Penn, Teller, Vegas And 'Vegas, The Show'

For us Las Vegas always means live entertainment with real, live, bigger-than-life personalities, live music, showmanship and a bit of magic (or the newer term, illusion) thrown in just for good measure.
So the first show we decided to see here this time around was Penn & Teller at The Rio.
We like to feel that we sort of discovered Penn & Teller. We first saw them decades ago when they performed in a VERY small venue in San Francisco. They were part of a group called The Asparagus Valley Cultural Society.
The group must have disbanded (or whatever) because Penn & Teller emerged as themselves and the second time around we saw them perform at the McCarter Theater in Princeton.Their tricks and illusions became bigger, sometimes scarier and more complex and they became a hotter and hotter ticket. Then, they achieved near superstar status via television (most notably on the Showtime network) and their irreverent approach to the "magic" of magic.
When our good friend Nessa Forman was inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Hall of Fame we actually got to meet Teller since he came to perform at Nessa's induction luncheon.
Now, Penn & Teller have their own big, beautiful theater at The Rio and their show is a non-stop delight -- funny and astounding. And, each night they change the order of things and add new and different elements. Plus, there's audience participation so, be forewarned.
The next show that we decided to see was 'Vegas, The Show' at the Saxe Theater at Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile.
If you're looking for pure, Las Vegas style entertainment with songs, dances, great costumes, high production values, comedy, impressions and even some acrobatics then this show's for you.
Vegas, The Show recreates the greatest moments in Vegas' history and tells the story of the most influential and exciting entertainers who made Vegas...Vegas.
From Vegas icons like The Rat Pack and Elvis to today's hottest stars the young and energetic cast of more than 40 performers, a 12-piece big band orchestra and beautiful showgirls make this one of the biggest stage productions on the Strip in almost 20 years.
The performance takes you back in time to experience true Las Vegas entertainment the way it was meant to be. You will relive the best moments of the most dynamic singers, dancers, and unforgettable personalities to ever step foot on the world-famous Strip.
This production takes the stage at the new $34 million Saxe Theater a 22,000 square foot facility that features premium stadium seating. 
The Saxe Theater stage incorporates state-of-the-art lighting, sound, fiber optic video curtains and other cutting-edge theatrical equipment so the audience won't miss a beat.
Though Vegas, The Show is tinged with a bit of nostalgia, it's a lively, irrepressible, fast-paced presentation that never misses a beat.
And you don't have to remember the "old" vegas to enjoy the show. We sat next to a newly-married couple in the early 20's and the loved every minute of this first-class production.