In the big opening sequence of Extravaganza—The Vegas Spectacular, now playing at the Jubilee Theater at Bally’s, a friendly Vegas adventurer arrives via train and is quickly introduced to the glamorous excitement of the city by a cavalcade of showgirls and dancers. The scene uses a thunderous version of the memorable James Brown tune “Living in America,” which might remind you of the Godfather of Soul’s performance of the same song in the 1985 blockbuster movie Rocky IV.

That equally memorable film scene, in which the character of Apollo Creed is dancing his way down to the boxing ring to face Ivan Drago, was shot at the Jubilee Theater. Bally’s was the original MGM Grand Hotel and Casino until renamed in 1986, but the iconic Jubilee! production show was still going strong after its opening there in 1981.

International producer and director Hanoch Rosenn, who first brought WOW—The Vegas Spectacular to the Rio in 2017 before following up with the opening of Extravaganza in 2020, loves the connection between “Living in America” and the Jubilee Theater, and it’s one of many details in the show that pays homage to the pop culture legacy of Las Vegas.

“This show is a tribute to Las Vegas and a tribute to the showgirl and everything Vegas has to offer,” he said. “It’s about the ups and downs, winning and losing, all the legends in the city’s history and just this adventure of coming to Vegas for two or three days and having this roller coaster of an experience. That’s how I see this amazing city.”

The glamorous theater is the perfect setting for this very Vegas production, which layers familiar imagery as well as comedy and acrobatics in a music-and-dance driven spectacle. Three-dimensional hologram performances from impersonators mimicking Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson tell the story of just some of the legends that have played a role in making Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world, and massive LED screens flashing dynamic digital content help set the scene for a wildly talented cast of dancers and entertainers. There’s just so much to look at!

Extravaganza is also a modern version of the classic Vegas variety show, and its specialty acts truly shine. A duo of roller-skating acrobats whip the audience into a frenzy during a graceful, powerful performance that builds more momentum and excitement every time you see it. A comedic plate-spinning act adds a different kind of tension and brings lightness and laughter to the stage.

The legendary Globe of Death motorcycle act uses three daredevil riders speeding in impossible circles, a breathtaking performance for a familiar act that hasn’t been done in Las Vegas in years. And America’s Got Talent favorite Silvia Silvia, who came to the city as part of the cast of WOW, flourishes in Extravaganza with her unique crossbow archery skills. As Rosenn put it, Silvia, a third-generation circus performer, seems like she was born to be on this stage, performing truly unbelievable feats in one of the truly classic Las Vegas showrooms.

There is something for everyone in the fast-paced, family-friendly performance of Extravaganza, one of the biggest shows helping the Las Vegas Strip return to entertainment glory this year.

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