San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT RETURNING TO LAS VEGAS
MGM Resorts first to resume shows since shutdown in March
It’s been a while since those Las Vegas hotel marquees trumpeted the appearances of live shows on the Strip.
MGM Resorts is changing that.
Beginning Friday, the hotel company announced it will start to bring back live entertainment to its properties, starting with famed magician David Copperfield.
“After eight months, it’s time to bring entertainment back to the Entertainment Capital of the World,” said George Kliavkoff, MGM Resorts’ president of entertainment and sports. “While there is still a long road in our city’s recovery, the reintroduction of these shows is an important first step. November 6 is going to feel very special as we welcome back team members and guests and bring the curtains up for that first time.”
There has been no live entertainment in Sin City since March. The shows returning on Fridayinclude Copperfield, comedian Carrot Top, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club hosted by the former “Everybody Loves Raymond” star, Fantasy, Jabbawockeez, The Australian Bee Gees and Thunder from Down Under.
MGM Resorts says the shows will have limited capacity. In some cases, that’s requiring the performances to now be in larger theaters, in order to accommodate social distancing.
Copperfield will return to the David Copperfield Theater at the MGM Grand. Jabbawockeez will bring its signature moves and “Timeless” show to the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club will take to the stage in the resort’s Studio A & B Ballrooms.
Carrot Top and Fantasy will both perform in the Luxor Theater. The Australian Bee Gees will perform in the resort’s Thunderland Showroom at the Excalibur. And Thunder From Down Under will perform in the resort’s Thunderland Showroom at the Excalibur.
The state of Nevada mandates a maximum audience of 250 guests, and at least 25 feet between the stage and closest audience member.
“The staff and crew, everyone’s excited to get back to work. Just to be on stage, that’s our passion. It’s not a hobby, it’s our life,” said Lorena Peril, host singer and headliner of “Fantasy.”