Having the Time of Her Life
It seems like the only person 2018 has been indisputably good to is Cher. Her latest album of ABBA covers debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s album chart and cracked the top five in six other countries. The album follows her supporting role in the box office hit sequel to Mamma Mia! in which she sings “Fernando” with leading actor Andy Garcia. She borrowed the title of her latest tour from Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, a string of concerts that recently led her to Australia, where audiences were enraptured by her covers of “Fernando,” “SOS” and “Waterloo,” not to mention earlier classics like “Believe.”
Now she’s back in Las Vegas, where she kicks off the fall dates of her Classic Cher residency at Park Theater at Monte Carlo with an Oct. 31 show. Expect the aforementioned covers, plus a few more if Cher takes advantage of being in one venue for nine straight shows and adds more ABBA numbers. The marriage of Cher’s instantly recognizable voice and the music of Sweden’s superstar vocal group of the ’70s is a natural fit despite the songs being harder to sing than she originally thought, as she revealed in a press release. She was happy with the results though, and so were her fans.
The album was celebrated with parties in LGBT communities across the U.S. Meanwhile, Cher’s own life inspired theatrical musical The Cher Show, which premiered in Chicago in June, and begins previews at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre this weekend in advance of a Dec. 3 opening night. To top off the year, she will receive this year’s Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. in December along with singer Reba McEntire, jazz musician Wayne Shorter and composer Philip Glass. Will Cher wind up starring in the inevitable film version of The Cher Show? How could it turn out otherwise? –Matt Kelemen
Park Theater at Park MGM, 8 p.m. Oct. 31, Nov. 2-3, 7, 9-10, 14 & 16-17, starting at $60 plus tax and fee. 844.600.7275
Girl, It’s Delicious
Chica
The Chica menu covers many flavors of Latin cuisine, with dishes created by chef Lorena Garcia. The taste adventure includes recipes from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Enjoy bottomless mimosas for just $25 during Saturday and Sunday brunch. –Kiko Miyasato
The Venetian, 8-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 4-11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. & 4 p.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat., brunch 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 702.805.8472
Sparkle On
Jewel Nightclub
While on the smaller, more intimate end of the nightclub spectrum, Jewel offers partygoers an upscale experience. On the ground floor is where you’ll find the dance floor and dozens of VIP tables. There’s also the DJ booth backed by the massive wall of light that incorporates mesmerizing LED technology. In the booth this week, catch Blackbear (Oct. 29) and DJ Irie (Nov. 2). –KM
Aria, opens at 10 p.m. Mon. & Fri.-Sat. 702.590.8000
Island Getaway
More than 30,000 square feet of Balinese-inspired décor and spa indulgences awaits at Spa by Mandara. Many of the treatments here incorporate Balinese healing arts and use plant- and flower-infused body treatments that help promote the upscale island vibe experienced throughout the spa. There’s even a Hawaiian lomi lomi massage and a hot-stone therapy treatment for ultimate relaxation. –KM
Planet Hollywood Resort, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. 702.785.5772
