The Rat Pack is Back

In this lighthearted show, talented actor-singers impersonate Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop. Accompanied by a nine-piece band, they sing old favorites, joke around, and drink and smoke. This act has the best Sinatra impersonator in town—his voice and singing manner essentially indistinguishable from the original, his looks close to the young Sinatra. A Marilyn Monroe impersonator provides a sordid feminine touch.

Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour

This Michael Jackson-themed dance and acrobatics show is staged on the scale of an Olympics opening ceremony. The general topics are Jackson’s childhood and world peace. Giant video screens provide visual effects in the style of the Fremont Street Experience. Dozens of world-class performers execute challenging dance, gymnastic and acrobatic numbers, while a ten-member backing band plays and sings. Costumes and props are highly imaginative, and lighting and stage effects are advanced. Clips of Jackson’s videos—shown only a few times—predictably upstage everything. Variety acts include a one-legged dancer, a scantily-attired cellist, and a pole dancer.

Chippendales The Show

More risqué than comparable girlie shows, this show is good fun. Handsome bodybuilders perform group and solo striptease numbers for a largely twenty-something female audience. One of the performers is also a very competent singer. There are many costume changes and props, and a well-chosen soundtrack. The motorcycle gas tank masturbation scene is memorable, if unrealistic.

Illusions Starring Jan Rouven

This highly professional German magic show is heavy on disappearing acts, sharp objects, and exercise machine-looking props. It is also a dance show, with a different style and attitude than is common in Vegas. When the dancers—three girls and two guys—perform their ballet-quality routines, they nearly upstage the magic. The opening number features marching soldiers in boots and black uniforms, à la The Producers, done in all seriousness. This show is an edgier alternative to a more debonair Stefan Vanel.

Crazy Girls

This is a pleasant topless show where seven beautiful girls perform solo and group numbers, straddling the line between cabaret and strip club, and between dancing and posing. The show uses uncommon songs and has interesting props and lighting effects. The obligatory magician provides comic relief.

Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show

In this one-person show, the quick-witted and fast-talking Hammer maintains control of the audience for the entire seventy-five minutes. His act is closer to party entertainment than to the more formal magic of Stefan Vanel or Illusions and involves a lot of audience participation. Hammer is not afraid to work with kids and uses them in several routines. While the show is full of loaded jokes and innuendo, it is still child-friendly.

Rick Faugno

The eager youngish performer Rick Faugno ambitiously sings, dances, and talks to the audience. He is supported by a small band. The act features some pop, some rock, a little Sinatra, some tap dancing and some small talk.

La Cage

A smaller competitor to Divas Las Vegas, this drag show features men impersonating female pop stars. Unlike Divas, where the performers are all men, this show has four lovely female backup dancers. The real girls do not upstage the impersonators, validating the men’s talents. The show also benefits from its location in the Crazy Girls’ cabaret-sized theatre.