Las Vegas and humans—both are water-powered. The city
of lights, however, has a bit of an edge with the world’s largest
concrete dam churning out voltage nearby. Still, a steady stream of H2O is
necessary if you want a piece of the action.
Las Vegas Boulevard, “The Strip,” is one of the
most famous roads in the world. And, coincidentally, it’s the home of all
walks of life. One can feel the heat of The Mirage volcano, the cannon boom
during a pirate fight at Treasure Island or scream through a roller coaster
ride at New York, New York.
It’s all there for the taking. As a bonus, Roads &
Bridges offers a synopsis of the acts keeping this diverse entertainment venue
running.
Jubilee!
@ Bally’s; Reservations: 800/237-SHOW
Jubilee! is a dynamite display of sight and sound that
features the sinking of the Titanic and Samson destroying the Temple of the
Philistines. It was just voted “Las Vegas’ Best Dancers,” and
critics rave about the incredible and dazzling sets that make it the experience
of a lifetime. Show times are Saturday through Thursday, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.
O
@ Bellagio; Reservations: 888/488-7111
A project of Cirque du Soleil, “O” is a step
into the surreal where basic elements of water, earth, fire and air are mixed
into performances of dancing, swimming, acrobatics and clowning. There are two
shows nightly Friday through Thursday, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.
The Bellagio also will amaze you with its dancing fountains
outside and in front of the hotel. Sweetening the show are lights and the music
of composers such as Copland and Strauss and vocalists such as Luciano
Pavarotti.
Cajun Elvis
@ Bourbon Street; Information: 800/634-6956
Elvis impersonator Michael Conti shakes his act at Bourbon
Street’s Comedy Theatre. Aloha Elvis! runs Monday through Saturday at 8:30
p.m. and Viva Elvis! takes center stage Monday through Saturday at 5 p.m.
The Second City
@ Flamingo Las Vegas; Reservations: 702/733-3333
Bugsy’s Celebrity Theatre holds The Second City, the
well-known sketch comedy and improvisation company. The Second City originated
in Chicago and has produced several who have gone on to Saturday Night Live and
movie fame. Shows are Tuesday through Sunday, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Freemont Street Experience
Information: 800/249-3559
The Freemont Street Experience carries five city blocks of
street performers and live music. Street performers include a fire-eater and
stiltwalker. FSE also is home of the most exciting light and sound shows in
Vegas. The strip is covered with a canopy of over 2 million lights enhanced by
540,000 watts of sound and special effects. Shows run every hour from dusk
until midnight.
The Mac King Comedy Magic Show
@ Harrah’s Las Vegas; Information: 800/392-9002
Laugh at the magic of Mac King, who performs at
Harrah’s Comedy Cabaret. There are two shows daily Tuesday through
Saturday, 1 and 3 p.m.
Clint Holmes
@ Harrah’s Las Vegas; Information: 800/392-9002
Clint Holmes combines singing and stories of his life
onstage at Harrah’s Main Showroom. An 11-piece orchestra and an
additional singer back him up. Shows run Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Houdini Lives Again starring Dixie Dooley
@ Jackie Gaughan’s Plaza; Reservations: 702/386-2444
This show follows the life of Harry Houdini from his early
stage magic to the incredible escapes. Watch escapes from chains, ropes,
handcuffs and straitjackets. Shows are Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m.
Le Cabaret
@ Jackie Gaughan’s Plaza; Reservations: 702/386-2444
Le Cabaret features vocal impressionist Larry G. Jones,
singer/dancer Sarafina and magician Jenny Alexander. Shows are Tuesday through
Sunday at 10 p.m.
Blue Man Group
@ Las Vegas Hilton; Information: 800/557-7428
Come watch the silent humor of a trio of blue, bald men at
the Las Vegas Hilton’s Luxor Theater. The Blue Man Group uses
one-of-a-kind “equipment” and ties it all into one bizarre
performance. Two shows nightly at 7 and 10 p.m.
Danny Gans
@ The Mirage; Reservations: 800/374-9000
Labeled “one of the best shows in Las Vegas,”
Gans’ ability to sing, act and impersonate is a true crowd-pleaser. Shows
are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 8 p.m.
Siegfried & Roy
@ The Mirage; Reservations: 800/374-9000
These two Las Vegas icons have been named “Magicians
of the Century” and “The Masters of Illusion,” were recently
given a lifetime contract and even have a statue honoring them in front of the
Mirage hotel. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 7:30 and 11 p.m. Tuesday,
Friday and Saturday.
Lance Burton—Master Magician
@ Monte Carlo; Reservations: 702/730-7000
Master Magician Lance Burton thrills the crowd with his cast
of 60 doves, a few ducks and Elvis the Parakeet. Juggler Michael Goudeau is a
special guest star. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday, 7 and 10 p.m.
Lord of the Dance
@ New York, New York; Information: 702/740-6815
Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” is a
story based on old Irish folklore—good vs. evil. The dancing and music
make this act a must see. Shows are Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
An Evening at La Cage
@ Riviera; Reservations: 702/477-5274
Can I borrow your lipstick? Come watch a group of female
impersonators strut their stuff. The cast is led by Frank Marino and Joan
Rivers. Shows run Wednesday through Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Masterpieces and Master Collectors
@ Venetian; Information: 877-2VENICE
Come see Impressionist and Early Modern paintings at the
Guggenheim Hermitage Museum. The inaugural exhibition presents 45 major
examples of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Early Modern painting from
two world-renowned collections. The museum is open from 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
The Art of the Motorcycle
@ Venetian; Information: 877-2VENICE
Get your motor running at the Venetian’s motorcycle
paradise, which features more than 120 bikes. The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. -
11 p.m. daily.
Sing a song
Names of musicians also light up the Vegas skyline. Gordon Lightfoot will play at The Orleans Showroom March 21-24 (7 p.m.). Chicago has a gig at the Stardust’s Wayne Newton Theater March 21-24 (8 p.m.).