14 minute read
SPOTLIGHT
New YorkNew York, 866.606.7111
Impressive Puppetry
The Las Vegas Strip is populated with America’s Got Talent contestants, but Terry Fator was the first. His skill as a singer, ventriloquist and impersonator—quite the trifecta—is unmatched on the Las Vegas Strip.
What adds to the entertainment value of Fator’s show, Who’s the Dummy Now?, is the unique personality all his dummies have. There’s Elvis impersonator Maynard Thompkins, who keeps getting ready to perform but can never seem to actually do so; Duggie Scott Walker, a very chill dude who would have been great friends with Cheech & Chong (if you know what we mean); and Walter T. Airdale, a country singer who can never seem to remember how many ex-wives he has.
As much as you’ll remember Fator’s impersonations, you’ll remember the puppets. Fator is also careful to alternate puppets from show to show, almost guaranteeing you’ll never see the same show twice. –Ken Miller
The Venetian & The Palazzo, 702.534.3419
A Wild Romp Variety show combines talent and raunchy humor
You want to take a trip to the naughty side of the Wild West? The raunchy, racy, rambunctious ride that is Atomic Saloon Show invites guests to leave inhibitions in the desert dust and boot-scoot into a world of talent, comedy and off-the-wall fun.
Cursing? It’s got that—lots of that, like realdown-and-dirty stuff that would make even Richard Pryor and George Carlin blush. Comedy? You’ll split your pants and possibly spew out your drink from laughing so hard. Talent? You’ll be up to your teeth in it. Your host for the evening, and proprietor of the “saloon,” is Boozy Skunkton. Her bright red hair isn’t the only thing that’s fired up—her acerbic tongue seems to get her in trouble at every turn; but she has an indescribable charm. Another charmer in the show is singing cowboy Blue Jackson, who uses his guitar to serenade with the most inappropriate lyrics and dance moves.
When it comes to physical talents, the audience is treated to a grab bag of vignettes. Ever seen someone hula hoop? How about hula hooping with dozens of hoops? Aerial acts amaze with both solo and duo performances. Feats of strength push the limits, with a duo demonstrating how muscle and balance can create amazing poses. Pole dancing? Yup, that’s here, too.
The theater in the round brings to the stage some slapstick moments—one involving some demure nuns who perform some quite shocking but hysterical acts with ping pong balls. And, Boozy’s cousins perform a kind-of rap number that elicits laughter and applause. The ending of this Wild West hoedown is an all-out saloon brawl with the entire cast. –Kiko Miyasato (Turn to page 20 to learn all about the show’s director of front-of-house operations, Jami Jones.)
Voice for the Ages
He’s performed at some of the world’s most prominent venues, and this week Tony Award-winning singer Alfie Boe brings his musical stylings to Las Vegas. Best of all, he’s performing at the Westgate Las Vegas, and his show will feature music from some of the greatest entertainers of all time who have played that property’s International Theater in the past—including Elvis Presley and Wayne Newton.
The tenor and actor has worked mostly in the United Kingdom, where he has sold more than 1 million albums and garnered infinite praise for his work in such projects as Les Miserables and La Boheme.
“I am delighted to be playing Las Vegas. It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid, so this is beyond exciting,” said Boe in a prepared statement. “I just want everyone to come along and party with me! It’s a space to let go for the night, sing along to some all-time favorite hit songs from Broadway to chart-toppers and some real classics. Joining forces with the Westgate Las Vegas is an honor on a stage that has been home to so many legendary artists over the years.” –Ken Miller
Muy Delicioso!
If there’s one cuisine we could eat every day, it’s Mexican food—the flavors, the meats, the margaritas, the chips and salsa … OK, we’ve gotta stop! And if you find yourself in Henderson during your visit, make sure to satisfy your South-of-the-border cravings at Borracha Mexican Cantina. Whether you want street tacos, burritos or some slow-roasted pork carnitas, you’ll be savoring every bite here. And vegetarians will find plenty to enjoy, too. –Ken Miller
Green Valley Ranch, 702.617.7075
Witty Relatablility
Of the four stand-up comedians who made up the original Blue Collar Comedy Tour (Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy and Ron White), White has perhaps gone the farthest from catchphrases and Southern stereotypes. You won’t hear many references to “tater salad” in White’s current material, despite “They call me tater salad” being perhaps his most wellknown catchphrase.
White still has his Southern twang and unpretentious attitude, but his comedy has become more wide-ranging as his success has afforded him opportunities. He’s still self-deprecating enough to be relatable, though, and his material about marriage hits home with a lot of his audience. Whatever color your collar, White hits your funny bone. –Las Vegas Magazine Staff
The Mirage, 16+, 702.792.7777
The Eyes Have It Comedy mime’s show celebrates simplicity
The atmosphere at a Tape Face show is infectious—before the craziness even ensues, Face’s “assistant” Phyllis Vanillis walks slowly onstage, moving various boxes while stopping to stare at the crowd, occasionally winking or waving. She also lays down the ground rules for the evening: Tape Face will be selecting audience members at random as part of his show; if and when you are selected, play along—don’t be a jerk. (The actual word she uses is a bit more colorful, but this is a family magazine!)
You quickly realize how integral audience participation is to a Tape Face show. During the course of his 60-or-so minutes onstage, he selects more than a dozen “volunteers” by quickly pacing up and down the aisles of Harrah’s Cabaret and pointing to his selection. Once the selectees take the stage, they’re guided to a hand-sanitizing station by Phyllis and greeted by a one-liner. (“Are you Wi-Fi? ’Cause I’m sensing a connection!)
Then it’s all in Tape Face’s capable hands. As he reaches into his bag of tricks, you never know what will emerge. It might be a tape measure; it might be a hair dryer; it might be a fly swatter. Most times you will not see the punchline until the very last second, but when it hits you, it hits hard. As funny as the bits themselves are, often it’s the reactions of Tape Face’s volunteers that provide the most laughs.
He also has solo bits, many of which will be familiar to America’s Got Talent fans who watched him become an star in real time. But whether he’s performing alone or with an audience member, there’s one common thread: Pure, unbridled enjoyment, a realization that, no matter how different our views may be, at heart we all just want to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Need proof? As you’re batting balloons around at the end of the show, we dare you to not have the biggest smile ever on your face. –Ken Miller
Harrah’s, 702.777.2782
Winging It
It’s not hard to see why folks like Hooters— friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and a ton of comfort foods, like fried pickles, Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese; mountains of tots loaded with cheese, spring onions, bacon and sour cream; and chicken wings in several incarnations. Not up for wings? Try fish and shrimp tacos, big old salads, burgers, or a mahi-mahi sandwich instead. Perfect to nosh on while watching a game! –Nina King
OYO Las Vegas, 866.584.6687
Planet Hollywood Resort, 702.866.0703
Drop In to Shopping
One of your favorite shopping experiences on the Las Vegas Strip is about to get a whole lot better. Miracle Mile Shops, a 500,000-square-foot retail mecca that’s been packing in happy shoppers since 2000, began an extensive renovation this year, one that promises a completely new look and an even more exciting experience for the consumer. The new look will be unveiled in spring 2023.
Aesthetic changes include new flooring, lighting, ceilings and seating, while entertainment changes will include a new sound system and an enhancement of the popular rainstorm feature.
In addition, the center’s exterior entrances on the Las Vegas Strip and Harmon Avenue will be enhanced to include all-new, state-of-the-art LED digital screens and signage.
And, of course, the center will remain open, meaning you can still enjoy all you favorite spots: Desigual, with trendy, colorful womenswear; H&M, where if you can imagine it, you’ll probably find it; Yves Chantre Paris, for luxury skincare and makeup; Lululemon for athletic wear; LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, which features some of the best bath bombs ever; and Quiksilver, Karma and Luck, Pandora, Kay Jewelers and Swarovski will let you drape yourself as you see fit. –Ken Miller
Fun, Fun, Fun!
If you can’t find a way to enjoy RedTail … well then, you’re just grumpy. Like beer pong? RedTail one-ups the classic drinking game with giant Red Solo cups and volleyball-sized balls. Like singing in the shower? Show off your skills inside one of the three karaoke rooms. Like playing video games and pool? Check.
Catch the latest sports on multiple TVs spread throughout the venue. Hungry? The menu is large and tempting with everything from poke nachos, Wisconsin cheese curds and fish and chips to boneless wings, burgers, salads and desserts like cereal treats and waffles with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
Thirsty? RedTail quenches your thirst with specialty cocktails, giant cocktails that serve up to 10 people, coffee cocktails, draft beers, wines and bottle service. It’s all here, and it’s all good! –Kiko Miyasato
Resorts World, 702.676.7802
Get Skyborne
Want to fly? Like a bird, like a plane, like super-duperman? Check out FLY LINQ Zipline between Flamingo and The Linq in The Linq Promenade.
This attraction will have you soaring over the heads of your friends, your family and total strangers at speeds of up to 35 mph. The tower you take off from is approximately 12 stories high and you’ll actually fly more than 1,100 feet to the High Roller. Choose from a sitting position or strap in face down to emulate your favorite skyborne lad or lassie.
There are plenty of lines available, so the whole crew can fly on the exhilarating ride at the same time. And if you want to guarantee that, it is possible to reserve the whole ride (for a price, of course). However, height and weight restrictions are in play, so check ahead to make sure you can safely soar (the range is from 60 to 300 pounds, and from 3 foot 4 inches to 6 foot 8 inches).
And we recommend you eat afterward, just to be on the safe side. –Nina King
The Linq Promenade, 702.777.2782
Raising the Game
Although you can’t head down to T-Mobile Arena to watch the Vegas Golden Knights play, Tom’s Urban is only a stone’s throw away from the arena, and it’s one of the best places to watch a sports game in the city. Not only is the restaurant hip, contemporary and loaded with high-definition TVs, it’s also backed by an outstanding bar program and a creative food menu.
When you look at the drink selections, you may feel stumped, but don’t rack your brain—go with one of Tom’s signature items, such as the Tom’s Smash, a blend of whiskey, lemon juice, mint and bitters served on the rocks, and garnished with cherry and mint.
The same goes for the food menu, which includes signature dishes like the prime rib dip, deep dish nachos, and the cornbread pancake topped with crispy chicken tossed in Nashville hot sauce. –Nina King
New York-New York, 702.740.6766
You’ll Want Mo’
Come on, admit it—when “Dancing in the Streets” comes on the radio, you’re pretty much rocking out in your car, singing out loud and not giving a hoot about the outside world. That’s the magic of Motown: It transports you to a happy place that you never want to leave. And Soul of Motown, a tribute to the music that changed everything, channels The Temptations, The Platters and many more. It will have you rocking out in the aisles from start to finish. –Ken Miller
Westgate Las Vegas, Ticketmaster.com
Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7580
Glovin’ It
They won’t stop ’til you get enough
During his lifetime, Michael Jackson exuded a childlike wonder, an attitude that proved infectious for his millions of fans. That same sense of wonder pervades each and every second of Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE, a celebration of The Gloved One’s music, legacy, philosophy and persona, achieved through a combination of dance, acrobatics, special effects, comic performances and, especially, those timeless songs.
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, there’s so much to look at and enjoy while looking forward to the next Jackson number—from 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.)
Sprinkled through these bits are pictures of Jackson throughout the various stages of his life and career, coupled with the music he was performing at the time—“I’ll Be There” as a member of the famed Jackson 5 is particularly affecting— and profound words he had for the world.
The action climaxes in an amazing hologram sequence, with Jackson appearing alongside the misfits for a performance of “Man in the Mirror,” disappearing at key moments and reappearing at others; it’s a sobering reminder that Jackson is no longer with us, but the entire production is a reminder that the impact of his music will continue to touch and inspire. –Ken Miller
The Mirage, 866.339.4566
Totally Delish
Fresh, savory and sensational southern Italian coastal cuisine shines at Osteria Costa. The casually cool spot is reminiscent of quaint villages along Italy’s coasts and the food is a reflection of the rustic traditions of simple yet flavor-filled recipes. Perfect examples include house-made pasta favorites like the linguine and clams tossed with garlic, chiles and lemon and the shrimp linguine with white wine and lemon.
Other from-the-sea creations include salmon piccata with lemon and capers, and grilled branzino, a nice piece of Mediterranean sea bass cooked in lemon and oregano. Land options include an 18-ounce grilled bone-in rib-eye and an Italian roast pork chop; or guests can go classic with chicken Parm, spaghetti and meatballs, or meat lasagna.
For a lighter meal, think about sharing some plates with your dining guests, like the calamari and the crispy and delicious fried mozzarella. Then order up one of the wood-fired pizzas like the popular spicy Calabrian with salami, chilis and touches of honey. Veggie lovers can enjoy a mushroom pie with ricotta and fontina cheeses or keep it simple yet sensational with the margherita. –Kiko Miyasato
Yeehaw!
We guarantee it: You’ll never listen to Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” or Little Big Town’s “Better Man” the same way again after experiencing “X” Country. This ultra-high-energy, adults-only show features some of the most gorgeous women in the world displaying athleticism the average human can only dream of—and sometimes with cowboy boots on! The performances range from the sensual, slow-paced variety to line dancing that will make you feel exhausted and titillated at the same time. Find out why, in some ways, Vegas is still the Wild West. –Ken Miller
Harrah’s, 18+, 702.777.2782
Get a Clue
The Strip’s first escape room adventure, PanIQ Escape Room & Lounge features a variety of different scenarios, guaranteeing you’ll be coming back again and again.
The seven scenarios are all a blast, including: Casino Heist (rob a casino); Atlantis Rising (scoop up the lost treasure before it sinks); and Wizard Trials (cast some spells). In each, you get between 45 to 60 minutes to accomplish your mission. Whatever you choose, make sure to visit the facility’s full-service bar and lounge, serving up themed cocktails.
“Our location in Las Vegas offers diversity and originality,” said PanIQ Room & Lounge CEO Akos Gabossy in a recent release. “There’s an escape room experience for everyone, whether it’s a bachelor(ette) party … or a local couple planning their next date night with friends.” –Ken Miller
