Chuck's Show Rankings
by Chuck Rounds

Top Ten Las Vegas Shows (June 2008)

Le Reve
"Le Reve" has quickly become my favorite show in town. I think that it is brilliant. Conceived and created by Dragone, you can see the artistic progression that he has made from his days at Cirque. The subtitle of the show is "A Small Collection of Imperfect Dreams," and by using dreams as a basis for the production, it certainly opens up the possibilities to include anything. The show takes place on, in, and over a pool of water---fills you with wonder, and allows you to laugh. It had a hard time finding its feet, but now, there is no better way to spend an evening. The theatre for the show is, right now, the best theatre in the city.

Jersey Boys
"Jersey Boys" is playing inside the theatre at the new Palazzo Resort. ...Ok, here it is. This is the best show that I've seen in a long time. It's the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and the music, the story, the acting, singing, setting, and execution of everything was just absolutely wonderful...and it was so good the first time, that three days later, I went and saw it a second time. I don't often simply rave about a show and so this is a welcome reprieve from my usual blather. Perhaps it is my background in legitimate theatre that brings this musical out as a welcome sight amongst all of the production shows here in Vegas.

Steve Wyrick
"Steve Wyrick: Real Magic" is playing at the Steve Wyrick Theatre inside the Miracle Mile Mall in the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. His show, performance, and the entertainment value of his production has increased and immensely improved over the years. It is the best version of his show that I've seen in his more than ten-year history in Las Vegas. On the one hand, Wyrick's magic show is a prop magician's dream. The effects are huge and spectacular. On the other hand, Wyrick does some of the best close up magic in town. Additionally, the atmosphere that is created with the variety of sets and the dancers is unrivaled by any other illusionist's show in town.

Love
"Love," by the combined efforts of Cirque du Soleil and Apple Corps Ltd., is playing at the Love Theatre inside the Mirage Resort & Casino. "Love" is a tribute to the Beatles with their music and images being accompanied by the art and artistry of Cirque du Soleil. It is huge, grand, and amazing. It is, yet another, success and experience, which is, brought to you by, what is now, the most successful production company in Las Vegas. If nothing else, the re-mix of all of the Beatles’ tune will astound you.

Mac King
The comedy magic of Mac King is probably one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Vegas. The brilliance of the show lies in both its simplicity and in the talent of the performer. There are no big sets or special effects; it is just Mac King with a few small objects and his wonderful sense of comedy. Held inside the comedy club at Harrah’s, the show offers an up-close and personal magical experience. Audiences are continually amused and amazed by Mac King.

Follies Bergere
This is the quintessential Las Vegas show. It has been around for over forty years, which makes it one of the longest running shows in America, and it is still running strong. It has been updated through the years in order to keep up a contemporary interest, but it still has all of the classic elements---especially the showgirls. There is great spectacle, wonderful dancing, and great singing. The show is sometimes overshadowed by the bigger and newer shows. In the current world of Las Vegas entertainment this is certainly on the "softer side."

V: The Ultimate Variety Show
"V: The Ultimate Variety Show" is now playing at the "V" theatre inside the Miracle Mile Mall at the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino. It is a great evening that showcases the talents of some of the best variety acts in town. These are all part of the "A" list of talent that we have in our city. Many of these acts play multiple gigs---doing this show as well as other major production shows on the Strip. The evening moves very quickly from one entertaining element to another, and the show covers a large assortment of elements: magic, comedy, juggling, and other wonderful surprises. While the show maintains a core of people for the show, some of the acts rotate throughout the week. This allows for a greater variety in the show and offers a different show on different night of the week. The show seems to encompass and embody the very essence of the term, "entertainment." Having been fortunate enough to see most of the shows in town, I have watched almost every of these acts in prior productions. The producers have done a good job at selecting the cream of the crop. It was like watching a "greatest hits" variety show. Each of the performers does a good job at overcoming that barrier which separates audience and performer.

The World’s Greatest Magic
"The World’s Greatest Magic" is playing at the Greek Isles Hotel...it is a bit off the Strip, but definitely worth the walk. It is inside the old Debbie Reynolds theatre---a perfect small venue showroom, and a great space for this show. All forms and styles of magic are presented in this production for some of the top magicians in the country. If they’re in town, they’re added to the line up. You will be amazed---both close up and stage magic are presented. This is a great show for families.

'Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular'
The Las Vegas version of Phantom is playing at the Venetian Resort & Casino. This Phantom production reunites Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Hal Prince, and choreographer Gillian Lynne; who together reconceived the show into a 95-minute spectacular, including each and every song from the original Phantom of the Opera production. From the moment you enter the magnificent custom-built theatre, you find yourself in the famed Paris Opera House immediately entranced in the Phantom's world. It is an amazing production, and the night flew by...wonderfully.

The Tournament of Kings
"The Tournament of Kings," playing in the arena at the Excalibur Hotel, is an eat-with-your-fingers dining experience with a show full of kings, horses, battles, and damsels. The "kings" battle each other in a series of challenges from jousts to sword fights. There is a classic battle of good vs. evil, and good, of course, wins; and the show ends with the coronation of yet another king. Kids love the show, and it has really become the last bastion of decent family entertainment at a moderate price in town. I took my daughter, and she sat there and thought it was the greatest show ever, and simply put, this is a good family show. Entertainment is about expectations. If you go to this production expecting art, plot, story, interesting characters, intriguing dialogue, or fine food; you will be sorely disappointed. If you go simply wanting to play, yell, mindlessly cheer, cut-loose, and have a good time; then this production could be a great bargain for you and your family.



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