Photo: For the Record: Baz
What does Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby all have in common?
These trend-setting feature films were all directed by Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. And now their style, songs and storylines are at the center of a new production on the Las Vegas Strip.
For The Record: BAZ is an immersive and interactive theatrical experience. It runs every night (except Tuesdays) at 8 p.m. at LIGHT Nightclub inside Mandalay Bay.
The production makes full use of the stage-inside-a-nightclub concept, with performers often dancing though the crowd, running up the stairs and swinging from poles. The show is produced by Cirque du Soleil Theatrical and the Cirque influence can be felt with authentic costumes, props and some not-to-crazy stunts like a moving swing that hangs from the ceiling. The show also makes full use of LIGHT’s famous massive backdrop wall, offering video, LED lighting and additional staging.
The main characters and plots from each movie intertwine throughout the evening; all featuring star-crossed lovers who can never quite seem to get things right and find true happiness… or even a satisfying relationship. The cast is truly exceptional, and although the production may be small compared to other lavish alternatives on the Strip, the singing is among the best you’ll find anywhere. The show features rock and pop hits prominently featured in the aforementioned movies, such as “Number One Crush” by Garbage, Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful”and of course, “Lady Marmalade” done in the style of Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya and Pink.
On the downside… the stories are a bit predictable if you are familiar with the movies (and even if you’re not, as in the case of Romeo and Juliet) and some of the seats have limited sightlines. However, the nightclub environment is a fun alternative to a big Vegas show, and the passion of the cast feels authentic.
As a bonus… your ticket gets you entry to LIGHT when it shifts into full nightclub-mode later in the evening on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Photo: For the Record: Baz
