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The Best Shows to See in Las Vegas

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Erik Kuhn

For those who don’t want to follow the traditional routes of Las Vegas debauchery—gambling, drinking, partying—there are always plenty of spectacular shows to experience. Home to some of the most jaw-dropping productions in the world and intimate venues that star some of the biggest names in music, comedy and magic, the city brings in extraordinary acts unlike any other destination. Whether you’re in search of mind-blowing acrobatics, the laugh of your life, baffling illusions, or simply astonishing concerts, Las Vegas has it all. Here are 7 shows you must see now if you’re heading to Las Vegas soon.

Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Park MGM Las Vegas)

One of the most legendary and relevant musicians to ever hit the stage in Las Vegas, Lady Gaga outdoes herself with her Jazz & Piano show at Park MGM. While Enigma, Gaga’s other residency concert at Park Theatre, shows off the songstress in her quintessential form as the queen of pop, Jazz & Piano places an emphasis on her incomparable vocals. Covering some of the most influential jazz standards from the 20th century and singing reworked versions of some her biggest hits while playing the piano, these shows offer Lady Gaga like you’ve never seen her before. Plus, the icon has opened up her fashion archive for the first time ever at an exhibition adjacent to the theater titled “Haus of Gaga.” Little Monsters won’t want to miss this one.

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Absinthe

Erik Kuhn

Held nightly in a circus tent right outside of Caesars Palace, Absinthe is provocative, vulgar, and, downright hilarious. Arguably the best show in Las Vegas, prepare yourself for plenty of roasting by the crass host, Gazillionaire, and jaw-dropping acts inspired by cabarets of the late 19th century. Note of caution: If you’re easily offended, it’s better to skip this one. Otherwise, you’ll be guaranteed several laughs out loud.

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Le Rêve—The Dream

Thomasz Rossa

Recently reimagined, Le Rêve—The Dream is packed with more stunts than any other Cirque du Soleil production on the Strip. And when it comes to dramatic costumes and fascinating special effects, this water-focused show is a clear winner. If you choose to enter this fantasy, expect liberal uses of aerial lifts, synchronized swimming, live singing, comical scenes combined with magic, and shocking feats like an 80-foot dive.

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Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly

Christopher DeVargas

In 2014, Mat Franco made America’s Got Talent history when he became the first magician to win the show. Now, the largely self-taught 31-year-old magician has his own show at the LINQ Hotel & Casino where his fascinating tricks take center stage. Offering plenty of opportunities for audience participation, Franco keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat. Plus, unlike some of his illusionist peers, Franco’s show is laced with PG humor that’s appropriate for the entire family.

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“O”

Thomasz Rossa

For those who are looking for equal parts acrobatics, dancing, humor and narrative, Cirque du Soleil checks off all four. “O”—the company’s most well-known show and one of the best-selling theatrical productions of all time—is an aquatic adventure that’s fittingly located within the Bellagio, home to Las Vegas' iconic fountains. The divers are the ultimate acts, catapulting themselves off of trapezes and making the leap from 60 feet above.

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Love

Matt Beard

If you’re in search of a quintessential Cirque du Soleil show that integrates the greatest hits by the Beatles, Love is all you need. Fans of the rock band can expect all of their favorite songs paired up with incredible choreography and entertaining stunts performed on trampolines and skate ramps. There are also plenty of psychedelic elements to get you into a groovy mood.

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Opium

Erik Kabik

From the same creators behind Absinthe, you’ll find a similar sense of explicit humor at Opium. While the retro Space Age vibe admittedly isn’t for everyone, it’s home to the most enthralling performer in Vegas: Pendleton III. The pinstripe suit-wearing man has a mind-blowing act blowing bubbles that’ll completely change the way you think about this nostalgic childhood activity.

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