Las Vegas Sun

March 14, 2024

MGM sends ripples across Strip with 5,000-seat theater at Monte Carlo; shuffling of BMG, Jabbawockeez

Monte Carlo Theater

MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, announced plans for an approximately 5,000-seat theater at the Monte Carlo. The theater is expected to open in late 2016.

Updated Wednesday, July 15, 2015 | 12:05 p.m.

Click to enlarge photo

MGM Resorts International on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, announced plans for an approximately 5,000-seat theater at the Monte Carlo. The theater is expected to open in late 2016.

MGM Resorts International has given its 20,000-seat Las Vegas Arena a little buddy.

Announced today in a series of moves previously reported is a new theater planned for the Monte Carlo. This entertainment hub is to be a flexible-use, 5,000-seat venue that will work as a complement to the events at the arena and also the Park promenade located between the Monte Carlo and New York-New York.

The venue is to “amplify” what is booked at the entertainment district, according to a news release today. The theater is expected to feature headlining entertainment in place of extended residencies for such production shows as Blue Man Group and will open with a still-unannounced act at the end of 2016.

Meantime, the long-expected move of BMG to the Luxor this fall has been confirmed, as is the relocation of the Jabbawockeez from their own theater at the Luxor — which will be taken over by the Blue Men — to Beacher’s Madhouse at MGM Grand.

That, too, is expected to be enacted in the fall, though no firm dates have yet been specified. BMG opened at the Luxor in 2000 and spent several years at the Venetian before moving to the Monte Carlo in 2012.

In statements today, MGM Resorts International, BMG and the Jabbawockeez talked of the series of events certain to reshape the entertainment scene in three resorts on the Strip.

“This new theater will enable us to host performers in Las Vegas who we previously haven’t had a home for, broadening our entertainment offerings and providing the opportunity to expand those relationships to our properties around the globe,” said Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts International.

“We have a strong affection for the Luxor and are thrilled to return to this one-of-a-kind property,” said Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group co-founder and longtime performer. “We always embrace the opportunity to update and reimagine our show.

“At the Luxor, we’ll have the ideal theater perfect for a completely immersive, multi-sensory experience. We plan to bring the intimacy of our New York City show and the spectacle of Las Vegas to our new home at the Luxor.”

The Jabbawockeez are a former Monte Carlo act that moved to their own, customized theater at the Luxor’s mezzanine level, across from Atrium Theater, home to Carrot Top and “Fantasy.” The masked, hip-hip dance troupe hit the city in 2009, with a run at MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theater, now the David Copperfield Theater.

“We’re honored to be heading back to MGM Grand — it’s a really special place for us. What began as a limited engagement has grown into an incredible experience headlining on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Jabbawockeez CEO and co-founder Phil Tayag. “The energy there is reaching new heights, and we plan on playing off that vibe and taking things to a whole new level for our fans.”

Scott Sibella, president and COO of MGM Grand, said: “We’re thrilled to bring the Jabbawockeez home to MGM Grand, where they launched in Las Vegas in 2010. Their unparalleled energy and style are a perfect complement to MGM’s renowned nightlife scene.

“Coupling that with the raw fun and craziness of Beacher’s Madhouse, the entertainment scene at MGM Grand will be off the charts.”

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.

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