The Las Vegas Strip has seemingly been changing at an accelerated rate.
That’s partially because consumer demand has shifted. Many types of entertainment that used to dominate the Strip have gone away.
There are, for example, no more showgirl shows, and those used to be a major part of the Las Vegas entertainment community. Similarly, shows like “Legends in Concert,” which was a Strip staple for decades, have closed without finding a new home.
Related: Las Vegas Strip casino closes popular country singer residency
In addition, the Strip hosts very few magicians, as that form of entertainment has stopped being a major draw. Yes, a big headliner like Criss Angel still has his place on the Las Vegas Strip (when he wants it), but magic itself has become less of a draw.
Las Vegas, at least the bigger players, have also generally said goodbye to impersonators, ventriloquists, and even comedy, aside from major headliners. When your city routinely has some of the biggest names in music performing residencies, it’s very difficult to draw a crown with a Michael Jackson or Dolly Parton impersonator.
💵💰Don’t miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet’s free daily newsletter💰💵
Las Vegas has become one of the sports and music capitals of the world. That has raised the bar for the overall entertainment offered there, and what was once successful is no longer a major draw.
Welcome to the new Las Vegas Strip Â
Over the past couple of years, the Las Vegas Strip (and the adjacent Allegiant Stadium) have hosted everything from Taylor Swift and BTS to Wrestlemania and the Super Bowl. Whereas the Strip used to be where old entertainers went to live out their days, it has now become a place that attracts top-tier current talent.
Yes, Wayne Newton and Donny Osmond still draw crowds to their Caesars Entertainment (CZR) residencies, but they are the exceptions. For every Carrot Top, Las Vegas now has at least one Adele, Garth Brooks, and Diplo.Â
In addition, the Las Vegas Sphere has provided a venue where even larger acts can perform in residency. Adele, Garth Brooks, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars all perform in relatively intimate Caesars and MGM Resorts International (MGM) Strip venues, while Sphere caters to even bigger acts. Â
More Las Vegas:
- Las Vegas Strip Sphere signs another superstar band residency
- Las Vegas Strip casino closes country superstar’s residency
- Las Vegas Strip casino signs global superstar singer to residency
Bands like the Eagles and Dead and Company have taken over the Sphere for long runs of shows. U2 effectively proved it could sell out as many shows as it wanted there, and all of those bands will likely have return engagements.
Overall, the presence of so many big names both in recurring and one-off shows has made it very hard for traditional Vegas entertainment to compete. That has contributed to the quick death of the high-budget Meat Loaf “Bat Out of Hell” musical, a show from Lin-Manuel Miranda, and even “Beatles: Love,” which did not survive the death of The Mirage.
Las Vegas Strip loses a dance show
The Strat, a property on the less popular north side of the Las Vegas Strip, has fought for an identity beyond its rooftop restaurant and thrill rides. It struggled over the years, but its dance show, “iLuminate” has been a success since 2022.
“From the moment the lights fade to darkness, you’re transported into another world – another dimension, where the music moves you and the visuals are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Welcome to the world of ‘iLuminate.’ Named ‘Best New Act in America’ by America’s Got Talent, the brilliant cast of the country’s top dancers and choreographers, along with energetic music, creates a mind-blowing, multi-sensory live show experience,” the resort casino shared on its website.Â
The show builds as it goes.
“As the show progresses, each scene creates a new ‘room’ inside ‘Club iLuminate’ where an exhilarating blend of music, dance, illusion, technology, and comedy comes to life for an experience that’s sure to be the most fun you’ll ever have in the dark,” it added.
The show, however, will go dark dark on May 31, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. When it closes, the all-ages production will have been performed over 1,200 times.
Related: Las Vegas Strip Sphere sets popular band’s final residency shows
iLuminate ran in The Strat Theater’s 7 p.m. slot.
“Terry Fator is moving into the 7 p.m. spot June 2. There is no announcement on plans to fill the 5 p.m. spot. Sluggish sales, the enemy of any production show, forced ‘iLuminate’ to go dark,” according to the paper.
