SPOTLIGHT

Wide Appeal

From the time Elle King had her first big hit with “Ex’s and Oh’s” in 2015 to the present, she’s been doing exactly what she wants— which is to say, a wide variety of genres, never fitting snugly into any one particular area. Her ever-changing sound ranges from rock and country to soul and blues, and she’s not afraid to get personal in her songwriting and performances.

The daughter of Saturday Night Live former cast member Rob Schneider, King’s best songs, from “Under the Influence” and “Last Damn Night” to more recent track “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” have been well-received by country fans, but her fan base continues to grow beyond that. She’s in town for one night to perform at Westgate Las Vegas, and she’ll no doubt be performing all her hits—and maybe even a few deeper cuts. –Ken Miller

Westgate Las Vegas, ticketmaster.com

Bally’s, 702.777.2782

Viva Variety! Production overflows with great acts

If you’re the type to romanticize Las Vegas (which means you’re like me), you’re the perfect audience for Extravaganza—The Las Vegas Spectacular. It’s a celebration of all the elements that make this city legendary, from famous performers and locales to gambling and the showgirl. It’s also one of the most jampacked variety shows you’re likely to see.

Extravaganza is a collection of some very talented acts, from roller skaters and motorcyclists to acrobats and plate-spinners. The framework in which they operate concerns a down-on-hisluck hero who takes a one-way bus ticket to Las Vegas and experiences everything the city has to offer—including love. Along the way, he’s guided by a tap-dancing philosopher who helps move the story forward while providing plenty of good-natured laughs along the way. You’ll visit a ’50s diner, complete with bobbysoxers, a wedding, a visit to downtown Las Vegas and even fly high in the sky with the moon in the background.

The show is punctuated with several different styles of music, from the hits of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to the sultry sounds of Marilyn Monroe—all courtesy of impersonators who appear via a portable projection screen. The show’s technological components are well used here, including background projections that propel the audience into the desert, up and down a roller coaster and along a canyon.

It all combines for a fantastic framework around which Extravaganza presents us with acts like the skaters who perform death-defying feats on a small, circular stage; acrobats who are hurled into the air during a romantic interlude; a juggler who tosses several hats into the air in succession, always managing to be at the exact spot when they return; crossbow master Silvia Silvia, who displays absolutely pinpoint accuracy in whatever she’s shooting bolts at; and a Michael Jackson impersonator who delivers some thrilling dance moves to “Billie Jean” and “Smooth Criminal.”

Best of all? This show is fun for the entire family. –Ken Miller

Resorts World, 702.676.7405

One Smokin’ Spot

As the newest cigar bar on the Las Vegas Strip, Eight Lounge has quickly become a hot spot for cigar lovers, cocktail lovers and people that like to chill at an upscale yet inviting environment. A-list celebs like A-Rod, Michael Jordan and Luke Bryan have already been frequenting the establishment.

“Eight is an upscale lounge to get together with friends and enjoy the amenities of a cigar bar and create memories,” said general manager Ian Floranza.

Eight Lounge also has star amenities like a humidor packed with coveted and hard-to-find cigars and a huge patio for hanging out. Another bonus is the cocktail program, which offers recipes that pair well with the lounge’s cigar offerings.

A great pairing is the El Septimo Bomba Orange cigar with the Smoked Macallan Old-Fashioned (pictured). The cocktail is a blend of Macallan Double Cask 12 Year, demerara syrup, angostura aromatic and angostura orange bitters, smoked with cherrywood or applewood. The Costa Rican cigar has dark, woodsy tones and pairs perfectly with the Old-Fashioned. –Kiko Miyasato

Succulent Cuts

While the outside décor of the restaurant might be more subdued, the inside dining room of Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful and romantic rooms in any steakhouse. And, in order to match its look, its flavors must be just as stunning, and they are. Just look at the steak offerings: certified A5 Japanese Kobe, American wagyu, American bison and chateaubriand, rack of lamb from Niman Ranch, and much more. To finish, the crème brûlée or tableside bananas Foster more than satisfy. And the restaurant offers a wickedly good happy hour. –Kiko Miyasato

Green Valley Ranch, 702.617.7777

It’s So Emotional, Baby

Head straight to An Evening With Whit-

ney: The Whitney Houston Hologram

Concert, a new Strip production that has all the energy of a Whitney Houston concert—even though the person singing onstage isn’t really there.

Through state-of-the-art technology, Houston appears, along with four live backup dancers and a live band, in various costumes to sing the best songs from her discography—which is to say, some of the greatest songs from the last 30 years. And when the audience hears songs like “Greatest Love of All,” “I Have Nothing” and “All the Man That I Need,” you swear the genuine article was performing before them—they stand up, raising their hands and dancing. The performer may not be real, but the emotion her music generates definitely is. –Ken Miller

Harrah’s, 702.777.2782 or ticketmaster.com

Put on Your Boogie Shoes Tribute act revives the iconic trio

In 1978, I was obsessed with two movies: Grease and Saturday Night Fever. I went to see Grease three times (waiting in line what seemed like hours each time), and although I was too young to see Fever, I was struck by two things: Its poster, featuring a mythical-looking John Travolta, striking his now-classic disco pose in a white suit; and the soundtrack, particularly the tracks by the Bees Gees—I had simply not heard anything like it before. To this day, that music still captivates me and takes me back.

In other words, I’m the ideal audience for The Australian Bee Gees Show, a tribute to the legendary trio of The Brothers Gibb—Maurice, Robin and Barry, rendered beautifully by Wayne Hosking, David Scott and Michael Clift, respectively (on the night I attended, James Simpson and Matthew Baldoni filled in as Robin and Barry).

They bring back 1978 to brilliant, vivid life, delivering crisp, note-perfect renditions of not only every Fever classic they wrote, either for themselves or other artists—“Stayin’ Alive,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Night Fever,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “More Than a Woman,” “If I Can’t Have You” and “Jive Talkin’”—but also the theme to Grease, written by Barry.

But that’s only the beginning of the fun on tap. The trio performs nearly 30 songs over the course of 70 minutes, some in their entirety, some in small snippets or as part of medleys. There’s also a fair amount of humor throughout— Hosking will comment on how good that night’s audience is at singing along (and how he says it every night, but really means it this time), and during a moment when all three men are singing into one microphone, Hosking gets forced to the side so that just two men can sing, and he’s not sure what to do with himself until rejoining his bandmates at the mic.

Best of all, the audience is fully encouraged to dance at “Club Mo,” off to the side of the stage. When the disco starts, the theater is transformed into a nightclub—and people like me are transported right back to 1978. –Ken Miller

Excalibur, 702.597.7600

Venice to Vegas

Hop aboard a gondola at The Venetian to get a feel for what those tourists in Italy experience. The gondolas travel two routes along the Grand Canal, but both indoor and outdoor rides feature costumed gondoliers who serenade passengers. Glide under bridges, pass cafés and shops on your romantic voyage. You can even pop the family aboard for a little cultural education. And for a little extra, check out the Gondolier March, where parades of gondoliers sing as they wind their way to their boats (at 9:50 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.) –Nina King

The Venetian, 702.414.4300

Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7580

Bad in the Best Way

During his lifetime, Michael Jackson exuded a childlike wonder, proved infectious for his millions of fans. That sense of wonder pervades Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay.

The show is a series of vignettes tied together loosely by four young “misfits” who are pursued by baddies as they attempt to “save” Jackson’s music, rushing in and out of segments, sometimes participating in the activity onstage, from bungee acrobatics during “Beat It” to some hilarious pantomime as Jackson’s glove seemingly comes to life during “Working Day and Night.”

Elsewhere, dancers who come to electric life through the use of LED costumes during “Billie Jean” and trampoline artists who appear to defy gravity during “Thriller” to incredibly synchronized dance routines to both “They Don’t Care About Us” and “Smooth Criminal” (And, yes, that famous “lean” makes an appearance during the latter song, and yes, it’s electrifying.)

The action climaxes in an amazing hologram sequence, with Jackson apparently appearing alongside the misfits for “Man in the Mirror.” –Ken Miller

Light and Delightful

If you find it hard to eat healthily when you’re on vacation, then do we have a great place to recommend. True Food Kitchen keeps a focus on anti-inflammatory foods, and that means that the delicious dishes you’ll find here aren’t bad for you. Many are gluten-free and vegetarian or vegan. Charred cauliflower, edamame guacamole and herb hummus are all great starters.

The margherita pizza is a great shareable option, with organic DiNapoli tomatoes and mozzarella. The vegan pie features spinach, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions and vegan almond ricotta. If you want meat, there are plenty of options, from the spicy tuna spring roll to a grass-fed burger. And the turkey burger comes with avocado, smoked gouda and jalapeño remoulade. A personal favorite, the Ancient Grains bowl, is a perennial on the menu. –Nina King

The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702.340.2600

Urgent Information

So you’re a Foreigner fan? Well, do we have news for you—the arena rock stars are in the midst of an extended run at The Venetian, where you can catch some of their biggest hits.

Foreigner started off in 1976 in New York with Mick Jones, Lou Gramm and Ian McDonald, and rapidly grew in popularity, pushing out hit song after hit song for more than 10 years. “Cold as Ice,” Feels Like the First Time,” “Double Vison,” “Hot Blooded,” and “Juke Box Hero” provided the backdrop for a generation of music fans; none of those actually became a No. 1 hit, although they hit every other number. “I Want To Know What Love Is” became the band’s first No. 1 in 1984. Throughout the following years, the band went through numerous personnel changes, with only Jones remaining today, although several reunions have seen different combinations of band members come and go onstage. –Nina King

The Venetian, 8 p.m. March 30, April 1-2, 6 & 8-9, starting at $49.95 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com

Fare Thee Well!

You’d be hard-pressed to find another show in town where you can really let loose, be rowdy and be this loud—all in the name of fun. Tournament of Kings is quite the theatrical delight, providing guests with a chance to celebrate all things medieval, including King Arthur, Prince Christopher and the Knights of the Round Table.

Your seat assignment for the evening assigns you to a country—Russia, Ireland, Spain, Austria, France or Hungary—or the dragon knight. It’s you and your section’s job to root on and scream for your king as he and his noble steed participate in various contests like javelin throwing and jousting.

During the tournament, guests feast on roasted Cornish game hen, lemon pepper roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and a dinner roll. The fun part is being able to eat everything with your hands, without weird looks from your neighbor. –Kiko Miyasato

Excalibur, 702.597.7600

Cocktails and Chill

Are you looking for a more relaxed, intimate evening but still want a hot spot for nightlife? Try Vista Cocktail Lounge. Here, the lights are low, the music is bumping, the seating is plush, and the cocktails are great twists on classics. Try the pineapple mule, blueberry Collins and the smoked and spiced margarita—all delicious alternatives to their classic versions. Vista also offers a nice assortment of champagnes and wines by the glass and craft and imported beers. –Kiko Miyasato

Caesars Palace, 702.731.7852

Bringing Real Zeal Mind-blowing magician charms crowds

If enthusiasm could be transformed into pure energy, Jen Kramer could generate enough from one performance to power a small village. The illusionist, a Yale graduate who’s appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us as well as Masters of Illusion and NBC’s Today, wins audiences over with three things: A smile that just won’t quit; corny jokes that will have you rolling your eyes but laughing all the same; and making the impossible possible. I almost guarantee you’ll be shaking your head numerous times during The Magic of Jen Kramer, trying to process what you’ve seen. But don’t linger too long; another mind-bending achievement is on the way. Some of my particular favorite moments:

A seemingly ordinary video Kramer shows the audience of her card-handling skills, one which later turns out to be strangely prophetic at the conclusion of a subsequent card trick;

Two wine glasses, two sets of cards and a “magic scarf” (cue the “oohs” and “aahs” Kramer has the audience say as she displays it) that helps create an instantaneous transformation;

Four different, distinct-tasting drinks, a blindfold, a lemon slice and an audience volunteer’s tastebuds;

Kramer’s version of a game show, complete with three mystery doors, an audience volunteer, a hundred-dollar bill and a whole lot of audience participation;

Three beach balls, a fake Facebook profile and a box that hangs from the ceiling. (For those who think magicians use plants, heads up: Yours truly got picked for this.)

In a very pleasing segment, Kramer shows a video that demonstrates her commitment to spreading the joy of magic to other countries. The looks on children’s faces is a joy to watch, and is a reminder that magic really is a universal language. –Ken Miller

Westgate Las Vegas, 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster

Meaty Choices

It’s surely one of the most difficult choices a beef lover has at a Vegas steakhouse: Which cut to choose? At VooDoo Steak at Rio, the dinner for two would be a great choice. It features a 32-ounce tomahawk with salad or soup, whipped potatoes and asparagus, so you won’t go hungry. You have other options, too, from a 10-ounce filet to an 8-ounce wagyu rib cap.

Seafood lovers have always felt welcome at steakhouses, and VooDoo is no exception—and the Fire and Ice starter really excites the senses, with Alaskan king crab, shrimp, oysters, poke shooters, lobster medallions, crab cakes and seared scallops available for two to six people. Dig into steak tartare or braised short rib bruschetta for a lighter appetizer. Chicken marsala, lamb chops and Norwegian king salmon are all popular as well. And the tasting menu features surf and turf, lobster bisque and desserts like cheesecake, among other options. –Nina King

Rio, 702.777.7767

Impressions Galore

For years, Gordie Brown has been making audiences laugh with uncanny impersonations of some of the world’s most famous actors and singers. But Brown is far more than just an impersonator; he’s also a versatile comedian who puts his various voices into some strange situations—it’s one thing to impersonate Jack Nicholson, but when you have him talking about a golf swing, that’s taking serious talent to the next level. –Ken Miller

Golden Nugget, 866.946.5336

An Exhilarating Excursion

A roller coaster that dips, turns and flips on the inside, outside and around a Las Vegas Strip casino-hotel? Totally, dudes! For many, many years The Big Apple Coaster has been delighting thrill seekers—and those that want a thrill just for the day—as the roller coaster hits a top speed of 67 mph. For a couple of white-knuckling minutes, feel free to scream your head off as the coaster takes you through a 180-degree heartline twist and dives from the height of 203 feet! You can even take this plunge while saying your “I do’s.” Yes, you can get married on the Big Apple Coaster—because Vegas! –Kiko Miyasato

New York-New York, 702.740.6969