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Milestones and Memories Part 2 – Openings

In part two, we look at new things to see and do in Las Vegas this summer….

In the previous entry of this series, we talked about shows like ALL SHOOK UP that were celebrating milestones. Today we’ll look at a few new things to do in and around the city this summer.

OPENINGS

LITE BRITE World of Wonder

If you’ve been inside the main building of AREA 15, you know that everything is drenched in glowing shades of purple. Not so at Illuminarium, the immersive attraction next door. That is, until now.

When it opened in April 2022, Illuminarium featured a rotating list of themes that took you anywhere from the ocean floor to outer space. This month, the roster was expanded to include LITE-BRITE Worlds of Wonder. Based on the classic art-making toy, the new attraction is filled with colors, music, movement, and interactive games.

Visitors experience three worlds as seen through the Lite-Brite canvas: dinosaurs, the ocean, and the future. Simple enough to be appreciated by children and clever enough to be enjoyed by their parents, LITE-BRITE Worlds of Wonder is a dazzling and unexpectedly fun trip back in time.

LITE-BRITE Worlds of Wonder is part of a rotating list of Illuminarium attractions. Click here for dates and showtimes.

CASH AFTER DARK – Johnny Cash Tribute at Alexis Park Resort

“Hello. I’m Johnny Cash.”  Indeed you are. Cliff Wright wonderfully portrays the Man in Black in CASH AFTER DARK, which opened last month at Alexis Park Resort. Featuring a live band with vocalists Deena Cary and Casey McConachie (SPICE WANNABE), CASH AFTER DARK rekindles the legendary ring of fire.

CASH AFTER DARK performs Sunday through Thursday at 9 pm. Tickets start at $37.95 and can be purchased here.

JERSEY BOYS at Orleans Casino

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have long been associated with Las Vegas. In the late 1950s, they played as “The Four Lovers” at Flamingo Hotel, and graced our stages many times in the ensuing decades. Valli just completed a residency at Westgate Las Vegas, and the band has a marker on the city’s Walk of Stars.

JERSEY BOYS is a musical retelling of the group’s rise to fame and subsequent difficulties. After stellar runs at Venetian and Paris, the show now plays at the grand showroom of Orleans Casino. A top-notch band and huge cast bring the music alive and audience members to their feet. JERSEY BOYS runs Wednesday through Monday at various times. Click here for schedule and tickets.

THE FOURMERS 

JERSEY BOYS has become such a cultural phenomenon that cast members become stars in their own right. Perhaps the best-known is Travis Cloer, whose role in BAT OUT OF HELL was a batshit-crazy ride.

THE FOURMERS is an exciting concept that joins four previous Las Vegas JERSEY BOYS leads: Lou Gazzara, Jeff Leibow, Douglas Crawford, and Deven May. The show was founded and is co-produced by handsome entertainer Sal Cucco:

“The FOURMERS will take you on a journey as we sing the best of Doo Wop, the Rat Pack, and of course, the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.”

Don’t be surprised if THE FOURMERS becomes a part of South Point Casino‘s rotating entertainment roster. After a successful round of performances earlier in the year, THE FOURMERS returns August 27th through the 29th. Tickets start at only $30 and can be ordered here.

THE KING COMES HOME at Westgate Las Vegas

The name has changed a few times since Elvis left the building, but Westgate Las Vegas will always be the castle of the King. It’s only fitting that their newest tribute show is entitled THE KING COMES HOME. Starring Daniel Durston and featuring Vegas “Person of the Year” Paige Strafella, the brand-new production launched on June 18th and is scheduled to run through August 5th. Get tickets by heading here.

1923 LIVE PROHIBITION BAR at Venetian Resort 

VEGAS 411 was the first to announce that 1923 Live was bringing The Docksiders to Grand Canal Shoppes. A prohibition-themed speakeasy overlooking Venetian’s famed gondolas, 1923 Live also offers LEGERDEMAIN, a close-up magic sensation from NYC.

1923 Live is lush, gorgeously appointed, and extremely welcoming. Designed to host ticketed performances on the weekends and private/corporate events at other times, 1923 Live is everything its atrociously-run Venetian competitor VOLTAIRE is not. Service is charming, prices are reasonable, and each ticket includes a handcrafted libation. Learn more and get tickets by visiting the 1923 Live website here.

DUST LAS VEGAS  LGBTQ Bar

Out with the old, in with the new. This year, the city lost three longtime gay hangouts (Freezone, Charlie’s, and The Eagle). Now DUST Las Vegas has risen from the ashes of Jimmy’s Showbar at 855 E. Twain Avenue. From official announcement to its grand opening in a matter of weeks, DUST is overseen by JC Lopez (Crooners, Inc.).

The curiously named venue offers a full kitchen, weekend drag brunches, themed evenings, music, dancing, and go-go-boys. And if the picture below is any indication, the staff includes lots of shirtless hunks, Vegas style. Sign me up!

DUST joins neighbors FLEX and FUN HOG RANCH as a new gay trifecta, presenting an alternative to the well-known “Las Vegas Fruit Loop”. There’s ample free parking, too. Click here for hours and events.

In the final entry of this series, we’ll bid farewell to productions and venues that have closed their doors. 

 

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