On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I was treated to incredible food and nonstop entertainment with two award winning shows: ShowStoppers and Le Rêve, both of which call Wynn Las Vegas home. The shows, while incredibly different, are both captivating and left an impression on not only myself, but the entire audience as well.
ShowStoppers
It all began as a birthday gift. Steve Wynn wanted to gift his wife Andrea something big for her birthday – if only he knew. The idea behind ShowStoppers is simple. Take some of the best songs from broadway musicals and put them together for 80 minutes of “oohs” and “aahs.”
Under the direction of Philip Wm. McKinley, sixty-six singers, dancers and a full orchestra entertain with newly presented versions of each song that run close to the original material while being different and interesting enough to wow regular show go’ers – which I am not. To be honest, this small town midwestern gal has never before attended a Broadway Show…the DVD versions of Chicago and Burlesque notwithstanding (har-dee-har-har). I’m a strong believer of not doing a lot of research about a show before seeing it. So other than looking over a synopsis, I wanted to go into the Encore Theatre without a preconceived bias of the show, one way or another.
As I sat there taking in the show before me, I couldn’t help but find myself tapping out the tune with my feet and looking around, I found I wasn’t the only one. The entire audience was just as enthralled with the performance taking place before them. ShowStoppers is that good, but really how can it go wrong? ShowStoppers is backed by a full orchestra and features a collection twenty songs including “One,” from A Chorus Line, “Razzle Dazzle” and “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago, “Willkommen” from Cabaret and more. It’s exquisitely performed thanks to incredibly accomplished dancers, singers, director and choreographer.
One of the things I most loved about ShowStoppers, is that it features only upbeat numbers you’ll be humming long after the curtains draw as well as a mixture of duets and solos with large chorus numbers. Each number comes with its own specially designed costume, most of which are handmade and custom to each dancer. By far my favorite were those of Razzle Dazzle and I even got to play with a few!
I recommend making it a Dinner and a Show Package so you can take advantage of one of Wynn’s incredible restaurants.
Le Rêve
Where ShowStoppers will have your head bobbing and your foot tapping, Le Rêve will make your jaw drop over and over again. No wonder it’s been voted “Best Show in Las Vegas” five years in a row by the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association.
The show takes places inside a theatre in the round with seats no further than 12 rows from the stage in order to provide a more intimate experience. This love story brings you into it’s fantasy world through incredible aerial acrobatics, synchronized swimmers and dancers with a few surprises up their sleeve. Le Rêve – The Dream is a unique entertainment experience with elaborate effects and powerful performances that conjure an imaginary world, immediately intensely beautiful and breathtaking.
Fun Fact: There are total of 91 entertainers performing Le Rêve and all costume, headpieces and shoes are custom made and fit to each performer’s specific needs and measurements.
The show itself is nearly indescribable. It’s a journey into another world where a balance of good vs evil, life and death play out with beautiful and talented entertainers.
[infobox]Tip: Make it a VIP Indulgence Experience. In addition to a dedicated server (so you don’t have to miss a minute of the show!), you will also be treated to a bottle of Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, gourmet truffles and VIP seating with private monitors for behind-the-scenes peaks. Plus, your VIP ticket turns into a VIP Access Pass for preferred reservations at Wynn and Encore restaurants and a front-of-the-line pass for Tryst and Surrender nightclubs.[infobox]
My travel and accommodations were hosted by Wynn Las Vegas for the purpose of this article, all opinions are my own. ShowStoppers images courtesy of Wynn Photographers.
I love Vegas and visit a lot! I haven’t seen either of these shows so they are definitely on my list now.
I love Vegas – the shows are my favorite! These look like shows my hubby and I would enjoy.
I have been dying to go to Vegas! Soon I hope
I have always wanted to go to Vegas. I would love to see these shows. It would be such an amazing trip.
Wow, these shows do look exciting! I plan to visit Vegas one day. I’ve never been!