Opium –A Hilarious, Erotic Adventure in Space

I went into this show with only one preconceived notion – it is going to be a bit naughty.  I didn’t know how mild that statement would be.  Walking into the theater, you feel transported back into a 50’s sci-fi film.  Surprisingly, the tasty drink menu (the drinks are tasty, not the menu itself – I did not sample that), are served in bags.  It does make them a little awkward to carry and they may be a little cold in your hands but the show will warm you up quickly enough.  My drink came with Pop Rocks and I highly suggest it.

I love the intimate theater, glowing in neon colors inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino.  The stage area is very small by typical Vegas standards but is absolutely perfect for this show.  Certainly a throwback to the old days of smaller venues and feeling more connected to the show instead of just a spectator. 

The premise of the show is that you are on Uranus (a joke that does get slightly overplayed) and you are headed to Las Vegas.  You meet the crew and experience their special talents along the way.  There is a lovely merger between classic show skills and new, inventive ways of performance displayed here.  In particular, the juggler, for example.  I have seen lots of jugglers over the years but I have never seen one work in this style before and it is quite impressive.  The contortionist was not only enjoyable but absolutely hilarious.  Those two alone are well worth the price of admission.

That isn’t to say the rest of the performance wasn’t fantastic, because it was.  From start to finish, if I wasn’t laughing from the jokes, I was in awe of the performances.  All backed by a very solid band, playing a good amount of familiar music that you will clap your hands to (don’t worry, they’ll let you know when to do this).   My stomach is actually sore today from laughing so much.

If you are planning on coming to town or already there, take a couple hours and have a rip roaring good time at Opium.  Beware, one way or another, you may get wet.

For tickets:

https://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/entertainment/exclusives/opium

Jabbawockeez: Jreamz – Journey Within

Tonight, for the first time, I attended Jabbawockeez at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  I had walked by the theater dozens of times and never thought much of it.  From what little I knew, it was a hip-hop dance show, neither of which held any interest for me.   Much like opera, I have the greatest respect for those who work hard and do it well, but I wasn’t excited to experience it.  Less than ten minutes in, I was so glad I went.

The setting is intimate.  Certainly comfortable seating (I was treated to the front row, where the long bench was comfortable and my ticket also came with a gift, free drink and popcorn (always remember to tip your bartender and wait staff)).  Even being nearly directly in front of the stage left speakers, the sound was not overbearing.  In all fairness, I did wear my Eargasm Ear Plugs, as I do in any venue.  Hip-hop, by nature, can be bass heavy and driving with percussion so I always suggest bringing ear plugs.

I don’t want to give away too much about the show because it really is simply an amazing experience with a fantastic message.  The story line is generally easy to follow.  It does get slightly abstract at points but always comes back quickly.  That is just the nature of the art but it is tastefully done with some fascinating dance moves and simple but powerful costuming.  The music, lights, and effects do not disappoint in any way; very tasteful and compliment the show well.  There are many musical favorites and even the sound of Mario grabbing coins in the basement.

Being the private, sheltered individual that I am, there is one thing I didn’t like.  I realize I may be in the minority on that so I will preface my statement with that going in.  There is some crowd participation involved.  Clapping, stand up (aside from the standing ovation) and two people are even brought to the stage.  My take on this is that I prefer to be fairly anonymous at an event.  I like to observe and enjoy and though this is common practice is some of the major shows, I prefer concert style, where I know I can go in, watch in my own way (which usually just tapping my foot while I watch and listen, taking it all in).  Again, I will say, that is just me.  There are plenty of people that jumped up immediately and I thought one girl might even start twerking.

Overall, I wish I had taken advantage and seen this show much sooner.  If you like talented dancers, a well put together evening and surprises around every corner, go see this show!

https://www.mgmgrand.com/en/entertainment/jabbawockeez.html

As of this writing, the show performs Thursday through Monday but that is always subject to change.  Enjoy!

Zumanity – The Darker Side of Cirque Du Soleil

If you want to see an amazing artistic show but want something with a bit of a naughty edge to it, Zumanity may be the show for you.  Located in the New York, New York Hotel and Casino on the south end of The Strip, across from The MGM Grand.

The music, dance and acrobatics are exactly the quality you’ve come to expect from Cirque.  The music has got some groove to it with strong funk beats backing a very powerful band that plays on a catwalk above the stage.  The show has everything from aerialists to cage fights all overseen by masters that make sure their prey do what they are told.  Intermingled with the show are several comedy sketches that I won’t spoil for you but add a great deal of levity to the atmosphere.

There is definitely a reason the show is for 18+.  Aside from suggestive sex and in your face provocative (but not actual sexual) acts, there actually is some nudity, so leave your inhibitions at the door, relax and enjoy a spectacular night at Zumanity!

www.cirquedusoleil.com

A Night at the Edge of the Water: “O” By Cirque Du Soleil

Maybe there is just something about the particular shade of blue that Cirque Du Soleil uses in their promotional material for “O” at The Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, but there is a deep coolness that touches your skin and draws you in to want to know what it is all about.  It had been about 8 years or so since I had seen the show from a seat that gave away a lot of secrets to how this masterpiece is achieved.  When I saw it again last week, I wished I had gone more often.

From what I remember about my first visit, some things in the show had changed.  Not surprising as shows are revamped from time to time.  For one, the sound in the theater is absolutely fantastic.  The music sounds larger than life and was crystal clear to this audio engineer’s ear.  The score by Benoit Jutras has some very ethnic touches among the ballads and power pieces that make a great balance and truly enhance the show.

Equally impressive is the talent on stage and the stage itself, which is constantly transforming.  The timing of the talent was virtually flawless and there are a lot of moving parts to this show.  A great deal of work goes into each and every one of these large scale productions but the water shows have another element (forgive the pun) altogether.

As if all that wasn’t enough, there is a perfect balance of music to show to comedy as a couple clowns bring levity when things are getting on the edge of too intense.

While a bit more expensive (that water doesn’t maintain itself, you know) than the majority of the rest of the shows, it remains a must see for Vegas.  For the best deals, check out www.cirquedusoleil.com and join the Cirque Club for free and doors to special pricing will be opened.

Warning… people in the first few rows may get wet…

Le Reve – A Show That Flows Like Water

Just a few hours ago, I was fortunate enough to attend my first performance of Le Reve at the Wynn Hotel.  Though the show has been there for many years, I hadn’t made it over to see it (quite regrettably).  I was thrilled I finally did.

As with all the major shows I have been to here in Las Vegas, from the moment you walk into the theater, you know you are about to see something sensational.  The setting is exquisite with a small lounge set in the middle of a pool of water, often barely visible in the mist.  The lighting changes and highlights it here and there as music plays softly in the background.

The show takes off from there and it is a non-stop ride.  Unlike many of the shows on The Strip, there is no pre-show.  Just mood.  Once the lights go down, you will be treated to a spectacular array of dance, acrobatics and the search for love, set on a constantly changing stage and pool.

While the show is generally fast moving and serious, there are a couple spots of relief from the story line with some wonderfully timed comedic acts.  They actually play into a bit of a side story, fighting for the affection of the lead and allow you some moments to catch your breath before the next choreographed piece.

Check out when you are in town.  It will be well spent time that you will not soon forget.

Click here for details:  Le Reve

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The $25 Amazon Gift card is still going, compliments of myself and these wonderful authors:  Natasha Larry, DE Wyatt, Kosta Angelou, Jeff Mariotte and Rainy Kaye.  This one ends September 24^th, 2016 with the drawing on the 30^th.

Click here for the Giveaway!

Journey of Life: Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere

One thing that seems to hold true for every Cirque Du Soleil show I have attended:  from the moment you walk into the room, you know something spectacular is going to happen.  The Mystere theatre at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, NV is no different and the show certainly holds up to the initial impression.

The show starts before the show starts so make sure to keep your eyes moving around the room.  Then the lights dim, and the journey begins.  The story of life is told through acrobatics, seemingly inhuman balancing, jumping, tumbling, swinging, dance and comedy, all driven by beautiful music and vocals.  As soon as you leave, you’ll want to head across the aisle to the Mystere store and pick up a copy of the soundtrack, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

The lighting throughout the show sets the perfect mood as you go through the story and you can feel how hard these people have worked to make every act play out beautifully and every song the perfect accompaniment.  You’ll be amazed at how quickly time has passed when you are introduced to the famous Alice, the Snail.

A note on the soundtrack – The available soundtrack is a live show captured some years ago. Since then, the show has gone through some changes.  There is also an early studio soundtrack that you can sometimes find on Ebay.  Personally, I think it is worth hearing both versions.

I have always found the best to be in the front two or three rows in the upper section, near the audio engineer.  You can see pretty much everything from there as the show does have things going on outside of the stage area from time to time (or well above it).  I was surprised to find that sitting right by the stage was also a great place to be.  I would have thought much would be missed from there but I was wrong.

Go to their website www.cirqueDuSoleil.com and join the Cirque Club for free and you will be eligible for discount ticket pricing.  Treasure Island is no longer part of the MGM properties and so parking is currently free at the hotel.

On a personal note, this was the first Cirque show I attended and it had a huge impact on me.  It was the beginning of the inspiration for my album Kamu Vole’.

When you come to town, make sure this one is on your list of must see items!

What Happened in Vegas...

Las Vegas, Nevada.  Known for the 24 hour party life and that is exactly what you get when you are here.  Well… almost.  The casinos and some supportive places, like most bars and sundry shops, are open 24 hours as well as some restaurants.    On the Strip, though, you can take a walk anytime and see the colorful lights and roaming visitors.  People tend to let loose here a little more than other places because of the party vibe.

Since moving to Las Vegas a year ago, I’ve been taking walks down the strip 2-3 nights a week.  This book contains a collection of 450 things I actually heard people say during my journeys.  Woven in between the quotes are some pictures I took but they aren’t the usual photo book pictures you will find elsewhere.

To give you an idea, here are a couple examples of what you will find inside:

Man: “You might be my soulmate!”

Woman, “Just don’t start crying.”

And…

“I consider lying to be the same as not being truthful.”

And…

“You know, you’re the kind of girl that is going to end up being a hockey mom.”

Take a walk down one of the most famous streets in the world and discover What Happened in Vegas…

Now available now on Amazon in both Kindle (free on Amazon Prime) and print edition through Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-Vegas-Scott-Haskin-ebook/dp/B01E2AL28M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1461024512&sr=1-1&keywords=scott+haskin

If you would like a PDF copy, you can purchase that on my website at www.scotthaskin.com.

Enter the Amazon Giveaway for a Kindle copy!  Don't have a Kindle?  No problem, Amazon hosts a free plugin to read on any device!
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/c34bb4fab467992c