Live and in Living Color

One of the best parts of living in Las Vegas is the entertainment options. We have our fair share of smaller productions, along with elaborate, multi-million dollar stages. The amount of entertainment available here on any given night is mind-boggling, from the resident shows to the special events and concerts.

At least, it was. Several people in our city earned their living off of the entertainment industry whether they were performers, makeup artists, producers, sound and light techs, ushers, ticket takers, promoters, etc. It’s been incredibly sad to watch several shows close their doors indefinitely due to all of the restrictions that are currently in place.

I’m not about to make any kind of political post, so we’re going to get away from the current events that COVID has sprinkled into everyone’s lives. I’m just acknowledging the changes. If you or someone you know was involved in live entertainment, please tell them “Thank you!” from me. You’re all in my thoughts and I hope you are able to resume your craft soon.

As for my personal experiences, I haven’t gotten to see nearly as much as I wanted to. I set a goal for myself last summer to travel or see at least one live show or event every month. I was doing just that. 

June included a special celebration for my mother’s sixtieth birthday. We kicked that off with a painting class with a surprise guest. We flew my aunt in to celebrate with us, totally surprising my mom. The following day we did an escape room with a bunch of friends. That was followed up with a Cirque du Soleil show, The Beatles Love. At dinner the following night we gave her tickets to a December cruise that included a couple of extra cabins so we could all join her. (We got tears twice that weekend! Score!)

In July, I saw a comedian and a live show. Both were with my kids and other family and friends. It was the first time (to my knowledge) that either of my boys had been to a live comedy show or Vegas show. We saw Gary Owen, and then Zombie Burlesque for my younger son’s birthday. (That was hilarious.)

August was low-key with a few movies, paint nights, and my first ever spa day with a couple of friends. Lots of girl time. September included two out of town trips (and I met the new baby in the family!). I got to see my first NFL game live in October with my brother. The first weekend in November I attended a three-day music festival, which was my first. There were a few performers who weren’t on the ticket that were awesome to see.

Due to some personal circumstances, I had to cancel some of my plans. December still brought about a family cruise with a live comedy show and Broadway-style musical. My fortieth birthday was in January, which included a murder mystery masquerade party (that was the best) and my younger son took me to see Tiffany Haddish live. I had to cancel my other birthday plans due to my health, but managed to make the best of it.

In February I got to see Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. It was hilarious. March’s mandated closures halted any other plans I had.

Looking back over those few months, I was holding onto the bargain I made with myself. I want to see everything! I love comedy and the production quality of the shows Vegas offers is amazing. Hopefully we can go back to enjoying live entertainment.

I’d love to go to another Laker game, see the Dodgers, visit the 49ers stadium, watch all of the Cirque shows in Vegas, and enjoy all the other live entertainment I can.

Please share your favorite live event you’ve ever been to and why it was so special to you.