Las Vegas Must-See Shows

November 26th, 2008

It is a daunting task to try and pick out which shows to feature for this segment since Las Vegas has an abundance of amazing entertainment. In fact, it was hard enough to decide on which shows to see on my last visit. With nightly shows ranging from magic to comedy, opera to variety shows, acrobatics, adult entertainment and even shows like Blue Man Group which are simply indescribable, Las Vegas, sometimes called America’s playground, has something for everybody.

Here are some of just a few of the must see shows in Las Vegas…

If you have ever seen the Phantom of The Opera at the movies or on stage and enjoyed it, you must see the Phantom of The Opera: The Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian. This rendition is by far the most grand and theatrical of the stage performances, complete with state of the art special effects including a massive chandelier that magically assembles itself over the audience in the opening act. I was fortunate enough to see this show on my recent visit to Las Vegas, and having seen it on Broadway, this version deserves to be called spectacular. A VIP package is available for those who would like to get a backstage tour and private meet-and-greet with the cast members after the show.

Also at the Venetian is one of my favorite shows in Las Vegas, Blue Man Group. This show really is something that has to be seen and cannot be easily explained. It is like trying to tell an inside joke that has been translated from German. I can explain to you that the show includes hilarious comedy, powerful percussive music, special effects that will leave you scratching your head wondering how they did that, and audience participation, but unless you see the show for yourself, you really won’t understand why it is so great. If you want to be completely entertained from curtain open to curtain close, go see Blue Man Group.

One of the newest and hottest shows in Las Vegas is Le Rêve, at where else but the one of newest and hottest hotels, The Wynn. Named after a painting by Pablo Picasso owned by hotel owner Steve Wynn, Le Rêve means “The Dream” in French. This show lives up to its name with amazing visuals including angels swooping down from above and snatching mortals which sometimes plummet back down to earth. The circular stage, which seems to be more technologically advanced than most airplanes, shifts and changes depending on the scene. Sometimes it drops below the water line to provide a diving pool for the acrobats, sometimes it partially or completely surfaces to provide a flat surface, and other times it rises high in a multi-level configuration. It is not secret that Le Rêve was the brainchild of Franco Dragone, producer of shows such as O, La Nouba, and Mystere, and borrows elements from the Cirque du Soleil franchise. However, the special effects, technology, choreography and sheer beauty of this show makes it a must see for anyone who likes to be amazed. Just a note for our listeners: Le Rêve’ VIP Indulgence Package will get you luxurious seats with your own video monitor, a bottle of champagne, and chocolate covered strawberries for only $179 per person.

Of course if you prefer to see a Cirque du Soleil show, you’re in luck. There are currently five Cirque shows playing in Vegas. From O’s watery dreamlike production, to the sensual sexiness of Zumanity, to the classic Beatles’ inspired LOVE, there are some entertaining shows to see. My personal favorite is the frequently overlooked KÀ playing at the MGM Grand, which tells a compelling and action packed epic story in a strange postindustrial theatre.

What would Las Vegas be without showgirls? If you’re looking for a show that screams Vegas, look no further than Jubilee! at Bally’s Hotel and Casino. An old fashioned show with singing, dancing, a little comedy, and the sinking of the Titanic, Jubilee! Is sure to please those looking for classic Vegas entertainment. Just a warning though, many of those showgirls will be topless so plan accordingly.

There are just so many great shows in Las Vegas, that there is no way to report them all here. One thing is certain though: while staying in Las Vegas, you certainly won’t be bored.

Universe of Luxury: Las Vegas Edition
Listen to the full episode of Universe of Luxury: Las Vegas Edition

By Mike Boudet
Published: 3/14/2008

Categories: Other Vegas Topics | Tags: | No Comments

Top 5 Poker Rooms in Las Vegas

November 26th, 2008

Learn about the five best poker rooms in Las Vegas. Read a professional review and learn why you should prefer playing there instead of at other casinos.

f you want to experience live poker action at the gambling Mecca of the world, here is a guide to the top poker rooms in Las Vegas. You can read here updated info on each of the recommended Las Vegas poker rooms including their game variety, limits and tournaments.

1) Bellagio Casino and Hotel
If you want to experience Las Vegas poker action and hang out with pros, the Bellagio is the casino for you. It is one of the classiest poker rooms available in Las Vegas. It is so popular that you might find yourself spending over an hour at the waiting list and then find yourself stuck with a bunch of enthusiastic amateurs.

The games offered are Texas Holdem, Omaha and stud games, and you can also join one of the tournaments, but note that this involves playing No Limit Holdem. As for the table limits for the regular games, these are as follows:
a) Limit Holdem: 4/8, 8/16, 15/30, 30/60, 60/120, 75/150 dollars and up.
b) No Limit Holdem: 200 dollars buy ins with 2/5 dollars blinds.
c) Omaha: 6/12, 15/30, 20/40, 30/60, 50/100 dollars and up.
d) Stud Poker: 1/5, 4/8, 8/16, 30/60, 75/150 dollars and up.

2) Mirage Las Vegas
If you are tired of waiting for a table at Bellagio, the poker rooms at the Mirage can be an acceptable alternative. It resembles Bellagio’s with its luxurious atmosphere, variety of games and its huge popularity among pros as well as tourists.

The games offered are Texas Holdem and Omaha, Stud and as the Bellagio, playing in a tournament means getting involved with No Limit Texas Holdem. As for the limits of each table in a regular game, they are:
a) Limit Holdem: 3/6, 6/12, 10/20, 20/40, 40/80 dollars.
b) No Limit Holdem: between 100 and 500 dollars buy ins with 2/5 dollars blinds.
c) Omaha: 5/10 dollars.
d) Stud Poker: 1/5, 5/10.

3) Excalibur Las Vegas
If you want to play in a less stressful environment, check out the poker room at the Excalibur casino. You can play spread limit Holdem with the lowest limits available on the Strip and enjoy beginners friendly rules such as limitation on three raises. The room has been renovated recently and the poker tables and seats are very comfortable.

At the Excalibur, you can play Texas Holdem or 7 Card Stud, and the limits are slightly lower:
a) Limit Holdem: 1/3, 2/6 dollars.
b) No Limit Holdem: 100 dollars buy ins with 1/3 dollars blinds.
c) 7 Card Stud: 1/5 dollars and up.

4) Binions’ Horseshoe Hotel and Casino
If you want to play at the same room where the first WSOP took place, you must visit Binions’ poker room. Although the casino has been renovated and went through many changes since the days of Nick the Greek, the ghosts of the past still haunt the place, but in a good way.

Here too you can play Texas Holdem, No Limit Holdem in their own tournament, Omaha and Stud games for the following limits:
a) Limit Holdem: 2/4, 4/8, 10/20 dollars.
b) No Limit Holdem: 100 dollars minimum buy ins with 1/2 dollars blinds.
c) Omaha: 4/8 dollars.
d) Stud Poker: 1/5.

5) Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino
If you want to follow in the steps of the 2006 WSOP champions, check out the Rio poker room. You might be surprised from the size and the small variety of games, but the thought of sharing the same location with contemporary gaming legends adds a certain appeal to it.

Other than taking part in the tournament where you can participate in some No Limit Holdem, you can pick from Texas Holdem, 7 Card Stud, Omaha or a few other variations according to what players request. The limits are as follows:
a) Limit Holdem: 2/4, 3/6, 4/8 dollars.
b) No Limit Holdem: 100 dollars minimum buy ins with 2/5 dollars blinds.

Jack Reider is a pro gamer and writer who contribute articles about poker rooms to a guide to online casinos and other types of card betting.

By Jack Reider
Published: 3/22/2007

Categories: Vegas Poker | No Comments