Vegas! The Show
Yes, Las Vegas has a history. Kind of. If New York City is an old man who has lived and learned through every war, revival, and renaissance, then Las Vegas is teenager with a really entertaining arrest record. It's not a LOT of history- call it 150 years, tops- but it's fascinating.
Vegas! The Show, is a talent-driven production by David Saxe, the most prolific show producer on the Strip. It's a song-and-dance spectacular that rushes theatregoers from Vegas' early beginnings to its booming present. More of a highlights reel than a history lesson, the show presents well-known songs and long-gone celebrities in a fresh and vibrant light. A little Vegas history knowlege doesn't hurt, but the routines can be enjoyed by anyone, backstory or not.
The vocal talent on display is spectacular and well-timed. Every cast member given a solo sings their heart out, in soft, growing emotion or in mind-shaking power. Costume changes and characters come quick between each song, and the set itself is reshaped decade by decade. The full orchestra, always on stage, achieves a synergy that viewers can get lost in.
Respite from the songs is provided by vignettes of cocktail waitresses, cigarette girls, and the maintenance man at the Neon Graveyard. A more spectacular interlude involves magic, as endless white doves are produced from thin air.
As for eye candy, Vegas! The Show is bursting. With each costume change, well-toned skin is revealed, covered up, and then revealed even more. The powerfully atheletic dancing sends skirts flying in all directions, and the dancers aren't shy. It's still a family show, as there is no nudity, violence, or bad language, but it's still Las Vegas too, so be ready for a heavy dose of eroticism. (The group behind us was well-mannered overall, but couldn't hold back their cheers during the high kicks and the more daring spins.)
A Classic Kind of Show
A younger crowd might find their attention wandering during some of the more protracted numbers, and fans of celebrity impersonation might be disapointed by the show's handling of Elvis, Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. Instead of using wigs and costumes to try and duplicate the famous performers' stage presence, the singer portraying Elvis just comes out as himself, and sings as himself. It's actually kind of brilliant: Las Vegas has no shortage of celebrity impersonators, and it's refreshing to see a piece of music retain its power under another interpretation. It does take some getting used to to see a blond Elvis. The show's hilarious and whimsical treatment of Liberace is a notable exception.
A special mention should be made of the tap dancers, two atheletic guys who have toured with Beyonce. They are guaranteed crowd pleasers, and just a blast to watch.
Overall: Go see it. You'll understand the city better, get your groove on, see some shapely skin, and have a great time. It's not too expensive, and it's easy to find.
Show times: Nightly at 7pm and 9pm. Dark Thursdays.
Click to enlarge the Saxe Theatre's Seating Chart
