It's Showtime - Five of the Top Las Vegas Shows - By: JT Navary

No Las Vegas trip would be considered complete without enjoying a couple of shows. Shows in Vegas take entertainment to a completely new level with fabulous glamor, glitz, and some huge headliners. When planning a visit to Vegas, be sure to make reservations for the shows that you wish to see prior to your arrival if at all possible since a number of the top venues are sold out well in advance.

Cirque de Soleil (Circus of the Sun) has four permanent shows in Las Vegas with even more in planning stages. Their first show, at first planned to run for a limited time, was so popular that it was signed on for an indefinite period. Cirque de Soleil is based in Quebec, Canada and at the outset began with a couple of street performers. It is a circus with no animals and the shows in Las Vegas do not use a big top. The shows' key performers are remarkable acrobats whose performances are beyond belief. After experiencing one of the Cirque De Soleil shows in Vegas you might just start to believe people can really fly.

"O", one of the Cirque de Soleil shows, can be found at the Bellagio. This awe inspiring production not only includes acrobats but also includes astonishing synchronized swimmers. The stage "magically" transforms into a swimming pool and then reverts to a solid stage! Actually seeing this spectacle is the only way to fully understand the show's "wow" factor. There are fire eaters and clowns in the mix at "O" as well. This truly unique production offers an exceptional experience for the whole family.

Mystere, another Cirque de Soleil production, can be seen at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Honored eight times as "Best Production Show" by the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper, Mystere includes an international cast of 72 performers featuring singers, dancers, musicians and world-class acrobats. The inspiring imagery is mesmerizing, the costumes are dazzling and the music is simply extraordinary. The cast members who portray birds seem to actually grow feathers right before your eyes. This is the show that most other Cirque de Soleil shows are compared to.

Penn and Teller nowadays perform in their own theatre at the Rio Hotel and Casino. This pair of tricksters/comedians/magicians has been amazing audiences together for over 30 years. They are now signed to a long term contract with the Rio. Penn announces "This is not your typical Las Vegas show," at the beginning of the show, and then, for the next 90 minutes, they back up that declaration with sheer enjoyment. The show merges acts from many of their previous productions with newly prepared material that is specially produced for their new Las Vegas home. Even when the tricks are explained, the ease, poise, and speed with which the illusions are performed is mind boggling.

Criss Angel performs at the Luxor Las Vegas. This show goes well beyond traditional magic, it is downright amazing. You may have watched Criss Angel on his television series, Criss Angel: Mindfreak. After enjoying this show don't be shocked if you leave the theatre believing that magic is real. This show captivates the audience. Young and old alike will be wowed by this extravaganza of illusions.

Rita Rudner has found a new home in Las Vegas at Harrah's and puts on a side-splitting comedy show. Rita's secret comedy weapon is a rapier-like wit cloaked in a soft-spoken delivery that sneaks up on, and then, like a stealth fighter, strikes your funny bone. She captivates audiences with her clever observations, meticulous timing and Gracie Allen-like deadpan style. With her gentle voice, porcelain skin and big, innocent looking blue eyes, Rita shatters the stereotype of brassy, tough comediennes through poise, intelligence, and class.

Las Vegas is amongst the most popular vacation destinations in the country. When considering Las Vegas vacation packages, try to group your purchases for better deals on your trips. Arranging for the flight, hotel, local transportation and activities all at one time will add up to savings on your trip.

No Las Vegas escape should be complete without taking in a few shows. Shows in Vegas take entertainment to an entirely new level with tons of glamor, glitz, and some major performers. When planning a trip to Las Vegas, be sure to book the shows that you would like to see in advance of your arrival if at all possible since many of the top shows are sold out well in advance.

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