Must-See Las Vegas Shows for Newbies ( Comedy, Magic, Music & Dance )
One BIG reason to come to Vegas is to see all our amazing shows! The different shows in Las Vegas offer something for everyone but there are so many to choose from, especially if it’s your first time in Vegas, its hard to know where to start.
Fear not, we’re here to help!
So, what are the must-see Las Vegas Shows for Newbies? These are the best shows playing in Las Vegas for first-timers right now:
- Absinthe
- Blue Man Group
- O by Cirque du Soleil
- Penn & Teller
- Zombie Burlesque
- Chris Angel “Mindfreak”
The first thing to understand is that there are currently six distinct types of shows to watch in Vegas, including:
- Production Shows
- Musicals
- Magic Shows
- Comedy Clubs
- Concerts
- Adult Shows
- Tribute Shows
- World Famous Headliners
- Free Production Shows
- Entertaining Tours
This article will focus on these different categories of shows in Las Vegas and let you know about the best shows for newbies and seasoned veterans alike in each category. Read on…
Las Vegas Production Shows
Production shows include a wide variety of excellently produced and highly rated shows. These big-budget shows are the best of the best in Las Vegas.
The shows run the gamut from family-friendly fun to adult-only entertainment. While Las Vegas is constantly changing its programming, right now there are six production shows that really stand out including:
- Michael Jackson One by Cirque Du Soleil
- O by Cirque Du Soleil
- Absinthe
- Mystere by Cirque Du Soleil
Here are the locations, prices, and some descriptions of these fine production shows.
Michael Jackson One
Michael Jackson was a musical icon, and although he has been gone for a while now, his music continues to be wildly popular. Michael Jackson One can fall into two categories as both a production show and a musical and it’s produced by Cirque du Soleil, one of the best in the biz.
The show plays at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Vegas. The show pays tribute to Michael, offering up cutting-edge technology to enhance the audio and visual enjoyment of audiences.
There are also some stunning pyrotechnics displays.
The website offers the following description of Michael Jackson One:
“Hailed by Rolling Stone as “A virtual parade of ‘wow’ moments,” Michael Jacksons One by Cirque du Soleil is an electrifying fusion of acrobatics, dance, and visuals immersing the audience into the world of Michael’s music.”
Cirque de Soleil
Tickets for Michael Jackson One from $100 and up. Lowest priced guaranteed tickets here.
O By Cirque du Soleil
“O” by Cirque du Soleil is located at the world-famous Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas and remains one of the Strip’s most popular production shows. A newbie can expect a thrill a minute as the program features elements of air, fire, and water.
Tickets for “O” by Cirque du Soleil start at $121 at vegas.com
Absinthe
Absinthe incorporates wonderful acrobatics, outrageous comedy, and cabaret into one fantastic production show. The show is hosted by Gazillionaire and is an adults-only program that all visitors should see at least once.
The program is located on the Roman Plaza at Caesars Palace, and the tickets range from $140-$287 depending on where you choose to sit. Look for Absinthe discount show tickets here.
Mystere
Mystere by Cirque du Soleil is an adventure inside the imagination where jaunty, music-stuffed, brightly colored, athleticism abounds. The production is now showing at Treasure Island in Las Vegas and has street performances and circus-like artistry.
It includes clowns, singers, contortionists, and acrobats that make up the cast of seventy-five performers.
Mystere ticket prices begin at $77.
Las Vegas Musicals
Las Vegas has been known for many years as the home of some of the most critically acclaimed musical productions in the world. Most shows feature expertly trained singers, dancers, and live music plus much more.
The musical shows that are currently showing in Las Vegas include:
- Zombie Burlesque
- Menopause the Musical
You’ll find the description, location, and pricing of these musical productions below.
Zombie Burlesque
If you like zombies or burlesque you’re in luck! If you like zombies AND burlesque you’re really in luck!! This is the first show that we saw after moving to Las Vegas and it did not disappoint.
Imagine male and female sexy, singing zombies with a heavy dose of comedy and you’ve pictured this show perfectly.
You’ll find Zombie Burlesque playing at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, and the ticket prices start at $49. Find discount Zombie Burlesque tickets here.
Menopause the Musical
Showing at The Improv at Harrah’s Las Vegas, Menopause the Musical is a good-humored musical parody set to music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
The women in the musical have nothing in common except a black lace bra, memory loss, hot flashes, and night sweats. Oh, and don’t forget, a complete lack of sex!
The program is a funny production that pokes fun at a woman’s condition that affects all women everywhere.
Tickets for the show begin at $64 and go up to $105. Find Menopause the Musical discount tickets here.
Las Vegas Magic Shows
Who can think of Las Vegas and not think of magic shows! Some of the world’s most renowned magicians and illusionists appear in Las Vegas with jaw-dropping and baffling tricks that will make your trip a memorable one.
These well-known acts include:
- Criss Angel MindFreak
- David Copperfield
- Penn & Teller
- Paranormal: The Mind Reading Magic Show
- Mat Franco Magic Reinvented Nightly
Here is some information about these acts, the venues, and their prices.
Criss Angel MindFreak
Hosted in the Criss Angel Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas, Criss Angel Mindfreak will blow you away with mind-bending visual effects, pyrotechnics and Criss Angel’s unique illusions and tricks.
It’s a high energy show that is packed with visual and audio experiences that will leave you breathless.
Criss Angel Mindfreak tickets fun from $69 and up. You can save a few bucks on Mindfreak tickets here.
David Copperfield
David Copperfield might be the greatest illusionist of all time and is now showing at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster starting at $82. Get David Copperfield tickets much cheaper here (vegas.com).
Penn & Teller
Known for their provocative and hilarious magic shows, Pen & Teller smashed Broadway and is now touring the country.
The Pen & Teller show has returned to the Rio in Las Vegas to perform their “Bad Boys of Magic” show, known by that name because they often tell the audi