Star reshaping the Las Vegas residency
You know you’re in for a special evening right from the beginning of Lady Gaga: Enigma as the multitalented superstar descends from the ceiling, clad head to toe in a reflective silver outfit with a keytar slung over her shoulder and singing smash hit “Just Dance.” The spectacle barely lets up from there, with a tireless Gaga hurling herself into a variety of musical numbers in front of an eye-popping set with special effects that rival some of the Strip’s best Cirque du Soleil production shows.
But this is a show with a decided twist: Where most Strip residencies consist of a set list of songs and some audience banter, Enigma tells a story, as Gaga is thrown into a simulation by her “Enigma,” an alien-like form with her voice who shows up periodically on a large screen behind her to guide her on her journey. As Gaga is sent into the future, or represented as an anime character, or appearing riding a large robot armed with claws, there’s a song to accompany the action. It’s one thing to hear “Paparazzi” on the radio, but when Gaga sings it while escaping in a cage suspended from the ceiling, it takes on a much more thrilling aspect. And Gaga’s band sounds about as sharp as you could expect on numbers like “Poker Face,” “Bad Romance,” “Judas” and many more, while her backup dancers keep up a furious pace (as do many of Gaga’s Little Monsters in the audience).
There’s also an intimate segment on a stage that extends out into the audience, allowing Gaga to get up close and personal with her fans while playing the piano and delivering a heart-breaking rendition of “Million Reasons.” And fans of her star turn in recent blockbuster A Star Is Born will be happy to hear her performing “Shallow,” sure to be in the running for a 2019 Best Song Oscar.
As a bonus to fans who simply cannot get enough, Gaga is fully exploring her range in Las Vegas with not only Enigma but also special stripped-down engagements of the more intimate Lady Gaga: Jazz & Piano.
Gaga has long said it’s her dream to play Las Vegas, and she fully delivers on that dream in Enigma; in just a few short weeks, Gaga has all but redefined the Las Vegas residency and created a must-see show in the process. Hers is a career built on transformation, and Gaga has done it again. –Ken Miller
Lady Gaga: Enigma, Park Theater at Park MGM, 8 p.m. Jan. 17 & 19; Lady Gaga: Jazz & Piano 8 p.m. Jan. 20, starting at $77.90 plus tax and fee. 844.600.7275
A Nice Nosh
Pronto by Giada
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis developed a casual concept for Las Vegas called Pronto by Giada, where her signature, Italian cuisine with California accents is served up fast and easy. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings indulge in desserts like Giada’s famous lemon ricotta cookies, plus paninis and pasta. –Kiko Miyasato
Caesars Palace, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, wine bar 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. 702.731.7266
It’s Sexy Time
Zumanity
Zumanity packs all the amazing feats of artistry, acrobatics and theatrics that Cirque du Soleil is known for, but adds in touches of naughtiness and sexuality and sensuality that sets it apart and makes it the only adults-only Cirque show in town. Sit back and get ready to enter a world of titillating scenes that stretch the boudoir imagination. –Kiko Miyasato
New York-New York, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Fri.-Tues., $69-$105 plus tax and fee, 18+. 866.606.7111
Sleek Meat
Since opening its doors last year Scotch 80 Prime has become one of the hottest spots to dine in style and enjoy a menu of delicious steak and seafood options. Indulge in bison filet mignon, A5 Japanese kobe, Dover sole, Shetland Island salmon and Colorado lamb chops; there’s also an impressive vegan menu. Enjoy the roaming whiskey cart. –Kiko Miyasato
Palms, 5-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-midnight Fri.-Sat. 702.942.7777
