Often dubbed “the entertainment capital of the world,” Las Vegas delivers on its promise to have something for everyone. Vegas will capture your heart and your mind with its immense diversity. You may find yourself doubling-over in laughter at one of its many famous comedy shows. Or, you may be captivated by one of the acclaimed magicians that call Vegas home. If you’re looking for well-rounded entertainment, you’ll find it in the magnificence of the Cirque du Soleil performances. Las Vegas is undoubtedly the best place to see a Cirque du Soleil show. In fact, many people travel here specifically to have their first Cirque “experience” – and what an experience it is!
One of the best shows in Vegas is Cirque du Soleil’s “O.” This show (pronounced “eau”) has taken on permanent residence at the Bellagio and has been there since October 1998. On its introduction, “O” was Cirque du Soleil’s first water-based show. It was the only show of its kind to feature underwater acts like synchronized swimming. This is a truly grandiose performance, with costumes that cost up to 10 thousand dollars each! Catching a glimpse of the stage alone can be worth the price of admission. As you watch the show, you’ll see the ground transform from varying depths of pool water to solid ground, and back again. Because so much of the show is performed underwater, each member of the cast must be SCUBA certified. As you watch their amazing acrobatics, in and out of water, just imagine that you can add SCUBA diving to the list of their many talents! This may be the only Cirque show where the audience can physically share in the experience – if you have front-row seats, you may get a little wet!
Another that is among the best shows in Vegas is Ka. Ka is another grandiose Cirque du Soleil experience that has a permanent residence at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. The show and the theater cost 220 million dollars to develop. Ka is a unique Cirque du Soleil performance in that it offers a more straightforward story. If you are a fan of the theater, and just want to increase the wow-factor, this is the show for you! Ka is a story of love and conflict. The main characters, two imperial twins, have been separated at the prime of their youth and are forced to go through a rite of passage that will lead them to self-discovery. Ka (the real star of the show), is a powerful fire that will either illuminate or destroy anything in its path. Another thing that sets this show apart from others is that it offers four pre-shows. First, guests are greeted by Ka Gatekeepers. Next, they are entertained by two musicians. About ten minutes before the show begins, the audience is astonished by the dangerous acrobatics of a few dare-devil performers. Finally, at about five minutes before show-time, there is a skit performed to inform the audience of Cirque’s policy about flash photography and cell phone use. You will feel like you have been thoroughly entertained before the show even begins!
Mystere is definitely one of the “must see” shows in Las Vegas. You’ll find this awe-inspiring show at its permanent home in the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Mystere was the first of the seven Cirque du Soleil shows to take up permanent residence on the Las Vegas strip. The show opened its doors in December of 1993, and is still one of the most
popular Vegas shows today. It features the performances of 75 international artists and has been seen by over 9 million spectators. Some of the more famous acts include the “Hand-to-Hand” and the “Ariel High Bar.” The “Hand-to-Hand” is a balancing act that requires an extraordinary amount of strength. It is performed by two brothers. In the “Ariel High Bar,” fourteen international athletes perform on a metal structure that is suspended 40 feet above the stage. Hold on to your seats, this is one exhilarating show!
After just one of these shows, you’ll find yourself hoping that Vegas’ marketing slogan is true – “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” because you’ll want reassurance that you can come back and have this experience, time and time again. In the case of the long-running and ever-popular shows of Cirque du Soleil, it is almost certain that they will always be in Vegas.We hope this list of the Best Shows in Vegas helps you choose between some of the best performances in the world.
