“Vegas! The Show” is Vegas History Come to Life

Michael Movestro reviews Vegas! The Show – “It’s Vegas History, come to life.”

The first thing I thought when I received an invitation to see Vegas! The Show was “Isn’t this an impersonator show?” I was wrong. This is a good thing; I am not a fan of impersonator shows. As I sat there in a seat for the performance at the Saxe Theater, I soon learned that Vegas! The Show is a re-enactment of Vegas history. This is made clear from the beginning when the show starts at the Neon Museum. At first, when you read descriptions about the show, it talks about Showgirls, The Rat Pack, Tina Turner, Wayne Newton, Lena Horne— but don’t expect impersonations. This isn’t “Legends in Concert”, thankfully. Think about that for a minute.

Vegas! The Show isn’t merely a re-enactment of songs. It goes beyond that; it consists of re-enactments of the songs, choreography, set designs, and performances of Las Vegas’ most historic acts. Again, think about that for a minute. When they do a scene that starts with “Ladies and Gentleman…welcome to the Sands!” the stage is set up for the Rat Pack just as it would have been at the Sands. They also have a true big band (brass section and everything)! This is not a lip-synched show; this is actual singing.

Vegas! The Show is a living re-enactment, to the T, of what past generations have witnessed when seeing shows in Vegas. Does that make sense? It is a truly is a well-scripted re-enactment. It’s as if, for the time you’re sitting at the Saxe Theater, you are transported to some of the most iconic Vegas showrooms at properties that are no longer with us. You are in The Sands, Aladdin, Stardust…while re-living what the generations before you have seen in Las Vegas.

There was even a part where I got teary-eyed. Maybe it was the AC or something, or…allergies…no. It was “the feels.” During the Elton John scene, when he’s performing Rocket Man, there is a video montage playing on the curtain. I’m going to leave out the main thing about this that brings it all home, but it was timely considering I saw this show just after June 14th. Reva Rice mentions it at the two-minute mark of the video in case you’d like to spoil it for yourself.

Also in the montage, you’ll see clips of the performances you’ve just witnessed, but, performed by the original acts. Even the Siegfried and Roy act (did I mention there was a Siegfried and Roy act?). The montage ties it all together.

There is a large cast, but there are about five main stars who pull triple duty: Reva Rice, Joshua Strickland, Derek Adams, David Villella and Justin Reynolds among others. There were also about 20 to 30 dancers. Also, Vegas The Show is the only place to see Showgirls featured in a show on the strip. Between set changes, there are side acts, specialty acts, that perform in front of the closed curtains, so you’ll never be bored, you’re always entertained. One of those side acts was the Quiddlers, who I’ve seen at V The Ultimate Variety Show.

The show was truly an experience, and I left there thinking. For me, it truly was more than a show. It had such an effect on me that I wanted to talk about it instead of just writing about it. Here’s an excerpt from The Vegas Bright Podcast Episode 12, where I discuss Vegas The Show. I went into a bit more detail about it.

https://youtu.be/uKgP9JFwxUI

Although I didn’t pay to see this show as I was an invited guest, I will definitely plop down some money to see it again in a few months to see what’s new. They add new acts every six months to keep things fresh. I sure hope they keep that montage, though!

Vegas! The Show plays at the Saxe Theater, located in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops. Showtimes: 7 pm and 9 pm Monday thru Friday | 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. | Tickets available here.

[Images: Michael Movestro, Vegas The Show]

Michael Movestro

Michael Movestro founded Vegas Bright to continue the tradition when Vegas Chatter cashed out. Michael pays the bills, maintains the site, writes articles, hosts VBN – Vegas Bright Newscast.