Las Vegas Spotlight: December 2006

‘Tis the season to be jolly, which means Las Vegas is full of mirth and merriment in its theaters and nightclubs. For example, the Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV presents one of William Shakespeare’s best comedies, Twelfth Night, at the Judy Bayley Theatre (December 1-10).

Meanwhile, several major headliners are on Vegas Strip this month. Wayne Newton is back in town, doing his special holiday show all month at Harrah’s. Howie Mandel, who’s enjoying a resurgence of popularity thanks to his successful TV game show Deal or No Deal, is doing several performances at the MGM Grand (December 1-6). For some post-Christmas laughs, you can catch Jerry Seinfeld at Caesar’s Palace (December 26-27). Throughout the month there will be performances from Las Vegas legends Tom Jones (December 7-16) and Barry Manilow (December 13-30), singing at the MGM Grand and the Hilton, respectively.

For one night only, on December 14, Jade Productions presents Hits of Broadway, an evening of musical numbers from the greatest shows of Broadway’s golden age and beyond, at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin. Among the shows that will be represented are South Pacific, The King and I, Mame, Camelot, The Music Man, Gypsy, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago, and A Chorus Line. The singers delivering the program of beloved ballads and classic showstoppers will be accompanied by the Pat Demain Band.

Starbright is also presenting several holiday-themed shows this month to get everybody in the spirit of the season. The Silvertones present Memories and Mistletoe (December 2-3), a concert featuring standards familiar to Broadway and film lovers, as well as wonderful seasonal songs. Christmas and Chanukah tunes will be on the bill for the choral group Musicmakers’ A Holiday Season of Dreams (December 8-10), performed under the musical direction of Dr. Stacy Thomas.

Rounding out the Christmas season is Let’s Dance (December 29), another Starbright Theatre production. Billed as a “romantic musical comedy,” the show is about a street dancer who falls for a ballerina. Featuring a cast of 20, the story of Let’s Dance unfolds to famous tunes by such songsmiths as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin.

If you like dance shows, you might want to try Shag with a Twist. The stylish tuner recently moved from the Krave Theatre at the Aladdin to a new location at the Plaza Hotel & Casino dubbed the “Shag” Showroom. Set at a psychedelic 1960s Tupperware party hosted by a glamorous couple, Shag with a Twist is a murder mystery told through dance. The show serves up camp, cocktails, groovy music, and stunningly colorful visuals based on the art of Josh “Shag” Agle. Hipsters and retro buffs are sure to enjoy the experience, which even lets the audience get in on the fun with ’60s themed decor and interactive dancing.

Finally, a special note: fans of Cirque du Soleil’s latest extravaganza, LOVE, can now bring the experience home. The soundtrack to the spectacular, which was mixed by Beatles producer Sir George Martin and his son Giles, was just released. It’s the perfect holiday present.