LAS VEGAS -- As we near the end of the year that was 2002, it's time to look back and reflect on the things that we hold dear ... ah, to heck with that! It's time for those annoying "Year's Best" lists that everyone does, seemingly in an effort to drive people crazy, since no one ever agrees with what is selected.
But who am I to buck tradition? So without further ado, I present to you the 4th Annual Vegas4Visitors.com Top 10 Awards!
As with most "favorites" lists, these choices are strictly the personal opinions of well, me... and we all know that one man's treasure is another man trash. I'm sure that some of you may be shocked that I left your particular favorite off, or that it didn't place higher on the list, but when you get your own weekly column you can make your own Top 10 list.
Top 10 Hotels
Top 10 Restaurants
Top 10 Buffets
Top 10 Shows
Top 10 Attractions
Top 10 Casinos
To gain a spot on the show list, a production has to offer something extra special -- crowd-pleasing entertainment, an innovative and original production, or a terrific value, preferably all three.
And the winners are:
10. Thunder From Down Under
So it's just guys taking their clothes off while women scream, right? Well, yes. But unlike other shows of its ilk, Thunder is done without taking the whole thing too seriously. It's a riot for the women, and even the husbands or boyfriends that might get dragged to this will be amused by the antics.
9. Clint Holmes
Holmes is the definition of "showman," infusing his song-and-dance routine with the kind of energy, passion, emotion, and good humor that made the Rat Pack-era stars shine. Even the hardest of cynics will be charmed by this guy.
8. O
By now, the Cirque du Soleil show style has become so ingrained into the Las Vegas scene that it's hard to remember what it was like before it arrived. But this water-themed delight, featuring a mix of avant-garde theater and circus-style acts, is still an eye-popping wonder no matter how many other shows try to imitate it.
7. Bravo featuring Charo
Yes, you remember her as the giggling Spanish bombshell from "The Love Boat" and the Bob Hope specials, but that's really selling her short. Sure, the dense accent, ample cleavage, and rim-shot jokes are still intact, but wait until she picks up a guitar and be stunned by her virtuoso-level picking. It leaves me with one thing to say: cuchi-cuchi!
6. Gladys Knight
The concept of headliner showrooms seems to have been created for Ms. Knight, as her stunning voice and good-natured humor make her a natural for the top of any marquee. All of your classic Pip-era favorites are here, but the newer material shines as well and it all adds up to a great night of entertainment.
5. Rita Rudner
Is Rudner the funniest stand-up comic currently performing anywhere in the country? You'll have to judge that for yourself, but for my money her show offers more side-splitting, knee-slapping, pick-your-cliche laughs than any other in town. You'll be chuckling for days after this one.
4. Blue Man Group
It's hard to figure out why three guys with blue paint on their heads doing abstract music/stunts/performance art pieces has become such a hit. But the bottom line is this absurdist show is funny, strange, and thrilling all at the same time. You've never seen anything like it, and you'll probably never forget it.
3. Mystere
Cirque du Soleil came to Vegas with this awe-inspiring spectacle nearly a decade ago, but that hasn't dulled its impact, its style, and its emotional pull. Similar to younger sister "O," the show mixes aerial and acrobatic tricks with avant-garde theater pieces to create a visual feast -- one that is as likely to make you laugh as move you to tears.
2. Second City
Improvisational and sketch comedy may not be the cutting edge when it comes to entertainment these days -- ratings for "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" are down and everyone knows that "Saturday Night Live" is more miss than hit these days. But it would be a shame if that made you overlook this laugh-out-loud comedy bonanza, an always-changing collection of skits and improv at a bargain basement price (comparatively speaking). This must be on your list of shows to see on your next trip to Vegas.
1. Penn & Teller
Although they've been around for years, Penn and Teller represent what I believe to be the future of magic and illusion, and not just for Vegas, a city famed for its big-budget prestidigitation. Forget the preening showgirls and dramatic "Wow, she's floating" garbage that other magicians still hold onto and let these guys focus instead on the art, the history, the skill, and the ultimate con game that is magic. Who else can explain how they are about to do a trick and still leave you amazed when they do it? These guys are geniuses, and they have my pick for the best show in Las Vegas.
This Week's Trivia
Q: Excluding IMAX and other speciality theaters, how many first-run movie theater complexes are located directly on the Strip between Mandalay Bay and Stratosphere? ANSWER
The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.com
The Full Story
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In Next Week's Column
Next week: Next week: More Top 10 lists
Plus, don't forget to send me your questions about Las Vegas. I've got room for more, so send them in today!
Click here to go to the main page of Vegas4Visitors.com and see all of the fantastic resources Vegas4Visitors has to offer you when planning your next trip to Las Vegas.
Rick Garman is the head writer for Vegas4Visitors
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