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-   -   In your opinion, what is the best show to see in Las Vegas for a tourist? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/in-your-opinion-what-is-the-best-show-to-see-in-las-vegas-for-a-tourist-395010/)

SusieQ78 Jul 14th, 2008 03:34 PM

In your opinion, what is the best show to see in Las Vegas for a tourist?
 
Hi all

My partner and I are travelling from Australia to Las Vegas for 4 nights. I am looking at all the shows that are on there and suffering great distress trying to pick 2-3 shows to see while we are there!!

We would like to see a variety of things and prict limit would be around $100 per ticket

Cheers!

happytrailstoyou Jul 14th, 2008 04:04 PM

"O" and "Love" would be my choices, but I don't know if you can get very good seats for $100.

chepar Jul 14th, 2008 04:10 PM

Given that budget, I would see Mystere - it's a Cirque show, but tickets are not as expensive as the other ones, I believe.

Bikom Jul 14th, 2008 05:21 PM

I have not seen Love, but its supposed to be great.

I have seen "O", twice, and its an amazing show. Truly spectacular.

Whatever you choose, a Cirque show should certainly be one.

SiteC_er Jul 14th, 2008 05:21 PM

For less than $100, I'd recommend Mystere & Blue Man Group. I'm in my 40's and found Blue Man Group to be very very entertaining. For what it's worth, though many on here would disagree, I prefer Mystere to O. Love is my favorite but tickets are more than $100.

amelie Jul 14th, 2008 05:49 PM

We saw Le Reve at the Wynn last month and it was amazing. It's very similar to O, but we chose Le Reve for it's circular style theater and seating.

kelliebellie Jul 15th, 2008 12:06 AM

O is amazing. They do acrobatics into a swimming pool that raises and lowers. Very cool.

dfnh Jul 15th, 2008 02:01 AM

I haven't seen many Las Vegas shows but I was thrilled with Le Reve. Our seats were high up but still the view was great. The theater is incredible. Action takes place at different levels.

Carrabella Jul 15th, 2008 02:04 AM

As fellow Aussies, we loved "Ka" at MGM Grand - do a google search, and you can glimpse the amazing sight of the whole stage, covered with inches of sand, rotating and spilling its sand like a waterfall.
Haven't seen the others, but would go back and see Ka again. Any seat would do, I think. Its the story of life, they say - a wonderful show.

Also saw "La Cage" - drag queens dressed as popular singers miming. Doesn't sound much, and we are not into that sort of thing at all, but it really was fun, and a contrast to Ka.

amelie Jul 15th, 2008 04:39 AM

I've heard from two separate couples, where at least one person fell asleep during Ka.

Cher Jul 15th, 2008 04:57 AM

I would recommend one of the Cirque shows - several to pick from and lots of opionion as evidenced here. Then I would recommend something different (rather than seeing 2 Cirque shows). Blue Man Group would be a good choice - I loved it, but it's not for everyone. There are also several Broadway-type shows playing - Phantom, Jersey Boys, Mama Mia and I think a couple more. I saw Jersey Boys and absolutely loved it. Another option is to see a comedy act - regular ones like Wayne Brady and Carrot Top are good, but you also may want to check if there is a top act that will be in town when you are there, i.e., Jay Leno , Jerry Seinfeld.

There are alot of good options for shows!

travelhappyfamily Jul 15th, 2008 05:02 AM

Falling asleep during Ka? Oh, no! It remains my favorite Vegas show. I also would recommend Mystere or "O".

zlaor Jul 15th, 2008 07:58 AM

My wife and I really liked Zumanity. It's not for everyone but we found it very entertaining and funny.

RBCal Jul 15th, 2008 09:42 AM

I've seen all the Cirque shows and in my opinion O, Mystere and LOVE are the best, Ka and Zumanity the worst.

The cheap seats for LOVE are ~$80 and they have excellent views.

laurie_ann Jul 15th, 2008 09:46 AM

Consider also The Rat Pack is Back, a tribute to the 50s stars in Vegas, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. etc. The show is like one of their old Vegas shows and the impersonators were very talented. It would be a good complement to one of the over the top spectacles. And tickets are relatively inexpensive.

Cahuenga1 Jul 15th, 2008 01:26 PM

Blue Man and Cirque are probably the favorites. When I was there I saw Danny Gans if you're into comedy -- he's at the Mirage. The new Bette Midler show is probably amazing but if you don't have tickets already it might be too late.

Jaya Jul 15th, 2008 01:39 PM

You can get good discounts on a lot of these tickets. We got about 40% off on tickets in the early afternoon for an evening performance of KA. Good seats too (there really aren't any bad ones there because the theatre is designed for the performance). There were no gimmicks, you just have to know to go to this place.

Sorry for not knowing the name, but it's located in a small mall on the Strip - the same side as the Mirage. There is a Neiman Marcus or Saks in the complex. The ticket place is in front just as you come in from the sidewalk. Hope this is enough info to help. Maybe someone knows the name of what I'm talking about.

siena1 Jul 15th, 2008 04:17 PM

Another vote for "O".

Mollie Jul 15th, 2008 06:29 PM

We saw "O" last year and "KA" last week. "KA" is really very different and a difficult show to describe. A couple of people walked out. If you can see just one I'd recommend "O". Don't think you can miss with a Cirque show.

We also saw Bette last week. Got tickets on Monday for Tuesday show. Wanted first mezzanine which we got. She was her old self and it is a beautifully lighted show with a huge stage, (left over from Celine Dion?) and she'll complain about having to walk great distances on it. I had seen her about ten years or more ago and she is always fun. She talks about her beautiful showgirls and "not one is a French-Canadian circus performer!"

There is a comedian/magician (Mac King) at Harrah's performing at 1 and 3 pm. He's really amazing and very good. You can even take kids. It's $25 but many times coupons are handed out on the street so you only pay about $13. That's for a drink and tax. Something to do if you're sick of gambling. Don't automatically turn down hand outs until you see what they are. Many are discount coupons. While we were out there last week the news reported that Casino income is down 20% this year. The slots are very tight.

Good luck!

Merseyheart Jul 15th, 2008 09:38 PM

Be sure to check out the name performers, the "headliners", such as Bette Midler. She's there as a steady gig, most of the others just visit for a night or two. I've seen McCartney at the MGM Grand Arena, and smaller acts at the Orleans.

closer52 Jul 16th, 2008 01:32 PM

In our humble opinion, LOVE is by far the best option. First, the performers do Cirque-like acrobatics and the music/theme is simply outstanding. Also, There's not a bad seat in the house, so even the lowest-priced seats are excellent. Good luck!

brafost Jul 16th, 2008 01:46 PM

We have seen all of the Cirque shows and definitely O is the very best one...do not miss it...get tickets asap as they sell out quickly and never mind the cost, just see it!!!

Little_Man Jul 16th, 2008 04:30 PM

Have to go with "Love" here, too. Just a great experience.

SiteC_er Jul 16th, 2008 05:58 PM

Too each his/her own...but we've seen most of the Cirque shows and would rate O in the middle. Love & Mystere are much better in our opinion

Jaya Jul 16th, 2008 06:32 PM

Hi SusieQ78, it comes down to too many good shows, too few nights in Vegas.

Throw the names (at least those of Cirque du Soleil) in a hat and pick out however many names of shows you want to see. Depending on schedules, you could even see two differnt shows in the same day! This is Vegas, you can't really go wrong. All of the shows are good - they wouldn't survive there otherwise.

Be aware of days when the show is "dark" (Las Vegas term for "closed"). They don't perform 7 days a week.

All the same, I hope you have a super time!


Carol47 Jul 17th, 2008 06:34 AM

We were there late June and saw 3 shows in 4 days.... LOVE, Jersey Boys and Spamalot. All 3 were tremendous. Spamalot is leaving this month, but it is great fun, a laugh a minute! Discount tickets can be found on smarterlasvegas and travelzoo. Jersey Boys has wonderful music, which I remembered from my youth! And LOVE is the new, hot cirque show in Vegas. I have seen all of them and like them all for different reasons. If I had to pick one, I think KA would be my favorite. I would also love to see Bette Midler and Cher. I really enjoyed Celine when she appeared. So many choices...now your are really confused.

BobNSue Jul 17th, 2008 06:53 AM

We love Las Vegas and have attended many shows. Most recently KA has impressed us as did "O". If you've never to to LV, we would recommend Folies at the Trop and Jubilee at Bally's as old fashioned Las Vegas type shows with topless dancers and a variety of entertaining acts and music and which have affordable prices and often have 2 for 1 coupons in the local magazines.

sessa1959 Jul 17th, 2008 07:31 AM

I don't like to shout online, but BEATLES LOVE @ the Mirage! I've been to many concerts, opera and theatre events in my 48 years and this was one of the alltime best! I felt like a kid @ the circus for the first time. Try to sit around the 10th row in section 106. It's so worth the ticket price. Enjoy!

amelie Jul 17th, 2008 07:37 AM

Spamalot is great, but would you see a show that you can see anywhere really? I saw Spamalot last year in Cleveland, so it if came to Cleveland it must come to most places.

I guess the same goes for Jersey Boys.

Just my opinion though.

I talked to someone that lived in Vegas and has seen most shows, Ka, Love, Le Reve. They really loved Love a lot (she was a major Beatles fan though) and Le Reve. My brother really loved O. I think you should read the descriptions and go from there.

happytrailstoyou Jul 17th, 2008 07:46 AM

Having seen several Cirque show, I thought "O" was the hands-down winner because it is unlike anything I have ever seen--a spectacular circus performed in a swimming pool unlike any other.

But, others prefer Mystere and Ka.

I agree with amelie that it would be best for you to read the descriptions of the shows and decide for yourselves which ones most interest you and your partner.



WannabeinaMontserrat Jul 17th, 2008 08:03 AM

I'll go against the grain here w/Folies Bergere. A kind of history of burlesque show, & very much old Vegas. I also like "The Amazing Jonathan" for magic/comedy. I would also suggest checking what is in town while you're there. I've seen Bob Newhart, Tim Conway & others. I'm not all that keen on the huge production shows.

beachgirl86 Jul 17th, 2008 09:00 AM

We saw "Mystere" when we went because tickets to "O" were sold out, and it was FANTASTIC!

KimberlyO Jul 17th, 2008 10:22 AM

Discounted day of show tickets are available at two locations on the strip - one is at the Fashion Show Mall - and the other is behind the large Coca Cola bottle near the MGM Grand. I believe you need to line up at 10am on the show date. Theatres release the tickets and these locations sell them for a big discount. Keep in mind that you are taking a risk that the show you want to see will have availability.

We are absolutely amazed by the Cirque shows and Danny Gans is very entertaining as well. Have a great trip.

weindell Jul 17th, 2008 12:26 PM

Funny how people see the same show and come away with totally different reactions. We saw "Ka" and then "O" the next night. I was so blown away by "Ka" I still get chills thinking about it a year later. Because we saw "Ka" first, I thought "O" was not that impressive. If I had seen them in reverse order, I probably would have been more impressed with "O" than I was, but it was pale after seeing "Ka."

Gretchen Jul 17th, 2008 01:01 PM

i wouldn't go to Las Vegas on a bet but IF I did, I would not miss Bette Midler's new show. she's the real deal.

Bobmrg Jul 17th, 2008 04:48 PM

Aren't all Vegas show audiences "tourists"? Can't imagine a local resident going to one.

Windrunner Jul 18th, 2008 02:16 AM

I have been to KA twice and loved it both times. Second time took my mother and she felt the same way.
Also found Le Reve to be very special - non stop action and doesn't matter where you sat.
Saw Zumanity last time I was there - an adult show. If you don't mind an adult theme, it is hilarious although I recommend not sitting in the front row or easily accessible seats for the performers to get hold of you .. :-)
Have also seen Love and really enjoyed that as well.
I keep missing Blue Man but will go next time. Also plan to see Phantom just to see the theatre.
If you are into shows like Mamma Mia you can pick them up for a really low price but using the coupons in the tourist booklets.
The water show at Bellagio is nightly and free .. :-) .. a number of free things in Vegas ..

SaraWOO Jul 19th, 2008 03:57 AM

Check smartervegas.com for show offers and reviews:
http://www.smartervegas.com/shows.aspx

Personally if I had to pick 3 shows they would be:
1) Le Reve (Cirque)
2) Carrot Top (Comedy)
3) Blue Man Group

singinnurse53 Jul 20th, 2008 02:47 PM

hi we were there for the first time in may and saw our first cirque show-- mystere luckily, we were visiting dtr and sil who are in the in the air force and had a military discount! but even without the discount, the show would have been worth every cent!! it was just amazing we want to go back and see LOVE the next time....
my grandson wants to see blue man (he's 9) but we couldnt afford it that week..his parents will take him soon......
we also saw Penn and Teller --not on discount-- and although they were very nice afterward, etc it was a let down after seeing the cirque show....
NOW--- here's what you do-- buy your tkts to a cirque show in advance so you have them, then while you're there, go to the half price ticket booth(like tks in NYC) there are about 4 along the strip (we saw the one by the M and M store) and they had Penn and Teller for much less that what we paid!!! :( there were several decent shows on their list...but not the cirque shows or the big headliners...
also- if you have alot of time on your hands, you will be accosted by the time share people in just about every big casino... if you listen to their 90min spiel, you can get show tkts free or at discout.... we almost did it for a big discount on blue man, but there were 8 of us so we didnt go... maybe someone else knows if blue man is up on the half price booth....
also go to the vegas web sites and check out all the free stuff like the before-mentioned fountain show and the hokey pirate show which you can see after mystere in treasure island
ps--foodie hint our favorite buffet was at mandalay bay - nice setting, great food! the rio seafood buffet was about a 2 out of ten on my scale you got one lobster tail and our were all dried out......but their free show was fun
pps -a great night was when we went to downtown and just walked around the neon stuff...my son thought he was going to drive a car back to nj after he won it at the nickel slot in fitzgeralds lol
ppps -- dont forget a trip to the "damn Dam" aka Hoover dam we really enjoyed it..
enjoy!

SiteC_er Jul 20th, 2008 05:04 PM

I believe if you go to the Cirque website they are offering summer discounts (approx 35% off) for Mystere & Zumanity.


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