It's Showtime - Five of the Best Las Vegas Shows to See Print
By JT Navary

 No Las Vegas trip would be considered complete without taking in a couple of shows. Shows in Vegas take entertainment to a completely new level with tons of glamor, glitz, and some big performers. If you are planning a vacation to Vegas, be sure to book the shows that you wish to see before your arrival if at all possible since quite a few of the top events are sold out weeks in advance.

Cirque de Soleil (Circus of the Sun) has four long-standing productions in Las Vegas with even more in planning stages. Their original show, at first intended to run for a short time, was so successful that it was signed on for an indefinite period. Cirque de Soleil is based in Quebec, Canada and at first started with a couple of street performers. It is a circus with no animals and the productions in Las Vegas do not use a circus tent. The shows' main performers are fantastic acrobats whose performances are beyond belief. After experiencing one of the Cirque De Soleil productions in Vegas you may 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 features acrobats but also includes extremely talented synchronized swimmers. The stage "magically" transforms into a swimming pool and then reverts to a solid stage! Actually experiencing this performance is the only way to fully comprehend the show's "wow" factor. There are clowns and fire-eaters in the mix at "O" as well. This truly unique production offers an extraordinary good time for the whole family.

Mystere, another Cirque de Soleil production, can be seen at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Recognized eight times as "Best Production Show" by the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper, Mystere features an international cast of 72 performers featuring musicians, singers, dancers and champion-caliber acrobats. The inspiring imagery is mesmerizing, the costumes are vibrant and the music is simply extraordinary. The cast members who portray various types of birds seem to grow plumage right before your eyes. This is the show that all other Cirque de Soleil productions are compared to.

Penn & Teller now perform in their own theatre at the Rio Hotel and Casino. This pair of comedians/magicians/tricksters has been amazing audiences together for more than 30 years. They are now signed to an extended contract with the Rio. Penn declares "This is not your typical Las Vegas show," as the show begins, and then, for the next ninety minutes, they back up that assertion with sheer entertainment. The show merges material from many of their previous appearances with additional material that is specially designed 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 astounds audiences at the Luxor Las Vegas. This show is beyond magical, it is downright phenomenal. You might have watched Criss Angel on his television series, Criss Angel: Mindfreak. After enjoying this show don't be shocked if you walk out believing that magic is real. This show captivates the audience. Young and old alike will be astounded by this extravaganza of illusions.

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

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