A farewell to ‘Lady Like’, lunch at Bootlegger Bistro, conversations with a General Hospital icon, and a visit to Luxor’s ‘PLAY PLAYGROUND’ are the ingredients for an exciting week in Las Vegas.
Memorial Day is a solemn event to honor the deceased who served the nation. We at VEGAS 411 salute you, and as always, thank those who (hopefully) enjoy our columns. In today’s entry, we scoured the city for thrilling activities and found plenty to share. So let’s get started with the latest PhotoDump RoundUp.
What’s In The Box???
Let’s start this week with a big mystery. VEGAS 411 was tipped off that a historic Las Vegas artifact was being taken from longtime storage and prepared for a possibly permanent exhibition. We’re sworn to secrecy (for the time being) and will have exclusive details when the crate’s contents are ready to be revealed.
BOOTLEGGER BISTRO
There are old-school restaurants, and then there’s BOOTLEGGER BISTRO. Step back in time and enter a place where mobsters, politicians, and vintage Vegas entertainers could easily have hobnobbed together.
Authentic Italian cuisine, cocktails, gaming, and live music make up The Bootlegger‘s menu. Al’s Bar and a main dining room cater to casual visitors, while the adjacent Copa Room offers full productions, concerts, and special events. Resident performers include SANTA FE and the FAT CITY HORNS, Rita Lim with David Siegel, and Toscha Comeaux.
BOOTLEGGER BISTRO is open daily from 11 am. Click here for more information and to make reservations. The restaurant is located at 7700 S. Las Vegas Boulevard.
LADY LIKE in Final Performances at Virgin
It’s rare for a shuttered production to get a second chance, but LADY LIKE did just that. Relocated from the now-flattened Mosaic Theater to Virgin Hotel’s 24 OXFORD, the cheeky retro-burlesque musical was well into its second year before news got out of a closing date.
VEGAS 411 was invited to revisit the production by red-hot magician Caleb Alexander. The high-octane illusionist has an announcement ready to break, and we’ll share it when the word is given. As for LADY LIKE, the final performance is scheduled for May 31st. Be sure to check this one out before it’s gone…perhaps forever. Get tickets here.
A Visit to GREEN VALLEY RANCH RESORT
Photo via Green Valley Ranch Facebook page
Henderson’s swankiest hotel casino is GREEN VALLEY RANCH, a sister property to Station’s RED ROCK RESORT. The luxurious hotel boasts lush landscaping, scenic views, a massive gaming floor, a high-end spa, dozens of restaurants and bars, and a multi-screen Regal Cinema.
Johnny Molinaro, Trenton Brisco, Ryan Alshon, and Jamison Morgan (left to right)
We began with a stop at Drop Bar, a chic urban retreat in the casino’s center. Our visit was to toast the birthday of filmmaker and philanthropist Trenton Brisco. Joining Brisco were actor pals Johnny Molinaro, Ryan Alshon, and Jamison Morgan, who appeared together in the movie VEGAS TRAFFIC. Learn more about that feature film in our VEGAS 411 coverage here.
FAN PENTHOUSE PARTY with actress Nancy Lee Grahn
After the celebration, it was over to the GVR hotel lobby to join actress/activist Nancy Lee Grahn for her annual Fan Penthouse Party. The General Hospital veteran, who’s celebrating 29 years with the soap opera this fall, holds regular small-scale gatherings for fans.
Most fan-fueled events involve a short meet-and-greet with autographs and photos. Ms. Grahn marches to her own drum, sharing dinner, conversation, drinks, laughter, political views, and insider stories. Her experiences in the daytime television world are fascinating to hear, as are her interactions with other celebrities.
For people enthralled by the inside world of show business, this is the way to go. Fans of Nancy Lee Grahn or soap operas in general should consider attending her next Fan Penthouse Party (details here). It’s well worth the ticket price. Thanks to our friend Scott W. (above, with Ms. Grahn) for inviting us along.
PLAY PLAYGROUND at Luxor
Immersive attractions like MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS, PARADOX MUSEUM, and LITE BRITE: World of Wonder are so “yesterday”. This year’s big draw is the “indoor playground”…family attractions during the day, nightclub frivolity after dark.
PLAY PLAYGROUND is the latest hybrid attraction to bring out the inner child. It joins Meow Wolf OMEGA MART, Mandalay Bay‘s SWINGERS, and a few others, all aimed at capturing the imagination…and your discretionary income.
Welcome to Play Playground–the most playful bar in Vegas–with 15,000 square feet of drinks and interactive fun that make you feel like you’re the star of your own game show.
There are no VR, AR, or arcade games. Because who needs virtual reality when the real thing is this fun? Come to a playground where the games are big, the drinks are strong, and the fun lasts all night.
With over 20 immersive, hands-on games and attractions and a bar that’s as playful as the games, you’ll rediscover the magic of playing with friends again, without a curfew. No skills required. Just a healthy dose of kid energy and willingness to play like no one is watching! Playground access is 13+ before 7 PM, 21+ after 7 PM.
When it’s time for recess, head towards the central bar. Cocktails, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and novelty food items are available. Unpack your lunchbox (available for purchase) and enjoy warm pretzels, mini hot dogs, French fries, and all the other fun things your mom never stuffed inside. Waiters/waitresses and bottle service are available. You can also play board games while you eat and drink.
Do you prefer a view from on high? Take the stairs to the upper level and enjoy a bit of quiet while enjoying the music and laughter below.
When you’re ready to head back to the action, choose between the stairs or the spiral slide! You’re never too old for the sliding board…
In addition to its daily operations, Play Playground will offer free entry on Saturday, May 31, 2025, following the Kendrick Lamar and SZA concert at Allegiant Stadium. Concertgoers can enter with no ticket purchase required. While guests are encouraged to purchase a cocktail or gameplay, no Play Pass is necessary for entry to the attraction.
Typically, a Play Pass is required to access the venue, but on this special night, they’re inviting fans to come hang out, unwind, and celebrate post-show. Specialty packages will also be available for those who show their concert tickets at the venue.
Additional free entry nights include:
- June 6 & 7 – Coldplay
- June 28 – Shakira
- Fourth of July weekend
- July 25 & 26 – Beyoncé
- Sept. 19 & 20 – Chris Brown + Summer Walker
PLAY PLAYGROUND is located on the Atrium Level at the Luxor Resort. It’s open daily from noon. Children under 13 are not permitted, only 21+ from 7 pm until closing. Get more information and buy tickets by clicking here.
