LAS VEGAS – ENTERTAINMENT – As the self-styled “Entertainment Capital of the World” Las Vegas has always been about far more than just glamorous casinos and weddings in the desert. And, although the Las Vegas Casino music shows were originally introduced to lure gamblers, they soon became attractions in their own right. More than just one-off concerts, they quickly developed into being full residencies with one performer playing for weeks or even months in the same venue presenting a highly polished and spectacular show. Two names forever associated with these long running performances are Sinatra and Elvis, but there have been many other huge name stars who have also made their mark on the strip.
Donny and Marie Osmond
With well over 2,500 performances behind them it would be fair to say that Donny and Marie have become a true Vegas institution at Caesars Palace. Huge in the 70s as child stars in the company of seven other brothers, the duo have since gone out on their own to star in this hugely popular show that features all their hits and more. As well as the songs there are spectacular dance routines as well as duets and solo segments for the pair to show off their own biggest-selling songs.
Celine Dion
It seems like Vegas was made for Celine Dion – and vice versa. The Canadian singer’s big ballads sit perfectly in the grand ambience of the Colosseum, especially when paired with the full orchestra that accompany every performance. As well as her own huge hits like “The Power of Love” and the classic theme from James Cameron’s Titanic, “My Heart Will Go On”, Dion also tackles songs by everyone from Elvis to Prince. Equally spectacular are her stage costumes which are specially made for the star by designers including Versace and Mugler.
Britney Spears
Following several years in the wilderness, not to mention the gossip columns, Britney found there could be a second act to her career when she announced that she was to put on a greatest hits show called “Piece of Me”. That was back in 2013 and today she is one of the biggest draws at Planet Hollywood. The show proved to be so successful that it was revamped early in 2016 and given the theme “Remixed, Reimagined. Still Iconic” and, besides a wardrobe malfunction or two, is proving to be so successful that the run has been extended well into 2017.
Barry Manilow
Vegas runs through the veins of the master showman Manilow – so much so that he even has a home there. Over the years he’s put on over 1700 glittering performances featuring many of the 50+ hits that have made it into the Top 40 over his long and very successful career.
A huge favourite with audiences from all walks of life, he has announced that his 2016 performances will be his last but, just like Sinatra and others before him, don’t be too surprised if in a year or two’s time he announces that he’ll be making a comeback treading the Vegas stage.
