Las Vegas Spotlight: February 2011
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities to take that special someone out for a grand old time.
Speaking of “grand,” the MGM Grand is bringing some heavy hitters to Vegas, when “The King of Country” George Strait performs with special guests Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack at the Garden Arena (February 5). Also at MGM this month is alternative band Linkin Park, with their “A Thousand Suns Tour” – should be “The Catalyst” for a fantastic show (February 19). And if it’s comedy you seek, The Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand has comedian Drew Carey’s IMPROV-A-GANZA (February 3-6) — no doubt that the multi-talented Carey will deliver some off-the-cuff, unscripted punchlines.
At The Venetian, the always sharp and witty Rita Rudner continues her new residency in the Venetian Showroom (February 2-28). And funnyman Tim Allen kicks off his limited-engagement Vegas residency starting on February 5. At the always-jumping Joint at The Hard Rock, electronic dance music maestro Tiesto gets his groove on (February 5). Or you can hit the “Jackpot” with funk rockers 311 on February 19.
Recently reunited 90s alternative band Stone Temple Pilots will rock you to the “Core” at The Palms‘ Pearl Theater on February 25. Also at The Palms, if you like your early 90s stars a bit more “pop,” former New Kids on the Block member Joey McIntyre is joined by singer-songwriter-producer Emanuel Kiriakou for Joey’s “One Man Show With Two People” at The Lounge (February 5-26). Nothing more romantic than an evening in Paris – Paris Las Vegas, that is, where you can bask in the music of Barry Manilow, who continues his spectacular run (February 11-27). Could it be magic? You bet.
Over at the Wynn, you can catch Garth Brooks’ critically acclaimed show (February 25-27). With Garth doing a variety of songs and covers, it’ll be “more than a memory.” At Planet Hollywood, don’t stop believin’ that a great night of music is in store, when Journey plays at The Theatre for the Performing Arts (February 23). You’ll definitely come to this show with open arms.
The Orleans once again continues to deliver a cornucopia of top notch entertainment. In case you were wondering “Quando Quando Quando” will Engelbert Humperdinck perform at the Orleans Showroom, the answer is February 11-13. At the Orleans Arena this month is the 6th Annual 98.5 KLUC Love Affair on February 12, with R&B, soul and funk acts from the 60s, 70s and 80s, including Rose Royce, The Delfonics, Deniece Williams, Bloodstone, and more. If comedy is your bag, then check out Vegas perennial Norm Crosby (February 4-5), or Tom Arnold (February 19-20) at the Orleans Showroom. And for the kiddies, it’s Disney Imagination Movers Live! on February 22.
The Las Vegas Hilton has plenty to excite audiences this February, starting with Will Downing and En Vogue at the Hilton Theater on February 12. The soulful singer-songwriter and the funky divas should make for a great combination. Also at The Hilton is comedian/talk show host/all-around funnyman George Lopez, with his “I Can Never Do Nuthin'” tour (February 18-19). And at the Shimmer Cabaret is the always hilarious Mark Curry (February 2-13). At Mandalay Bay, it will get “Hot in Here” when rapper Nelly performs on February 12. And comedian Joe Rogan provides some laughs at the Mandalay Bay Theatre on February 4. Laughter is the name of the game at The Mirage, when those Aces of Comedy conjure up the chuckles. Ron “Tater Salad” White swills scotch and tells jokes on February 11-12. Jay Leno swings into town on February 18-19. And Ray Romano and Kevin James prove that there’s life after CBS’ Monday Night lineup when they perform on February 25-26.
Vegas also has a couple of Valentines for the theater-going crowd. Over at Las Vegas Little Theatre’s Mainstage is Craig Lucas’ Prelude to a Kiss (February 18-March 6). Directed by Gillen Brey, it’s the love story with a supernatural twist; Peter and Rita’s wedding day gets a bit unusual when an elderly man kisses the bride — and the two exchange bodies. And over at the College of Southern Nevada’s BackStage Theatre is Christopher Durang’s Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them (February 18-27). It’s the story of a young woman in crisis — is her new husband a terrorist, or is he just nuts? And what’s the deal with her father’s fascination with butterfly collecting, and her mother’s penchant for the theater? It’s a satirical look, Durang-style, at our fears, both at home and abroad.
