Las Vegas Spotlight: January 2011
January is here, so it’s out with the old, in with the new as we say farewell to 2010 and hello to 2011. Fortunately, Vegas has plenty of both old and new as the New Year kicks into high gear. Over at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, it’s your last chance to see Cher as she winds down her spectacular show (through February 5). Hard to “Believe,” but yes, that campy, vampy “Dark Lady” herself is ending her successful run — and you won’t want to miss the legendary icon performing 90 minutes of her decade-spanning hits. With a little help from choreographer Doriana Sanchez, and of course, costumes by Cher’s longtime collaborator Bob Mackie, it’s a glitzy production that you won’t forget.
At the Wynn, Garth Brooks performs his popular show at the Encore Theater on January 21-23. And SINATRA Dance With Me, the collaboration of Twyla Tharp’s choreography and Frank Sinatra’s music, continues its engagement (through January 29). Over at the Paris, Barry Manilow begins his second year of his show. No doubt he’ll be playing the songs that make the young girls cry.
And culture lovers, if January is any indication, Las Vegas’ New Year’s resolution is to give you plenty of theater in 2011. Over at the Las Vegas Little Theater Mainstage, it’s Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce (January 14-30). Directed by Rob Kastil, it’s the savagely funny tale of a group of beleaguered couples, led by Trevor and Susannah, whose marriage is on its last legs. See it with someone you love — or someone you can’t stand, your choice. Over at LVLT’s Fischer Black Box is Steven Dietz’s Lonely Planet (January 21-February 6). Directed by Walter Niejadlik, it’s the funny yet touching tale of two gay men, map store owner Jody and his friend Carl, who keeps bringing chairs into the store for some reason. And at the Nevada Conservatory Theatre is Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones immortal Broadway classic, The Fantasticks (January 28-February 6). The breezy musical tells the tale about two young lovers and their personal journeys.
Over at the Hilton, the award-winning, toe-tapping musical Nunsense continues its ongoing run at the Shimmer Cabaret. The madcap musical comedy about The Little Sisters of Hoboken and their fundraiser will have you rolling in the aisles. It would be a sin to miss this one.
At The Joint at the Hard Rock, Carlos Santana brings his Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits show back to Vegas in January, following a short hiatus (beginning January 5). The guitar virtuoso is also coming to the end of his Sin City run in 2011, so don’t miss your chance to see this hard rock at the Hard Rock. Also lighting up The Joint is Buckcherry, as part of the Jägermeister Music Tour (January 22). The rockers will be sure to set off a “Time Bomb” when they’re joined by special guests Hellyeah, All That Remains, and The Damned Things.
Mandalay Bay is bringing some top notch acts to town this January. At the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician (and former Reality-TV star) Ozzy Osbourne drops by on January 28, joined by his long-time partner-in-crime Slash. Playing at the House of Blues this month is guitar legend Joe Satriani (January 15), theatrical classic rockers Styx (January 16), punk rockers Social Distortion (January 20-21), and reggae icons The Wailers (January 23).
It’s a January chock full of entertainment at the Orleans. Ringing in the New Year at the Orleans Showroom on January 1-2 is comedian Sinbad, formerly of A Different World, The Celebrity Apprentice, Jingle All the Way, and his eponymous sitcom. Comedienne Paula Poundstone brings her wry humor to the Orleans Showroom on January 22-23. For those seeking a little nostalgia, those original teen idols Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell perform their early 60s smash hits January 14-16, and 70s rockers Foghat will take you on a “Slow Ride” on January 29-30. For the kiddies, the Las Vegas Circus Spectacular comes to the Orleans Arena from January 7-9. Bringing you the finest circus performers in the land, it promises to be a fun family adventure for children and adults of all ages.
At MGM Grand‘s Hollywood Theatre, Drew Carey is joined by the Improv All-Stars (January 13-22). The stand-up comic and host of The Price is Right will present an evening of unscripted, no-holds barred improv comedy, with a little help from the audience. Perennial headliner Jay Leno – you’ve heard of him, right? – shows up at The Mirage on January 22 for an evening of what he does best: stand-up comedy. At The Palms, Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean herself, Lisa Lampanelli, brings her biting wit on January 15.
And there’s even more fun for the kiddies this month when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! skates into town from January 12-16 at the Thomas & Mack Center. It’s one gigantic party Disney-style, when the whole gang shows up. Whether it’s Mickey and Minnie partying down with Alice and The Mad Hatter, or a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney Princesses, there’s something for everyone!
