sit you’ll have an incredible view and the front row is not necessarily the best seat in the house. The show is a combination of a Cirque show, a comedy show and the filth you watch on late night TV because it is so entertaining. Absinthe is the best show in Las Vegas simply because it refuses to be politically correct. It challenges you to examine the obvious. It forces you to watch the uncomfortable and then it makes you laugh harder than you have in a long time.

Your ring leader, The Gazillionaire is not only entertaining; he is a mess to look at. You turn away because you can’t stand to watch and then you turn back because can’t stand to not look. His quick wit and his ability to work a room will keep you engaged and at some point you’ll develop a crush on him. Well, maybe not everybody will. Penny Pibbets, his sidekick is cute, naive and downright dirty. I mean vulgar and precious. She’s attractive yet inappropriate. You watch her and hope your daughter is not learning any of the things she is talking about.

Before you know it, you’ll be gazing up at the top of the tent as someone glides around on what looks like a flimsy ribbon that is the only thing keeping them from crashing down on you. Another guy climbs a few chairs and you start wondering if you would be able to find an exit fast enough if he came crashing down on your neighbor. Fast moving skaters. A girl in a balloon. Two people with big muscles. Two people with very little clothing on and then strangers thinking about lap dancing on an old woman.

You have not seen anything like it and you’ll want to see it again. Absinthe is the horrible scent that is genuinely pleasant. It’s the taste of black licorice. It’s like kale, it’s bitter but you keep eating because you know it’s good for you. Before you know it, you are craving it.

Bring an open mind and be prepared to laugh. Absinthe at Caesars Palace is not for everyone but you’ll be fine as long as you remember that you are in Las Vegas and Las Vegas is surely not where you go to be a prude.

Thursday, August 2

• Over at the MGM Grand Garden Arena the Steve Harvey Grand Stand-up Finale pits the comedic legend, Steve Harvey on stage for his final performance.  Tickets start at $48 plus tax and fees.

Friday, August 3

• Country music sensation, Martina McBride, performs at Green Valley Ranch.  Tickets start at $51 plus tax and fees.
• Earth, Wind &Fire roll into Las Vegas and to The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel on its Guiding Lights Tour.  Tickets start at $35.50 plus tax and fees.
• Rockers 10,000 Maniacs take the stage at the South Point Hotel Casino Spa Las Vegas for three nights of music.  Tickets start at $35 plus tax and fees.
• Meek Mill along with special guests perform at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay Las Vegas.  Tickets are $45.50 plus tax and fees.
• Comedian Ron White returns to Las Vegas and performs at the Mirage as part of the hotels Aces of Comedy Tour.  Tickets start at $59.99 plus tax and fees.

Saturday, August 4

• Nicki Minaj brings her Pink Friday Tour to PH Live at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas for an evening of music and surprises.  Tickets start at $47.38 plus tax and fees.
• Rock superstar Bret Michaels performs for free on the stage downtown at the Fremont Street Experience.
• Parody king Weird Al Yankovic will perform his hits for the masses at the Cannery.  Tickets start at $19.95 plus tax and fees.
• Comedian Steve Harvey hosts the 10^th Annual Hoodie Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  Tickets start at $118 plus tax and fees.