Our year-end wrap-up concludes with the best and worst live shows.
In the last entry, we covered the best and worst of shows intended for adult audiences. Today the field is wide open to take a look at all of the others. As usual, some of my choices will raise a few eyebrows. But so did live Vegas entertainment in 2023. Let's begin, shall we?
2023 may be remembered as the YEAR OF THE FEMALE ARTIST. Beyonce and Taylor Swift dominated stadiums, arenas, and movie theaters, while Adele, Christina Aguilera, and Kylie Minogue commanded top dollar for their residencies. Up and down the Strip, examples of "girl power" were evident in everything from burlesque revues to family-friendly WONDERLAND.
BEST NEW TRIBUTE SHOW - Spice Wannabe
I'll admit to not being a fan of the original Spice Girls. At the time, they seemed too "bubble gum" for my tastes. But looking backward and comparing their music to most of today's slop, the "Girl Power" group was damned infectious!
After making a few stops, a tour or two, and a trial run at Excalibur's Thunder Showroom, SPICE WANNABE landed an ongoing residency. The brainchild of Casey MacConachie, the fun-filled tribute features Malia Blunt, Deena Carey, Yvonne Cavaco, Sarah Jessica Rhodes, and MacConachie herself as "Baby Spice". They're backed by the "Spice Boys", a trio of sizzling dancers including mega-hunk Kurt Nagy.
Runner-up - FLASHBACK: TINA TURNER AND FRIENDS
At Modern Showrooms at Alexis Park Resort, the entirely female ALL MOTOWN was joined by DISCO DIVAS, a celebration of ladies of the eighties. Later renamed FLASHBACK: TINA TURNER AND FRIENDS (read the VEGAS 411 review here), the tribute production pays homage to Diana Ross, Gloria Gaynor, Olivia Newton-John, Donna Summer, and of course, the "Private Dancer" herself.
What keeps FLASHBACK from besting SPICE WANNABE is a comparative lack of scale. The talented cast is worthy of bolder sets and its own troupe of backup dancers. Until that happens, if ever, FLASHBACK is still an excellent presentation of hits that will have you on your feet.
BEST TRIBUTE BAND - The Docksiders
This one was tough to categorize. The Docksiders (original review here) isn't exactly a tribute band, but it pays homage to a treasured musical era. They're not a new group but a fresh addition to Las Vegas. And while they don't focus on any one artist, The Docksiders can channel Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald with ease. So, I just chose "Tribute Band" to give them a winning slot.
Why was so important to recognize The Docksiders? Because their success in Las Vegas is vital to our music scene. Like The Bronx Wanderers and Canadian Elyzabeth Diaga's Queens of Rock, this transplanted band from Wisconsin is a true entertainment godsend. There's no unjustified hype, cynical agenda, or hint of rehash. What Erin and Kevin Sucher do with their precision band and new addition, Vegas-based vocalist Justin Michael Rodriguez is nothing short of a marvel.
Being an entertainment writer requires me to attend several shows every week, often bringing guests to share the experience. One friend in particular is nearly impossible to please. The Docksiders delighted him from the opening number through the final bows. And that speaks more than any critic can convey. "Did you have a good time?". "Yes, absolutely!". And that's why people go to shows.
[embed]https://vimeo.com/829883923[/embed]
The Docksider's creator is Kevin Sucher. He's an accomplished record producer, having worked with industry giants like Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch, Olivia Newton-John, Toni Braxton, and the legendary Tony Orlando. Sucher also has his hands in live productions such as the ongoing BLAME IT ALL ON BLONDE at House of Blues. But it's projects like the recent HEAD OVER HEELS that truly convey his passion for music...and more importantly, Las Vegas audiences.
If you haven't journeyed to Notoriety Live on Thursday evenings, you're truly missing out on an evening of sheer perfection. The Docksiders will make your heart sail on a desert breeze. Do not miss it.
WORST LIMITED RUN SHOW - SIX The Musical at Venetian/Palazzo
Good lord, how I hated this one. After a short stint at Smith Center for the Performing Arts, SIX The Musical moved to the Las Vegas Strip for a six-week run. And it became another reason to bestow VEGAS 411's "Grinch Award" to Venetian/Palazzo for 2023.
A sickening piece of revisionist history set to a contemporary soundtrack, SIX The Musical presents the dead wives of King Henry VIII as a group of sassy, ghetto-smack drag queens. All they do is talk shit and sashay back and forth in their gaudy worst. There are no sets to speak of in the cheap-looking production, and the cast remains in one line the entire running time. People who thought this was great entertainment should probably get out more.
Somehow this one-note trash garnered a Tony award for "Best Orignal Score" during its Broadway run. The amped-up female empowerment message delivered from victimized historical figures makes zero sense. Neither does the artistic choice to have the all-female cast act like gay men in a dollar-store RuPaul's Drag Race knock-off. Victor/Victoria this isn't.
SIX - The Musical deserves to be deep-sixed. If this is the future of live entertainment, then we're all doomed.
BEST MAGIC SHOW - The Magician's Study (location is a secret)The Magician's Study (review here) is a collection of parlor tricks performed for a very intimate gathering. Getting tickets is tricky, not just because the show is in high demand, but because it requires a bit of a quest. The effort is fun, and so is the payoff.
A charismatic performer, whose identity isn't revealed until showtime, will wow you with feats performed right under your nose. A handkerchief will zip across the room and dive into a bottle. The writing on a playing card will change as you stare at it. The laws of physics will be broken, along with your skepticism. You will believe in magic before the evening is through.
Runner-up - DAVID BLAINE at Resorts WorldWORST CIRCUS ACT - Britney Spears
For a person who claims to hate alcohol, crowds, public attention, and traveling, Britney Spears just can't seem to stay away from Las Vegas. The knife-wielding cyclone was spotted at Wynn on New Year's Eve weekend, scurrying around like a bag lady with disheveled hair and sloppy clothing. Before that she'd been a regular at Resorts World, plunking down $15K a night for one of their grandest suites.
Resorts World has reportedly been trying to lure the troubled star into a comeback residency since July 2022. That's when the above graphic covered their building and could be seen throughout the city. But be careful what you wish for, especially with a spoiled, unbalanced pop star. Caesars learned that the hard way with Adele, whom we doubt has a stripper pole in her foyer.
Proof of the former PHo headliner's instability took place at Aria Resort on July 5th, 2023. The newly-separated star accused an NBA player's bodyguard of assault, demanding an apology. Video footage showed that Spears instigated the incident, running up on the player's entourage from behind. Shouting in a fake British accent, Spears lunged at the athlete, but her hand was flung away by the bodyguard. This caused her to strike her own face, for which she screeched profanities, again in a fake accent.
Talks of charges against the bodygaurd ended when evidence proved that Spears was to blame. She had lied about the details in a police report, but somehow got off without facing charges herself. This writer hopes that Britney Spears will take a break from Las Vegas. This city already has enough wackadoodles roaming the streets. We don't need another one on our stages.
MOST IMPROVED SHOW - Awakening at Wynn
Wynn's successor to LE REVE badly stumbled out of the gate in late 2022. Greeted by poor reviews and even worse ticket sales, AWAKENING quickly became a punchline in entertainment circles. Fortunately, the creative force behind the super-expensive show listened to the reactions and returned to the drawing board.
After a lengthy shutdown, a new AWAKENING opened in July of this year (see the VEGAS 411 review here). Aside from the high-tech set, nearly everything was reimagined, resulting in a production worthy of the showroom it took over. Given a heart, character arcs, and a storyline that now made sense, AWAKENING became the show it always should have been.
[embed]https://vimeo.com/842588845[/embed]
That's not to say that Baz Halpin's baby is perfect. There are still some sluggish spots, awkward dialog, and a pair of annoying sidekick characters that need to go the way of an excised orgy sequence. But unlike Cirque du Soleil's awful R.U.N, this is one disaster that rose from the ashes. If you hated it before, give it another chance. And if you've yet to check out AWAKENING, the new lower prices make it a worthy choice for your entertainment dollars.
SADDEST CLOSURE - Spiegelworld's OPM at CosmopolitanOPM, the little brother to ABSINTHE and ATOMIC SALOON SHOW, just couldn't keep the engine running after 2023. Never quite the hit as Spiegelworld's other shows, the formerly-named OPIUM went through several iterations before finally folding this New Year's Eve.
Throughout its six years, OPM was streamlined to cut expenses. But eliminating the live band, sending the storyline out the airlock, and eliminating original characters couldn't compete with an undoubtedly expensive rent bill from Cosmopolitan. Now that MGM Resorts has purchased the hotel, they've already begun stripping out the showroom. The photos are painful to see.
[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://vegas411-images.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/10034314/20231110_202427.mp4"][/video]
Best wishes to the cast and crew. And a fond farewell.
WORST OVERALL SHOW - Magic Mike Live at Sahara
No, this isn't a clipping from a gay porn magazine. It's from one of the many ad campaigns for MAGIC MIKE LIVE, the most emasculating excuse for a male revue in history. I already blasted this garbage in our Best-of/Worst-of 2023 Adult Shows, yet it deserves the label of WORST OVERALL SHOW as well. Instead of regurgitating this mess, you can just head here.
FAVORITE OVERALL SHOW - Atomic Saloon Show at Venetian/Palazzo
On September 15th, 2023, ATOMIC SALOON SHOW celebrated 1,500 performances at Venetian/Palazzo. Brothel Madame "Boozy Skunkton", along with her floozies and a wacked-out cast, threw a wonderful celebration to mark the milestone. VEGAS 411 was on hand for the event, which included food, drinks, a giant cake, and lots of ping-pong balls.
[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://vegas411-images.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/10045140/20230915_205450.mp4"][/video]
ABSINTHE may be the popular choice for FAVORITE OVERALL SHOW, but ATOMIC SALOON SHOW (read the VEGAS 411 review here) has wit, charm, and a setting that makes it even more appealing. The jokes are naughty without being overly vulgar, and you can't help loving the characters. So grab a beer, introduce yourself to Reverend Peabody, settle into a pew, and get ready for a stampede of fun. ATOMIC SALOON SHOW is a winner.
And there you have it, the Best, Worst, and WTF of 2023. Have a great year and thank you for being a VEGAS 411 reader. Best wishes from all of us for a fantastic New Year!
[video width="2336" height="1080" mp4="https://vegas411-images.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/10045151/20240101_000623.mp4"][/video]
In the last entry, we covered the best and worst of shows intended for adult audiences. Today the field is wide open to take a look at all of the others. As usual, some of my choices will raise a few eyebrows. But so did live Vegas entertainment in 2023. Let's begin, shall we?
2023 may be remembered as the YEAR OF THE FEMALE ARTIST. Beyonce and Taylor Swift dominated stadiums, arenas, and movie theaters, while Adele, Christina Aguilera, and Kylie Minogue commanded top dollar for their residencies. Up and down the Strip, examples of "girl power" were evident in everything from burlesque revues to family-friendly WONDERLAND.
BEST NEW TRIBUTE SHOW - Spice Wannabe
I'll admit to not being a fan of the original Spice Girls. At the time, they seemed too "bubble gum" for my tastes. But looking backward and comparing their music to most of today's slop, the "Girl Power" group was damned infectious!
After making a few stops, a tour or two, and a trial run at Excalibur's Thunder Showroom, SPICE WANNABE landed an ongoing residency. The brainchild of Casey MacConachie, the fun-filled tribute features Malia Blunt, Deena Carey, Yvonne Cavaco, Sarah Jessica Rhodes, and MacConachie herself as "Baby Spice". They're backed by the "Spice Boys", a trio of sizzling dancers including mega-hunk Kurt Nagy.
Runner-up - FLASHBACK: TINA TURNER AND FRIENDS
At Modern Showrooms at Alexis Park Resort, the entirely female ALL MOTOWN was joined by DISCO DIVAS, a celebration of ladies of the eighties. Later renamed FLASHBACK: TINA TURNER AND FRIENDS (read the VEGAS 411 review here), the tribute production pays homage to Diana Ross, Gloria Gaynor, Olivia Newton-John, Donna Summer, and of course, the "Private Dancer" herself.
What keeps FLASHBACK from besting SPICE WANNABE is a comparative lack of scale. The talented cast is worthy of bolder sets and its own troupe of backup dancers. Until that happens, if ever, FLASHBACK is still an excellent presentation of hits that will have you on your feet.
BEST TRIBUTE BAND - The Docksiders
This one was tough to categorize. The Docksiders (original review here) isn't exactly a tribute band, but it pays homage to a treasured musical era. They're not a new group but a fresh addition to Las Vegas. And while they don't focus on any one artist, The Docksiders can channel Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald with ease. So, I just chose "Tribute Band" to give them a winning slot.
Why was so important to recognize The Docksiders? Because their success in Las Vegas is vital to our music scene. Like The Bronx Wanderers and Canadian Elyzabeth Diaga's Queens of Rock, this transplanted band from Wisconsin is a true entertainment godsend. There's no unjustified hype, cynical agenda, or hint of rehash. What Erin and Kevin Sucher do with their precision band and new addition, Vegas-based vocalist Justin Michael Rodriguez is nothing short of a marvel.
Being an entertainment writer requires me to attend several shows every week, often bringing guests to share the experience. One friend in particular is nearly impossible to please. The Docksiders delighted him from the opening number through the final bows. And that speaks more than any critic can convey. "Did you have a good time?". "Yes, absolutely!". And that's why people go to shows.
[embed]https://vimeo.com/829883923[/embed]
The Docksider's creator is Kevin Sucher. He's an accomplished record producer, having worked with industry giants like Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch, Olivia Newton-John, Toni Braxton, and the legendary Tony Orlando. Sucher also has his hands in live productions such as the ongoing BLAME IT ALL ON BLONDE at House of Blues. But it's projects like the recent HEAD OVER HEELS that truly convey his passion for music...and more importantly, Las Vegas audiences.
If you haven't journeyed to Notoriety Live on Thursday evenings, you're truly missing out on an evening of sheer perfection. The Docksiders will make your heart sail on a desert breeze. Do not miss it.
WORST LIMITED RUN SHOW - SIX The Musical at Venetian/Palazzo
Good lord, how I hated this one. After a short stint at Smith Center for the Performing Arts, SIX The Musical moved to the Las Vegas Strip for a six-week run. And it became another reason to bestow VEGAS 411's "Grinch Award" to Venetian/Palazzo for 2023.
A sickening piece of revisionist history set to a contemporary soundtrack, SIX The Musical presents the dead wives of King Henry VIII as a group of sassy, ghetto-smack drag queens. All they do is talk shit and sashay back and forth in their gaudy worst. There are no sets to speak of in the cheap-looking production, and the cast remains in one line the entire running time. People who thought this was great entertainment should probably get out more.
Somehow this one-note trash garnered a Tony award for "Best Orignal Score" during its Broadway run. The amped-up female empowerment message delivered from victimized historical figures makes zero sense. Neither does the artistic choice to have the all-female cast act like gay men in a dollar-store RuPaul's Drag Race knock-off. Victor/Victoria this isn't.
SIX - The Musical deserves to be deep-sixed. If this is the future of live entertainment, then we're all doomed.
BEST MAGIC SHOW - The Magician's Study (location is a secret)
The Magician's Study (review here) is a collection of parlor tricks performed for a very intimate gathering. Getting tickets is tricky, not just because the show is in high demand, but because it requires a bit of a quest. The effort is fun, and so is the payoff.
A charismatic performer, whose identity isn't revealed until showtime, will wow you with feats performed right under your nose. A handkerchief will zip across the room and dive into a bottle. The writing on a playing card will change as you stare at it. The laws of physics will be broken, along with your skepticism. You will believe in magic before the evening is through.
Runner-up - DAVID BLAINE at Resorts World
WORST CIRCUS ACT - Britney Spears
For a person who claims to hate alcohol, crowds, public attention, and traveling, Britney Spears just can't seem to stay away from Las Vegas. The knife-wielding cyclone was spotted at Wynn on New Year's Eve weekend, scurrying around like a bag lady with disheveled hair and sloppy clothing. Before that she'd been a regular at Resorts World, plunking down $15K a night for one of their grandest suites.
Resorts World has reportedly been trying to lure the troubled star into a comeback residency since July 2022. That's when the above graphic covered their building and could be seen throughout the city. But be careful what you wish for, especially with a spoiled, unbalanced pop star. Caesars learned that the hard way with Adele, whom we doubt has a stripper pole in her foyer.
Proof of the former PHo headliner's instability took place at Aria Resort on July 5th, 2023. The newly-separated star accused an NBA player's bodyguard of assault, demanding an apology. Video footage showed that Spears instigated the incident, running up on the player's entourage from behind. Shouting in a fake British accent, Spears lunged at the athlete, but her hand was flung away by the bodyguard. This caused her to strike her own face, for which she screeched profanities, again in a fake accent.
Talks of charges against the bodygaurd ended when evidence proved that Spears was to blame. She had lied about the details in a police report, but somehow got off without facing charges herself. This writer hopes that Britney Spears will take a break from Las Vegas. This city already has enough wackadoodles roaming the streets. We don't need another one on our stages.
MOST IMPROVED SHOW - Awakening at Wynn
Wynn's successor to LE REVE badly stumbled out of the gate in late 2022. Greeted by poor reviews and even worse ticket sales, AWAKENING quickly became a punchline in entertainment circles. Fortunately, the creative force behind the super-expensive show listened to the reactions and returned to the drawing board.
After a lengthy shutdown, a new AWAKENING opened in July of this year (see the VEGAS 411 review here). Aside from the high-tech set, nearly everything was reimagined, resulting in a production worthy of the showroom it took over. Given a heart, character arcs, and a storyline that now made sense, AWAKENING became the show it always should have been.
[embed]https://vimeo.com/842588845[/embed]
That's not to say that Baz Halpin's baby is perfect. There are still some sluggish spots, awkward dialog, and a pair of annoying sidekick characters that need to go the way of an excised orgy sequence. But unlike Cirque du Soleil's awful R.U.N, this is one disaster that rose from the ashes. If you hated it before, give it another chance. And if you've yet to check out AWAKENING, the new lower prices make it a worthy choice for your entertainment dollars.
SADDEST CLOSURE - Spiegelworld's OPM at Cosmopolitan
OPM, the little brother to ABSINTHE and ATOMIC SALOON SHOW, just couldn't keep the engine running after 2023. Never quite the hit as Spiegelworld's other shows, the formerly-named OPIUM went through several iterations before finally folding this New Year's Eve.
Throughout its six years, OPM was streamlined to cut expenses. But eliminating the live band, sending the storyline out the airlock, and eliminating original characters couldn't compete with an undoubtedly expensive rent bill from Cosmopolitan. Now that MGM Resorts has purchased the hotel, they've already begun stripping out the showroom. The photos are painful to see.
[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://vegas411-images.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/10034314/20231110_202427.mp4"][/video]
Best wishes to the cast and crew. And a fond farewell.
WORST OVERALL SHOW - Magic Mike Live at Sahara
No, this isn't a clipping from a gay porn magazine. It's from one of the many ad campaigns for MAGIC MIKE LIVE, the most emasculating excuse for a male revue in history. I already blasted this garbage in our Best-of/Worst-of 2023 Adult Shows, yet it deserves the label of WORST OVERALL SHOW as well. Instead of regurgitating this mess, you can just head here.
FAVORITE OVERALL SHOW - Atomic Saloon Show at Venetian/Palazzo
On September 15th, 2023, ATOMIC SALOON SHOW celebrated 1,500 performances at Venetian/Palazzo. Brothel Madame "Boozy Skunkton", along with her floozies and a wacked-out cast, threw a wonderful celebration to mark the milestone. VEGAS 411 was on hand for the event, which included food, drinks, a giant cake, and lots of ping-pong balls.
[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://vegas411-images.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/10045140/20230915_205450.mp4"][/video]
ABSINTHE may be the popular choice for FAVORITE OVERALL SHOW, but ATOMIC SALOON SHOW (read the VEGAS 411 review here) has wit, charm, and a setting that makes it even more appealing. The jokes are naughty without being overly vulgar, and you can't help loving the characters. So grab a beer, introduce yourself to Reverend Peabody, settle into a pew, and get ready for a stampede of fun. ATOMIC SALOON SHOW is a winner.
And there you have it, the Best, Worst, and WTF of 2023. Have a great year and thank you for being a VEGAS 411 reader. Best wishes from all of us for a fantastic New Year!
[video width="2336" height="1080" mp4="https://vegas411-images.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/10045151/20240101_000623.mp4"][/video]
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