Talent Runs Deep
Since Absinthe took up residency in the big white tent in front of Caesars Palace seven years ago, the outlandish and imaginative variety show has evolved from an upstart, buzzed-about entertainment experiment to one of the Strip’s must-see productions, an amalgamation of comedy, dance, acrobatics, burlesque and other awe-inspiring acts that defy common description and keeps audiences coming back for more. How does that happen? Well, the production stays fresh and fast by incorporating new acts and undiscovered talent into its revolving repertoire. That formula assures Absinthe will keep getting better as it gets bigger.
The irreverent host, The Gazillionaire, seems to get more raunchy and rowdy with every 90-minute run, guiding the audience through an array of sexy, stylish acts while his assistant, Wanda Widdles, sometimes steals the spotlight with an even more offensive sense of humor. Other acclaimed performers that get the show rolling are Maxim, who builds a tower of ready-to-topple chairs, and the Green Fairy, a seductive singer who heats up the Spiegeltent with a single smile.
All are astounded by dangerously fast brother-sister duo Billy and Emily England (who appeared on season 12 of America’s Got Talent), a favorite Absinthe act since the British siblings joined the show in 2015. Their edgy performance—certainly the most risqué and stressful activity ever to happen on roller skates—creates an exciting tension in the audience, but it breaks as soon as another family act hits the stage, equally talented twin tap dancers Sean and John Scott. Aerial expert David O’mer spins traditional burlesque performance in an entirely new direction with his bathtub-based performance while the Silicon Valley Girls—one of the newest Absinthe acts—incorporate elements of dance, contortion and gymnastics while showcasing incredible strength and balance.
With such a deep roster of diverse talent, Absinthe is almost an entirely different show every time you see it. Audience interaction only adds to that unpredictable and spontaneous feeling, always increasing the show’s reputation as one of the wildest experiences to be found in Las Vegas.
Still crazy after seven years, Absinthe is amping itself up all over again. –Brock Radke
Caesars Palace, 8 & 10 p.m. daily, $99-$139 VVIP plus tax and fee, 18+. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
Eyes Wide Shut
Go on a dining adventure with your girls, a dining-in-the-dark adventure! Make a reservation with Blackout Dining in the Dark and heighten all your senses except for sight. Your highly trained server will take your table through a six-course meal where you can’t see the dishes because you’ll be completely emerged in a blacked-out environment. –Kiko Miyasato
3871 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite 85-11 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., noon-11 p.m. Fri.-Sun. 702.960.4000
That View
With the smell of incense in the air and a big bronze Buddha greeting you once you step off the elevator more than 50 floors up, the Foundation Room is decorated in upscale bohemian fashion. Out on the spacious deck, enjoy the hard-to-beat views of the neon-lit Strip. Ladies, take note of Bubbles for Beauties, a hosted champagne and vodka bar every Friday and Saturday night, 10 p.m. to midnight. –KM
Mandalay Bay, opens 10 p.m. daily. 702.632.7631
Shop Away
It’s easy to say that if you can’t find what you’re looking for at Fashion Show, well then, it must not exist! With more than 250 boutiques and several department stores, including Saks 5th Avenue, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, you can find the latest in fashion, accessories, electronics, home goods, gifts, makeup, shoes and more. –KM
Las Vegas Boulevard South and Spring Mountain Road, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 702.369.8382
