Las Vegas prides itself on offering the ultimate fantasy get-away, and where would the fantasy be without its spectacular shows?  From thrill-seeking grown-ups to wide-eyed children, there’s a show for every taste and every budget. 

Hotel and casino owners realized early-on that gambling was not enough to provide sufficient entertainment for its patrons – in order to keep Las Vegas in the number one slot as entertainment venue of the country, something more had to be offered. 

First came the glamorous Vegas showgirls, bedecked with feathers, sequins and little else. More elaborate and escapist production shows were mounted as hotels competed for high rollers and families alike. 

Today, every casino on the Strip has its extravagant show venue, many built just to house a specific long-running fantasy show.

The following are examples of some of the best shows Las Vegas has to offer.  Note:  we're excluding the Cirque du Soleil Vegas shows in this article, since we have another article devoted to them.  This article is about the best non-Cirque du Soleil shows. 

(Sidenote: if you are looking for an opinion on the very best show in Vegas - check out Jessica's blog posting for our opinion and review.)

Las Vegas' Best Shows

Le Reve

“Le Reve,” currently playing at Wynn Las Vegas is a show with a venue custom-made for it. 

And no wonder – this aqua theater-in-the-round is the setting for a dramatic display of acrobatic choreography, dreamlike aerial artistry, and dazzling special effects.

Similar in production values to a Cirque du Soleil show, “Le Reve” will hypnotize you with its talent and its staging. 

See it at Wynn Las Vegas from $116 per person, Thursday through Monday, 7 PM and 9:30 PM.  

Phantom

“Phantom of the Opera” may have been around the world a few times – but wait until you see the Vegas version at The Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas! 

Still featuring all of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stirring songs, the show has been mounted in a room redone to resemble the Paris Opera House.

New and dramatic effects have been added to this production, and the chandelier scene is described as a true heart stopper.

See “Phantom” at The Venetian, Monday through Saturday, 7PM and 9:30 PM.  Ticket are priced from $84.   

Blue Man Group

The “Blue Man Group” is another show that has been re-worked especially for its Las Vegas audiences.  This stunning show is also at The Venetian. 

It’s been described by The New York Times as “one of the most delightful performances ever staged.”

What to expect when the three Blue Men take their places under the lights?  A startlingly inventive experience that's both funny and fascinating…and in which the audience will probably become part of the action. 

See the “Blue Man Group” nightly, with two shows on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; one show on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Ticket prices from $87.75