Westgate Las Vegas Celebrates 50th Anniversary In Style


Iconic hotel casino is Sin City’s first mega-resort…

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Many historians consider Mirage to be the first super-sized hotel concept in Las Vegas. The truth is that the resort now known as Westgate Las Vegas began the era more than 20 years earlier. Opened in the summer of 1969 as International Hotel, this massive structure became the largest hospitality destination in the world.

Full of superlatives and packed with luxurious amenities, the International was created with a goal of supplying top-quality accommodations and stellar entertainment with the best staff ever assembled.  A dream project of billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, the 30-story structure was fast-tracked from ground-breaking to grand opening in under 17 months, an amazing feat even by today’s standards.61642082_2344871152275416_260241152320471040_n

Many of today’s visitors still refer to Westgate as “the former Las Vegas Hilton“, the name it carried from ’71 through 2012. During that time it would become associated with Elvis Presley’s landmark residency and later, Star Trek: The Experience. It was also home to dozens of legendary performers like Barbra Streisand, Liberace, Suzanne Somers, Charo, Wayne Newton, The Commodores, Sheena Easton and the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Starlight Express.

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Five years ago the property was acquired by Westgate Resorts and CEO David Siegel pumped millions of dollars into a massive restoration project, keeping the entire resort operating as renovations took place. The new owner refused to allow his staff to lose their jobs during the transition, protecting thousands of workers from financial hardship.

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Siegel’s dedication and longtime love for the property was in full display during an epic 50th anniversary celebration on August 3rd. Invited guests strolled down an ornate corridor festooned with images of historic moments, pausing for photographs on the carpet before a pre-party cocktail reception.

Glass cases of memorabilia lined the perimeter of the room, recognizing noteworthy events and moments of the last five decades. Mr. Siegel joined Mayor Carolyn Goodman and President/GM Cami Christensen onstage to toast the legacy of the hotel. They also recognized the thousands of people who have contributed to its ongoing success.

Dignitaries from the worlds of entertainment and media then joined high-rollers and honored staff for a spectacular meal in the main dining hall. Guests enjoyed an appetizer of lobster tail and prawns, a main course of beef wellington and champagne as performers like Frankie Scinta and Zowie Bowie provided music and laughter.

Christensen then honored longtime employees including theater usher Angel Lopez Rosas. Mr. Rosas has been part of the service team since the hotel opened, working an estimated 12,000 shows. The party then moved to famed International Theater for a stunning performance by Elvis tribute artist Ted Torres Martin and “Sweet Inspirations”, which included a performer who had shared the very same stage with Presley during his sold-out residency.

Looking forward, Westgate continues to… (Click HERE to continue reading)

Photos: Sam Novak, Westgate Las Vegas

 

 

Jeff Civillico – Physical Comedy At Its Best


Crowd-pleasing entertainer juggles his way into your hearts…

What do you get when you combine the rubber-faced madness of early Jim Carrey with the heart-stopping physical comedy of Buster Keaton and Jerry Lewis? Whatever your mind can conjure, it’s unlikely to resemble the reality of handsome headliner Jeff Civillico.

Vegas fans have been lining up for a decade to enjoy Jeff Civillico: Comedy In Action. He’s been on marquees from V Theater to the former Imperial Palace (aka The Linq) to the Flamingo. What started out as a guest segment in variety and magic shows has evolved into a full-fledged production befitting the multi-talented star.

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In recent years, Jeff’s taken his all-ages show to audiences around the country. His contagious energy and outrageous antics elevate a wide variety of corporate functions and fundraising events, too. Still he manages to return each week to Las Vegas for filled-to-capacity performances at Paris Hotel Casino.

So, what exactly does Jeff Civillico do? Alas, the answer’s not so simple. You may as well try explaining Cirque du Soleil to a friend. But the simplest way to describe Comedy In Action is “It’s an interactive juggling improvisational prop-comedy marshmallow battle.” And Jeff’s co-stars are a plunger, Granny Smith apples, a straitjacket…and you.

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Tireless in his delivery and wildly spontaneous, Jeff fires off jokes so quickly that you’ll barely be able to catch your breath. He even makes wisecracks while balancing a massive construction ladder on his chin. Nobody is safe from Jeff’s humor, either. Children are props in an electrifying plate-spinning sequence and two unassuming dads become accomplices in the most unhinged unicycle ascent you’ll ever see.

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Photos: Sam Novak

5 Reasons to Party with ‘Tenors of Rock’


The all-hits classic rock show at Planet Hollywood brings down the house…

From lounge lizards of the Golden Era to the headliners of today, music has always been at the heart of Sin City entertainment. And nowhere does that heart beat stronger than with the dynamic stylings of Tenors of Rock.

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An international confection of rip-roaring vocals, boundless energy and a live onstage band, Tenors of Rock has evolved from a group of X-Factor hopefuls into a world-renowned brand with two touring groups and their own chart-topping hits. Now in their third year of Las Vegas success, the boys recently landed a new home at Planet Hollywood’s Sin City Theater.

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Whether you’ve seen their previous residency at Harrah’s or are discovering them for the very first time, here are some great reasons to spend the evening with Tenors of Rock.

Classic Rock Anthems – the popularity of classic rock is at an all-time high. Tenors of Rock brings you American favorites like “Sweet Child of Mine”,” Shook Me All Night Long”, “Desperado”, “More Than A Feeling” and British hits including “Pinball Wizard”, “Satisfaction” and “Back in Black”, all delivered in their signature style.

Intimate Venue –  Rock shows often get caught up in bombast and pyrotechnics, rarely offering the subtleties of lush harmony and complex vocals. Sin City Theater provides a rare personal experience with a band that has played to upwards of 100,000 at a time. Percussionist Nannette Fortier and guitarist Chris Cicchino also benefit from the smaller space, allowing the musicians to absolutely shine.

Dynamic Personalities – Vegas audiences immediately fell in love with members Dai Richards and Jonathan Williams (Wales), Daniel Shumann (Melbourne), Tommy Sherlock (Liverpool) and kilt-clad extrovert Jimmy Denning (Scotland). Onstage chemistry makes every performance an electrifying concert experience. Newest members Andrew Freeman (Raiding the Rock Vault) and BAZ alumnus Paul Johnson (Las Vegas) are injecting a healthy dose of American DNA into the mix.

Amazing Talent – The level of experience behind Tenors is world class. Williams excelled as Les Miserables lead “Jean Valjean” in London’s West End. Shumann has a background in TV, opera, cabaret and musicals. Richards is a founding member who…

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Photos: Tenors of Rock

5 Reasons To Revisit ‘ABSINTHE’


Daring burlesque variety show continues to amaze in 9th year…

Sin City entertainment was noticeably rocked when Spiegelworld‘s ABSINTHE arrived on the Strip. Opening on April Fool’s Day 2011, the naughty show at Caesars Palace was an immediate hit that continues to sell out nightly. With fourteen performances per week, that’s a lot of shock value to spread around.

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If you haven’t seen ABSINTHE yet, it belongs at the top of your must-do list. And if it’s been awhile since you’ve visited host The Gazillionaire and potty-mouthed assistant Wanda Widdles, here are five reasons to return.

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Improved Seating Options – the classic old-world charm of ABSINTHE’s Spiegeltent is accentuated by oddball decorations and makeshift furnishings. While they’re charmingly authentic, the rustic wooden chairs of its original decor sometimes made for cramped seating. Now you can choose from a selection of Premium View Tables, VIP Cushioned Seats, Dinner Packages and even a new Green Fairy Bottle Service.                                                                                                                                             12439358_1028690277196134_5189735788685160169_n

Celebrity Spotting – Take in a performance of ABSINTHE and chances are good that you’ll be sitting near someone famous. Celine Dion, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Adam Lambert and Queen, David Guetta, Imagine Dragon’s Dan Reynolds, Reba McEntire, Steve Aoki, Coolio, Joey Lawrence, Ice-T, Bobby Flay, James Franco, Steven Tyler, Olivia Newton-John and more have taken a seat on The Gazillionaire’s throne.                                                                                                                                             21314639_1483496035048887_2082414211414431212_n

Garden Parties – ABSINTHE resides within a beer garden that offers games, picnic tables, and of course….lots of alcohol. Ticketed guests are encouraged to hang out before and after each performance, but on occasion the venue is opened to all adults for free-of-charge special events. Food trucks, drinks specials and DJ’s create a street-party vibe that carries on well into the next morning.                                              

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The Electric Oak – In celebration of the show’s eight anniversary, a spectacular Electric Oak was “planted” in Absinthe’s courtyard. A towering 35 feet of art with over 120,000 LED “leaves”, the Electric Oak is a swirl of color, light and beauty that will transport you into a euphoric                                                                            

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Photos courtesy of Spiegelworld

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Rio’s ‘Star Trek Convention’


Official event returns to Las Vegas for the tenth big year…

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This summer, Rio Hotel Casino is once again playing host to the world’s largest Official Star Trek Convention. Celebrating a decade in Sin City, the annual gathering is expected to lure over 15,000 fans from around the globe. Packed with attractions, concerts, meet-and-greet’s, celebrity panels and a massive vendor hall, this year’s Trek Con promises to be the biggest and best yet.

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There are plenty of great reasons for you to freshen your Starfleet uniform and head to Rio’s Convention Hall. Here are the top five:

  1. Meet Celebrities Face to Face – Star Trek conventions bring famous actors up close and personal. Aside from panel discussions and Q & A’s, celebrities pose for photo ops, sign autographs and have personal conversations with you. In addition to cast members from all of the Trek movies and series, you can hobnob with actors like  Corbin Bernsen (L.A. Law), Wesley Eure and Kathy Coleman (Land of the Lost), Jeffrey Combs (the Re-Animator films), Doug Jones (Hellboy, The Shape of Water) Clint Howard (Austin Powers, Apollo 13) and dozens more.  Attra_004-large
  2. Cosplay is Halloween for Grown-ups – You don’t have to wait until the end of October to dress up and have a blast. Trek Con fans are famous for their elaborate get-ups. Keep in mind that this isn’t limited to Starfleet attire. Fantasy characters from Mad Max to Chewbacca, Captain America to Frodo Baggins are likely to make appearances. So make sure to bring your camera (or an back-up charger for your smartphone) and snap away. Better yet, join in on the fun and enter the official Costume Contest and Parade. Emergency costume repairs will be available to all participants for free.Attra_029-large
  3. Memorabilia of Every Kind – In 2019, it’s absolutely cool to collect those lunchboxes, posters, comic books and trading cards that you so desperately wanted as a child. Better yet, add to your existing collection or replace something you lost through the years. The Vendor Hall is massive, and the celebrities will be right there with you, scanning through collectibles or manning their own booths of merchandise and photos. Bring the kids and share your love for science fiction with them. n-event_005-large
  4. The Fun Carries On Well Into The Evening – Fans will be entertained long after the stars come out. Eccentric actor Brent Spiner (Independence Day and its sequel) will present a concert with his band on Saturday. There are fan gathering, dinners, wedding packages, “Klingon Karaoke”, a Star Trek Rat Pack show and after-hours dance hosted by ST: Voyager actor Tim Russ. Attra_001-large.jpg

Click HERE to continue reading this article as BestOfVegas.com.

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The Official Star Trek Convention takes place at Rio Las Vegas July 31st through August 4th. The event is family-friendly. Tickets are available at www.creationent.com or at the door. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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Images/banner by Creation Entertainment, used with permission

The Remarkable Double Life of CELESTIA’s Roman Mokrenko


Ukrainian aerialist’s gravity-defying career path will astound you…

Click HERE to read via BestOfVegas.com…

UPDATE: Roman has left CELESTIA and is now a swing at Atomic Saloon Show. Read about Roman and the other hot guys in the cast by following this link.

Sometimes the pressure of our daily routine makes us say “I just want to run away and join the circus”. But have you ever known someone who actually has? Well, meet a man who ditched his white-collar career for a chance at Sin City’s newest big tent spectacular.

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Roman Mokrenko is a 29-year-old Ukrainian from the port city of Odessa. Known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea”, Odessa boasts amazing architecture and a renowned Opera and Ballet Theater. The natural beauty of the Ukraine is as much a part of Roman as his love for physical arts. A longtime athlete, he studied acrobatics before pursuing a career in law. While attending the National University Odessa Law Academy, he simultaneously became a Junior Lieutenant in Military School. 

Being both a lawyer and a military officer didn’t extinguish Roman’s desire to accomplish something artistic:

One moment I just realized that this office life is not for me. I cannot live without a “scene”. Thank God I have a background in acrobatics and artistic gymnastics…I almost never stop training. There is too much energy in my head and body that I have to “splash” somewhere.

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If you’re going to make a splash, what better pool than the Las Vegas entertainment scene? There are countless productions here that incorporate aerialists, gymnasts, acrobats and contortionists. So when Roman discovered a casting call for the new circus-style show CELESTIA at The STRAT, he decided to take the plunge.

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I applied for the casting without much hope. Here you can see the best artists of the world. I thought it was impossible, but now I’m here! This is my favorite part of life in Las Vegas. I have seen almost every show.

Roman arrived in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day 2018. You might say that this was the beginning of a love affair with Sin City’s desert. Although he misses life by the sea, the excitement of performing in Vegas has allowed Roman to reach new heights. He just had to learn how to deal with the scorching climate.

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Air conditioning saves us from extreme heat. But sometimes when I have practice in the afternoon it just helps to warm up and train without a shirt. On stage, the artist must look divine. Not for nothing that I train every day and stay on these diets. If you have something to show off, then why not?

He may joke about flaunting his chiseled abs, but Roman’s physique has landed him several modeling gigs…some of them a bit unusual.

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I was a sketch model several times in New York City when the show was being revised. People sit in circles, have drinks and make sketches while you’re almost naked. I’ve had several shoots with photographers…one was for a foot fetish site, haha!

That Ukrainian sense of humor comes through in Roman’s character work for CELESTIA, but it’s his physical abilities that stand out. He hopes that audiences will be inspired by his feats and channel that into their own fitness journey.

We’re on our phones all the time, but we can do it with some “profit”. Keeping in shape is much easier than going in and out of form. For ordinary people (not performers), 30 minutes a day will be enough. Just walk on a treadmill and watch a movie or play a game.  

When not entertaining crowds, Roman still finds himself in the company of fellow artists. After a massage and hearty breakfast at Omelet House, he heads to a very unique school:

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I like Nevada Rhythmic Academy. It’s a place where I can train, invent new acts, meet artists from other shows and try something new together. There is a real aura of the gym in which I grew up.

Mokrenko is considering buying a home here in Las Vegas, but there are a few dreams overseas yet to realize:

One day I’d like to be live on a stage with Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds or Hans Zimmer. They are my favorites. And I want to perform with Nederlands Dans Theater. It will be an amazing mix between ballet and aerial performance…like dancing in the air!

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CELESTIA performs Wednesday through Sunday at 7 p.m. with additional 9 p.m. shows Friday through Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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‘Aussie Heat’ Fires Up the Strip


The “other” Down-Under male revue is faster/hotter/better than you’d ever expect…

In the world of sexy productions, male revues get very little respect. Audiences unfamiliar with these productions may have had their perceptions tarnished by cheesy appearances on 90’s daytime talk shows. But today’s male revues are polished, contemporary and well-mounted stage productions. And they’re enjoyable by all adult audiences, not just breathless bachelorette parties.

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Naturally, their are noticeable differences in what they have to offer. Chippendales remains the gold standard with a cast of towering, beefy clean-cut hardbodies. Magic Mike Live wraps their slim young pretty-boys in a ribbon of female-empowerment with the unusual addition of a female host. Black Magic Live offers an African-American cast direct from Lifetime Television Network. Then there’s Thunder From Down Under, the long-running production at Excalibur packed with sweaty wild boys from “Oz”.

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If you’re wondering why Sin City would need another Australia-based male revue, then you haven’t seen Aussie Heat.  Two minutes into this daring production and you’ll know that it’s completely different from anything else in the city. You owe it to yourself and your friends to head over to V Theater inside Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile Shops and experience this stunning show right away.

While other male revues tend to recruit guys based on their looks/physique then teach them how to groove, the Aussie Heat hunks are established dancers and acrobats. Break dancing, flips, pop-lock moves and sensual grinds were already in their blood long before joining the troupe. It’s just so happens that their athletic bodies and handsome faces match their amazing abilities. It’s a surefire combination delivering thrills that can’t be topped anywhere. 

When not raising temperatures onstage, the Aussie Heat cast is actively involved in a number of charitable causes. The guys conduct dance classes and an annual fundraising show at Opportunity Village, a local organization dedicated to enriching the lives of disabled adults. They actively support the American Cancer Society via an ongoing “Real Men Wear Pink” fundraiser and participate at numerous events like AFAN‘s annual AIDS Walk and Black and White Parties.

Aussie Heat also carries the distinction of welcoming men to participate in their show. They promote equality for everyone and actively invite members of the LGBTQ community in their advertisements. They’re regulars at Pride events and have partnered with a variety of gay and gay-friendly organizations like QLife, a Vegas-based media firm now in its 41st year.

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Another thing that sets Aussie Heat apart from their comrades-in-bulging-arms is audience interaction. Billed as “The Most Hands-On Show In Vegas”, Aussie Heat is far from a “stand and model” production. Audience members vie for prizes via body-shot competitions and blindfolded lap dances inside the intimate showroom.

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Behind the Hidden Door of ‘Barbershop: Cuts and Cocktails’


Sin City’s newest speakeasy gets the Cosmopolitan treatment…

Las Vegas culture is a wonderful blend of innovation and rediscovery. Even when everything old is new again, those returning favorites get a Sin City twist. The speakeasy is one such legend experiencing a contemporary resurgence. Born out of Prohibition-law necessity, those secret drinking establishments of yore are popping up all over Vegas again. And this time, they’re just for the fun of it.

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Cosmopolitan Las Vegas has already struck gold several times over with hidden venues. Secret Pizza is no longer a secret. Beauty and Essex‘s pawn shop/restaurant/lounge is on many a must-do list and Ghost Donkey‘s hidden door at Block 16 Urban Food Hall has been discovered countless times. So why not a speakeasy tucked behind a functioning barber shop?

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The Barbershop: Cuts and Cocktails is indeed a fully-functioning salon for men. It offers a variety of services like precision haircuts, “clean-up” trims, beard/brow grooming, facials and old-fashioned straight razor shaves. The decor is awash in rich woods, black and white tile, antique cash registers and of course, barber poles. Gentlemen can relax with their favorite libation while being pampered by Master Barber Jose Sosa and a team of experts.

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While under a steaming towel, most patrons are unlikely to notice new arrivals looking for that secret door. Cocktail seekers are gathered together by a host then taken to an inconspicuous janitor’s door off to one side. Coded knocks reveal a pair of curious eyes from behind a peep-hole. The day’s password is given, gaining entry for your party to the wonders that await inside the main parlor.

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           Myself with Jason “Jroc” Craig (left) and photographer Noel Dahl…

Passing through this gateway, you may encounter Jason “Jroc” Craig, an ex-Marine whose imposing physical presence is as impressive as his list of successful nightspots. Jroc is one of the guiding forces behind The Barbershop, created with partner Ryan Labbe of 81/82 Group. Their new hideaway joins other recent hits like Apex Social Club at The Palms and Cosmo’s own CliQue Bar and Lounge.

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The 81/82 team, in conjunction with Clique Hospitality, conceived The Barbershop as a tribute to the Prohibition era…”when whiskey and liquor were king and word of mouth was gold”. Liquor was made however possible back then, so flavors and mixers were added to “soften the blow” of less-than-stellar spirits. That ingenuity from necessity yielded classic scotch, whisky, bourbon and rye cocktails we know and love today.

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The Barbershop’s extensive drink menu is just as stylish as the mixologists who create from it. Japanese, Canadian, American and Irish whiskeys share space with tequilas, mezcals, “Jesus Juice” and “Fancy Sh*t”. Draft and bottled beers join signature “Spiked Juices” and top-shelf hard liquors to satisfy every mood and craving.

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Photos: Sam Novak, The Barbershop

 

 

 

‘Potted Potter’ Casts a Laughing Spell on Vegas


Bally’s rapid-fire Hogwarts spoof is a silly, irreverent treat…

Update June 18, 2021 – Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff will once again cast its spell on Las Vegas when the hit, family-friendly show returns to The Magic Attic showroom inside Bally’s Las Vegas on July 15.  Tickets on sale Friday, June 18 at 10am PST, at Ticketmaster.com or PottedPotter.com.


The quaint MAGIC ATTIC (formerly known as Windows Showroom) at Bally’s Hotel Casino has been home to a number of successful productions, from The Bronx Wanderers to legendary Wayne Newton. Even 50 Shades: The Parody enjoyed a long, healthy run in the second-level space.

Now the quirky venue is hosting another laugh-filled movie spoof, this time without the riding crops and blindfolds. Experience a phantasmic adventure filled with magic wands, dark arts and fearsome dragons at ‘Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience’, a face-paced and humorous retelling of the wizarding-world saga.

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‘Potted Potter’ was created by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, sharp-witted BBC actor/writers who clearly love the source material. They’re also the stars of the production, which has toured through the United States and the rest of the world. Clarkson and Turner themselves came here to launch the Vegas residency, acting out all the characters in the two-man comedy. They’ll be here only a short while before passing the torch to a new Sin City cast.

Nobody can skewer pop culture like the British (think Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Little Britain and the films of Simon Pegg). The students and faculty of JK Rowling’s beloved Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry prove to be perfect targets for this style of humor. Using just a few silly props and lots of audience participation, Daniel and Jefferson plunder and pillage the entire seven-book epic (and dozens of characters) in only seventy minutes.

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Children will have an especially good time at the all-ages ‘Potted Potter’. During a media event that this writer attended last week, an adorable five-year-old girl with amazing improvisational skills was welcomed onstage for a magic-wand battle. Her deadpan responses and gestures matched anything that the professional cast could dish out. It was truly a priceless moment, one of many sure to follow in the open-ended run.

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‘Celestia’ Comes to Earth By Way of the Vegas Strip


New astral-themed production opens at the STRAT…

Anticipation’s been as high as the massive tent erected on its behalf. An announced January premiere came and went, as did competing tent show Fuerza Bruta. But after many delays and hoopla galore, CELESTIA has finally come to Earth…and landed on the Las Vegas Strip.

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CELESTIA is the first large-scale entertainment offering under the STRAT’s new ownership and name. As the iconic hotel casino continues its evolution from Stratosphere into a decidedly more hip and relevant offering, CELESTIA has become an inadvertent keystone of their new image and business model. Naturally, a lot hinges on its success.

Last week’s official premiere was flashy and epic in scope. Celebrities like BMX pro Ricardo Laguna and entertainers from all over the city enjoyed signature cocktails and delicious bites at a pre-show reception. Then guests grabbed boxes of popcorn before heading into the main tent.

The cavernous performance space, which is beautifully landscaped on the exterior, looks even larger thanks to colorful motion projections of the cosmos. Stars twinkle in every direction and colorful astral bodies spin and glow. The stage is arranged proscenium-style, an unusual departure from the typical circus-in-the-round.

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But CELESTIA is more than the traditional three-ring spectaculars of your childhood memories. As a live band pumps out the arresting opening number, a large international cast appears from all directions. Still more plunge downward from unseen platforms, filling the air and stage with wonder.

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A threadbare premise follows central character “Celestia”, a star who’s taken the physical form of a young woman. Hoping to learn about artistry and human emotions, Celestia journeys through our world accompanied by a pair of comical sidekicks. Of course, this story line is just an excuse to present a variety of colorful and jaw-dropping acts.

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The fledgling production is beautifully mounted with snappy pacing, memorable costumes and a very attractive athletic cast. Contortionists, aerial artists, archers and knife-throwing wizards fill every square foot of the wide, neon-lit stage. Performers run through the aisles and leap onto platforms scattered throughout the audience, making for great photo-ops along the way (the show is flash-free picture-friendly).

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Fans of The Greatest Showman will enjoy seeing Russian Bar athletes The Sandou Trio. America’s Got Talent finalists Sergey and Sascha bring their stunning head-to-head balancing act to Vegas crowds as well. A spectacular sequence on the Wheel of Death will have you alternately hiding your eyes and raising your voice with cheers. Mounted of a massive scale, this finale rivals anything Cirque du Soleil can offer.

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Speaking of Cirque, you may wonder where CELESTIA fits into an already crowded entertainment landscape. That same question arose when water-themed WOW – World of Wonder appeared three years ago to take on Bellagio’s O and Le Reve at Wynn. If WOW’s success is any indicator, there’s a substantial market for budget-friendly productions like this.

Coming in at a tight 70 minutes, CELESTIA, never overstays its welcome and is appropriate for all ages. Boasting a solid cast, excitement galore and tickets starting at only $29, CELESTIA is a worthy choice for your entertainment dollar.

CELESTIA performs Wednesday through Sunday at 7 p.m. with additional 9 p.m. shows Friday through Sunday.

Photos: CELESTIA, Sam Novak