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Photo exhibit Rarely Seen takes travelers on a trip without leaving the Strip By Matt Kelemen

Las Vegas is increasingly becoming a destination that can transport visitors to other places. Whether through exotic imagery, immersive technology or conceptual artistry, there are a growing number of attractions such as Imagine Exhibitions’ National Geographic Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary that take travelers on virtual voyages. Rarely Seen circumnavigates the globe, from its physical location inside Bally’s, with floor-to-ceiling photographs of extraordinary phenomena as curated by the National Geographic Society.

Rarely Seen complements Imagine Exhibitions’ REAL BODIES at Bally’s, an anatomical adventure that has enjoyed long success there. “I love exploring photography and travel around the world,” says Imagine president and CEO Tom Zaller, “I just thought it was a perfect fit for Bally’s.”

Inspired by 2015 book National Geographic Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary, Zaller’s new exhibition space features 50 huge images of far-off locales, simple customs, extravagant events, natural life and serendipitous landscapes.

“National Geographic represents a lot of things to a lot of people,” says Zaller. “Travel or adventure or beauty, landscapes, people, it’s all sort of encapsulated in National Geographic, that yellow square. We all have an expectation of quality. I think Rarely Seen checks that box.” The images themselves are unmanipulated, but they are arranged for maximum immersive effect. It’s a palace for collectors of photography books, and a lesson for photographers in what makes an image worthy of an international audience. “The photograph is the magic,” says Zaller. “We have taken some liberties where

Bally’s we’ve brought 702.777.2782, some things to ixvegas.com life in certain areas. Some galleries, you step inside a field of flowers next to a photograph of this very similar beautiful field of flowers. Other ones, we look through a camera lens to sort of create a little excitement or a new way of seeing ...” For the most part, the images are massive eyefuls that could easily serve as scenic art for films. The 10,000-square-foot walkthrough gallery is divided into environments that focus on geography, people and captured moments. Rarely Seen zooms in on elephants in the Bay of Bengal, nestles a photo of fishermen within a setting of netting and brings a paper lantern festival in Thailand to life with a sense-surrounding installation that’s the next best thing to being there.

Fifty photos serve as 50 different backgrounds for unlimited social media photo ops. There are caves decked out with stalactite-like icicles and glassy bodies of water that stretch into infinity. Spectacular mountain ranges, mysterious mounds and statues that seem to emerge from the earth await. A diver discovers a submerged tree. A kangaroo appears to hop on top of the surface of a lake. A man cleans a wild ram with a feather duster on the end of an extension pole.

“You wouldn’t know it, but this was an old retail store,” says Zaller. “We’re transformed it into this space where you’re immersed in these environments we create. It’s everything. It’s visual, its touch, it’s tactile. And of course, there’s some kind of layer of entertainment and education in there, too.”

La Grande Expérience at “O” elevates an already amazing production

By Ken Miller

Having been to Cirque du Soleil’s magnificent production “O” several times, I was thrilled to get the offer to enjoy the show’s La Grande Expérience, a VIP-level treatment. But at the same time, I wondered if it would actually heighten what I already consider to be one of the best Strip productions of all time. Trust me: It absolutely does, and in a way you’ll remember for years.

La Grande Expérience begins before you even enter the “O” theater at Bellagio; you wait, along with other couples who have purchased the experience, in a comfortable room just off the main ticket line. About 40 minutes before showtime, a show representative escorts everyone to a VIP area just to the left of the theater entrance. This room, stocked with champagne, fresh fruit and charcuterie, is the same room used for celebrity VIPs, and odds are if you can imagine the celebrity, they’ve been to see “O”.

The next 30 minutes are a complete immersion into the world of “O,” including a short virtual tour behind the scenes and a visit from cast members, who pose with you for commemorative photos and talk to you for a few min-

utes. You’d be surprised what you can learn in that time frame. (I discovered that one of the cast members is also a Realtor!)

Then it’s off to an elevator that takes you to a special floor full of private boxes, all with ideal views of the theater and stage—you can see everything all at once while enjoying more champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, all while an “O” usher attends to your every need.

After 24 years, “O” still stands as one of the shining jewels of Las Vegas entertainment—more than 17 million have enjoyed its endless pleasures, from the stunning soundtrack (performed live each and every time by a nine-piece orchestra) to the stage that transforms from solid ground to a deep pool of water. The large ensemble cast includes world-class abilities of every type, from acrobats to divers to swimmers (there are even a few Olympians here), and the costumes help to create a dreamlike atmosphere. Adding to the allure of “O” is the fact that you never are sure where to look—the massive space is well-used, with performers occupying the farthest regions almost constantly while action takes place center stage. You can look at high divers, trapeze artists, contortionists, sure, but then you’d be missing the antics going on off to the side, in front of and behind those performers. There’s a big reason “O” enjoys so much repeat business: You want to see what you missed! And as much as “O” revels in spectacle, it takes time for whimsy as well,

Bellagio courtesy of a pair of clowns that float 702.693.7068 around on a house that’s been swept up by the water and is now floating around (a houseboat, perhaps?). Their gentle yet physical slapstick is instantly endearing, giving the show a humorous spice to go along with the thrills, chills and deep emotions you’ll find yourself giving into.

By Ken Miller

In the city that does everything over the top, classic cuts of beef are still king. Make one of these your only-in-Vegas experience:

Smith & Wollensky

Swinging

Tomahawk Rib-Eye

Smith & Wollensky, The Grand Canal Shoppes, 702.637.1515 An amazing steak experience is elevated by the use of black grade wagyu. In partnership with Snake River Farms, Smith & Wollensky now o ers a 44-ounce cut of unparalleled quality. It’s carved tableside for an extra bit of showmanship and served with crispy beeffat potatoes.

Roasted Beef

Wellington

Gordon Ramsay Steak, Paris, 877.346.4642 Few entrées are ordered here as much as this Ramsay classic. The beef is covered in a fl aky pastry and served medium rare . To really put it over the top, Ramsay adds a red wine demi-glace, along with glazed root vegetables and potato purée.

10-Ounce Filet Mignon

Edge Steakhouse, Westgate Las Vegas, 702.732.5277 Edge has truly mastered the art of dry-aging, using pink

Gordon Ramsay Steak

Himalayan sea salt blocks to assist the 40-day process. You’ll definitely notice the difference when you sink your teeth into this succulent cut, guaranteed to be as tender as possible. Roasted bone marrow and sauces like creamy horseradish are the perfect accompaniments.

20-Ounce

Chateaubriand

Delmonico Steakhouse, The Venetian, 702.414.3737 This slice of heaven from Creekstone Farms is not only one of the best steaks on the Strip, it’s a production. It’s brought out to your table and carved to your specifications, served with asparagus, garlic fingerling potatoes, a red wine reduction and bearnaise sauce. If you needed any other proof that Emeril Lagasse is the man, this is it.

“Barry’s Steak”

Barry’s Downtown Prime, Circa Resort & Casino, 702.726.5504 Barry S. Dakake is a household name in Las Vegas, and his personality and flair are all over the menu at this downtown favorite. His signature steak, a 12-ounce rib cap from Creekstone Farms, is best enjoyed with

Edge Steakhouse

baked stuffed shrimp and George’s cream corn.

Tomahawk

Twin Creeks Steakhouse, Silverton, 702.263.7777 In celebration of National Steak Month (and Silverton’s 25th anniversary), Twin Creeks is offering an onlyin-Vegas promotion: Upon ordering the signature Creekstone Farms tomahawk, you’re presented with three dice. Your roll determines the amount off your bill. Roll three ones and get 10 percent off; roll three sixes and your meal is free!

16-Ounce Bone-In

New York Strip

StripSteak, Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7200 Michael Mina specializes in not only great food, but great ambience and a real sense of fun. This extends to his steak offerings, all finished with a signature red wine shallot butter. You can really taste the difference in cuts like this Kansas-cultivated one, best paired with Hudson

StripSteak Carversteak

Barry’s Downtown Prime

Valley foie gras and smoky blue cheese.

20-Ounce

Bone-In Rib-Eye

Carversteak, Resorts World Las Vegas, 702.550.2333 Carversteak quickly established itself as one of the premier steakhouses on the Las Vegas Strip, thanks to cuts like this treat from Flannery Beef, dry-aged 28 days and beautifully presented. Pair it with sides like crispy bourbon Brussels sprouts.

Strauss Veal Chop

One Steakhouse, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, 702.522.8111 Morton brothers David and Michael have made a name for themselves in Las Vegas, and their legacy gets even stronger with One Steakhouse and cuts like this, a 14-ounce cut that goes perfectly with sides like ricotta gnocchi, roasted cauliflower and maitake mushrooms.

By Matt Kelemen

Magician Jen Kramer celebrates 500 Westgate Las Vegas performances this month

Some magicians do meet and greets after shows. Jen Kramer meets the new friends she made during her performance. Most audience members who see The Magic of Jen Kramer, also line up outside of her showroom at Westgate Las Vegas once the last trick is performed. She takes time to engage with each fan. Lots of time. They are of all ages, but children with an interest in magic walk away from Kramer inspired to pursue the craft with renewed commitment.

Personal connections with would-be sorcerers and wizards growing into the next generation of close-magic masters and mentalists enable Kramer to see a bright future for magic. Her own future was in the cards from the time she was 10 when she got hooked by a book, a gift from her Uncle Steve.

“That’s when I really started practicing,” says Kramer. “I started doing magic for my family. I have two sisters, and my parents. … I knew that I loved it right away. I knew that I found it really intriguing and exciting, something that I wanted to explore. ...and within a couple of years I knew I wanted to perform anywhere and everywhere I could.”

With a determination beyond her then 14 years, she talked her way into performing at a Barnes & Noble near her Long Island home and was invited back for her fi rst paid gigs. She studied theater at Yale and founded a magician’s society. Las Vegas was the next logical step.

Being proactive and authentic are two major planks in Kramer’s platform. When she smiles audience members can’t help but smile back. She’ll zone in on someone with don’t-pick-me body language for a participation trick and send them back to their seats happy with a golden memory of Vegas and, if the magic is right, their favorite drink.

She will perform her 500th show at Westgate in June during a summer when she celebrates both

her 30th birthday and one year back at her residency since the pandemic pause ended. She’s the only headlining Vegas magician who looks good in spaghetti-strap dresses, allowing her to work quick changes into her act. This could be due in part to pursuing a black belt in Shotokan karate during her formative magic years.

“I do think there might be something similar in what draws a person to magic and to martial arts,” says Kramer. “For me, I think it’s the feeling of continually competing with yourself, wanting to beat your own best. In Shotokan karate and magic, there was always this sense of, ‘OK, I want to become stronger. I want to beat my own best. I want to continually improve.’ I know that’s how I feel about magic, for sure.”

She never stops taking notes after shows, never stops adjusting, never stops tweaking stage banter “to make the audience have an even better experience.” She’s never less than upbeat. She doesn’t use bad words and kids do not find her scary. The future of magic is in good sleight-of-hand hands.

Westgate Las Vegas westgatelasvegas.com

By Brock Radke

MAN OF

Michael Carbonaro is ready to prank audiences at Penn & Teller’s Rio space

Magical prankster Michael Carbonaro is joyfully fi lling in for legendary duo Penn & Teller at the Rio as the longtime Las Vegas headliners tour Australia. He’s probably best known for the o beat, often shocking illusions he produces on TV’s The Carbonaro E ect, but this version of his touring performance, dubbed Lies on Stage, will bring plenty of new material to Las Vegas, and introduce audiences to a theatrical style of magic they haven’t seen before.

To say I’ve been a fan of Penn & Teller my whole life is an understatement. People always ask me if I’d ever go on their TV show Fool Us and try to fool them. I can now say with confi dence that convincing them to trust me with the keys to their theater while they are away counts as fooling them big time.

I treat the crowd like we are friends. I like to play with them, tease them, and keep them laughing. The goal is to sustain an electric buzz in the air where it’s truly unknown what is real and what is a trick. This show is a special ri on my brand-new tour show, which has only had a limited number of shows thus far. For Vegas, I’m keeping it open to swap some things in and out and around each night and experiment. It keeps me on my toes, which is where I want to be.

Live in front of an audience is where it’s at for me. There’s nothing like the magic of being in the moment, in the here and now. I think a lot of fans used to seeing me do magic on TV still secretly wonder if there are camera tricks, or it’s all actors and not

Rio

ticketmaster.com real people. You can feel the release of wild excitement when they are there in the theater seeing things like they’ve seen on TV, but this time it’s happening to them, right in front of their own eyes. There’s just nothing like it.

To really transcend and sustain an entire evening’s show … one has to be an entertainer. Sometimes you see an artist, a singer, magician or comedian that may look great in short, edited segments on TV, but couldn’t hold a full evening’s live show. It’s a di erent game. And it’s the game I like to be in.

Hey, I’m a magician, anything is possible.

WITH SPECIAL GUEST COLIN CLOUD

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