Las Vegas Spotlight: March 2011

Making its debut (and West Coast premiere) at Caesars Palace this month is Absinthe. The unique — and decadent — show, best described as “adult carnival,” is an exciting fusion of vaudeville, burlesque, and wild imagination. Party-goers will be transported to an experience they have to see to believe, including a secret speakeasy, and some of the wildest, out-of-this-world acts to ever grace The Strip. Prepare to have all of your senses dazzled, beginning on March 21.

Also at Caesars Palace, in The Colosseum, Vegas favorite Celine Dion starts a new residency show beginning March 15 and running through August. With 31 musicians, get ready to see and hear Celine’s greatest hits in a whole new light.

Not to be outdone this month, MGM Grand puts their heavy-hitters front and center at the Grand Garden Arena. Slowhand himself, Mr. Eric Clapton, brings his signature guitar licks and iconic songs to Vegas on March 5, joined by Los Lobos. On March 19, you’ll “Let it Rock” when Bon Jovi brings their Live 2011 tour to town. And finally, Lady Gaga and her Monster Ball Tour will put on a spectacular, eye-popping extravaganza on March 25.

There’s plenty this month that will appeal to discerning devotees of the performing arts. The Nevada Conservatory Theatre presents Robert Benedetti’s Summers of Fear at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre (March 4-13). Recounting the story of Jonas Salk and his polio vaccine, the play chronicles an important chapter of history — and sheds some new light on the subject.

Even though the April showers haven’t hit yet, you’ll be Singin’ in the Rain at the Summerlin Library, courtesy of Signature Productions’ presentation of the popular stage musical (March 28-April 30). Adapted from the equally popular motion picture of the same name, it’s the story of the advent of sound in the movies. And over at the LVLT Studio Theatre is Will Eno’s Thom Pain (based on nothing) directed by Troy Heard (March 11-20). This one-man show, featuring Shane Cullum, is about a long-suffering protagonist, who talks of everything from a bee sting to his experience with a woman.

Barry Manilow continues to entertain over at Paris Las Vegas (March 18-27) with his residency engagement. At Wynn, Garth Brooks is still wowing audiences with his one-man show (March 25-26). Over at Planet Hollywood‘s Theatre for the Performing Arts, it’s Funk-A-Palooza! That’s right, after 25 years, it’s the reunion you’ve been waiting for, when the Mother Ship is landing in Vegas on March 19. George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic are literally going to tear the roof off of the sucker, with four hours of non-stop funk, along with special guests Cameo, Con-Funk-Shun and many more!

Alternative rockers The Strokes are playing at the swanky Cosmopolitan on March 12. Over at Mandalay Bay, it’s the 7th Annual Green 17 Tour, with Celtic Punk Rockers Flogging Molly, featuring special guests Moneybrother and The Drowning Men (March 18). Music is the name of the game for The Joint at The Hard Rock, and this month is no exception. On March 5, DJ Tiesto continues to groove. On March 12, it’s the Monster Energy Music as a Weapon 5 Tour, featuring two of rock’s biggest acts – Korn and Disturbed. And on March 18, Latin rocker Juanes stops by The Joint.

Multi-faceted entertainer Nick Cannon is appearing at The Pearl Concert Theatre at The Palms (March 5). Also at The Palms is rapper Rick Ross, who will put on a “Magnificent” show (March 10). For those of you needing your 1980s fix, Green Valley Ranch‘s Grand Events Center presents Huey Lewis & the News on March 12. Most definitely hip to be square. The Orleans is also keeping it retro, music-wise, this March. The Marshall Tucker Band brings some 70s southern rock to the Orleans Showroom (March 5-6), and 80s pop star Richard Marx will “Hold On to the Nights” on March 12-13. And if it’s comedy you’re seeking, The Orleans has a couple of favorites as well – “Mr. Warmth” Don Rickles (March 19-20) and deadpan comic Steven Wright (March 26-27).

The Venetian has its roster of A-List comedians this March. “Home Improvement” and “Wild Hogs” alum Tim Allen continues his limited residency show (March 4-12). Likewise, the always-funny Rita Rudner still delivers her soft-spoken humor throughout the month. And former SNL funnyman David Spade continues his limited engagement on March 18-19. At The Mirage, get ready to get your laugh on, when some familiar faces hit the stage. On March 4-5 is Michael Waltrip Comedy Garage – the two-time Daytona 500 winner steps out of the racetrack to show his funny side, as he’s joined by fellow comics Henry Cho and Jon Reep. The hilarious Wanda Sykes performs on March 11-12, the tireless Jay Leno appears on March 18-19, and sitcom funnyman Ray Romano reminds audiences why everybody loves him on March 25-26.

Top-notch entertainment is also the name of the game at Treasure Island this month. On March 3-4, “Blue Collar Comedian” Bill Engvall brings his country-fried comedy to town. And on March 25, cutting edge comedienne Whoopi Goldberg lets Vegas “View” her stand-up routine.