“Legends in Concert”, the third longest running show in Las Vegas has moved to Harrah’s Hotel & Casino from the Imperial Palace, next door.

This move to Harrah’s from sister property the Imperial Palace is just next door, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy this 26-year impersonator show. This show now will share the same showroom with comedian Rita Rudner.

From the early days, when impersonators copied such stars as Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Bobby Darin and Elvis, “Legends in Concert” has been one of the premier impersonator shows in Las Vegas, let alone the world. Over the years, audiences have had the pleasure of seeing such names as Dolly Parton, John Wayne, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks, Liza Minelli, Janet Jackson, the Blues Brothers and more. These impersonators don’t just look like but sound like, move like, dance like and just plain make you believe they are the “real deal”. The true definition of these performers is “Tribute Artists”.

Brian Brigner, chief operating officer of OnStage Entertainment said its time for “technology and production value to catch up to the level of entertainment we’ve been providing every night”. The new “Legends in Concert” offers some of this technology while providing a modular format allowing acts to easily swap in and out, such as providing a segway from Garth Brooks to Janet Jackson.

Matt Lewis, who for the past seven years has performed as Elvis for adoring fans, says “everybody has their local hometown Elvis, but that doesn’t really take away from what we do here “. He also adds, “I have the best job as Elvis’s go. You could not get this kind of exposure on your own”.

“Legends” has grown even bolder by letting some of its acts perform together. One Christmas show it re-created the famous “Little Drummer Boy” duet between Bing Crosby and David Bowie.

Don’t be fooled by other impersonator shows. See the original “Legends in Concert” at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip at 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. shows most evenings. Check the Show Ticket booking page for dark days. This action packed, non-stop variety show is a “must see” while in Las Vegas.

One of Las Vegas’ oldest shows, “La Cage” ended its twenty three year run this week. It’s not clear what will happen yet with the cast of La Cage but the surprise announcement was a tremendous letdown for all.

The host comedian, Frank Marino, indicated he wanted to step up as the producer but no details have been announced yet. He indicates its about time he tries to do his own thing. He plans to negotiate with the Riviera Hotel personnel to see if he can work things out. He also indicates if he remains at the Riviera the show will be his under a different title.

According to a statement by the Riviera President, Robert Vannucci, “We sincerely regret the decision to close La Cage, but fully understand the economic pressures forcing the situation. We wish the producer and cast well and hope in the near future that conditions will change and encourage reinvesting into the show and its reopening. In the meantime, we are in negotiations with several different show producers and hope to announce a new Riviera show very soon”.

La Cage Show History

The La Cage show opened in September 1985 with Frank Marino hosting all but the first few weeks in his Joan Rivers persona. Other long running cast members, Chris Woods as Diana Ross and Steven Wayne as Cher all hope to return with Marino.

With no advance notice, this announcement was devastating to the cast and crew. Following Monday’s performance, the producer invited them to drinks in one of the Riviera’s restaurants.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino, located on the north end of the famous Las Vegas Strip, is long known for its six shows. This hotel casino, currently undergoing a major room renovation, is a favorite “value” destination for travelers from all over.

Las Vegas has long been synonymous with entertainment. If you have ever been on a cruise vacation you’ll hear them say “Las Vegas Style Entertainment”. Where else can you see famous entertainments such as Elton John, Bette Midler, Celine Dion, David Copperfield, Lance Burton, Terry Fator (the newest entry into the Vegas scene), Cher and many more?

Each year, the local newspaper, the Review Journal, publishes a special edition featuring “The Best of” for all Las Vegas categories. The 2008 entertainment category will give you both the paper’s preferences as well as the local reader’s picks. When planning your next Las Vegas vacation, don’t forget to book your show tickets in advance as most shows will sell out. Here are the local’s 2008 favorites:

Best Overall Vegas Show

The reader’s picked “Love” at the Mirage as their favorite while the RJ selected Monty Python’s Spamalot at Wynn’s Hotel as their choice for the “Best Las Vegas Show”. For an individual performer, Danny Gans at the Mirage, soon to open as the star at the Wynn’s Hotel and Casino, was the reader’s pick and Wayne Brady performing at the Venetian is the choice of the RJ. Soon to open in the Mirage, Terry Fator, will soon capture the hearts of the locals and you can see him soon at the Mirage.

Vegas Locals Pick Favorite Magician and Singer

Magic has always been a popular staple in Las Vegas and Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo is the reader’s pick and Penn and Teller at the Rio Suites Hotel is the RJ pick. For the best singer, the reader’s picked Celine Dion, formerly performing at Caesars Palace while the RJ selected Lani Misalucha at the Flamingo Hotel as their favorite.

Lots of Laughs in Vegas, Here’s the Best

The selections for Comedy shows is the L.A. Comedy Club at the Palace Station Casino and the RJ’s selection I the Playboy’s Hollywood Comedy Tour at the Palms Casino. The “Best Comedian” for 2008 in Las Vegas is Rita Rudner at Harrah’s as the reader’s pick and Kathy Griffin at Mandalay Bay Hotel as selected by the Review Journal.

Vegas Adult Shows are HOT

For a spicier show, the “Best Male Strip Show” for 2008 is Thunder Down Under at the Excalibur as the reader’s pick and American Storm at the Stratosphere for the RJ. For showgirls, where would Las Vegas be without its showgirls, the girls of “Jubilee!” at Bally’s are the reader’s pick while the girls of Fantasy at the Luxor (RJ’s pick) are always a favorite.

There are always great entertainers in the lounges, many new talents breaking into the Vegas market. The reader’s pick for Lounge Entertainment is tribute act Yellow Brick Road at the Boulder Station while the RJ selected the “Barbra and Frank – The Concert that Never Was!” performing downtown. Lastly, the selections for “The Best Bargain Show” in Las Vegas are the Mac King show at Harrah’s as the reader’s pick and the Boulder Blues at Boulder Station as the RJ’s pick.

Whichever show you select while in Vegas, get ready for some real “Vegas Style Entertainment” so book early to avoid the lines or miss out on your favorite show.