‘Absinthe,’ Shin Lim, Rob Lowe and more Las Vegas showbiz news

Showbiz legend Ben Vereen is serving as director of the Las Vegas premiere of Broadway in the Hood’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” playing this week at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms. The iconic rock opera hits the stage April 7 at 8 p.m. and April 8 at 3 p.m. and performances are free and open to the public. Seating is available first-come, first-served, with more information available at broadwayinthehood.org.

Days after officially announcing its new Las Vegas show, “DiscoShow,” is set to open in the summer of 2024 at the Linq, Spiegelworld celebrated the 12th anniversary of the crazy little circus that started it all, “Absinthe.” The pioneering variety show toasted its milestone performing in the Spiegeltent outside Caesars Palace on April 3 by launching a new acrobatic act dubbed It’s Ukrainian Men Hallelujah, and partying in the new Pier 17 Yacht Club speakeasy bar hidden in the Green Fairy Garden adjacent to the tent. The “Absinthe” afterparty on this special night included a 20-piece marching band and dancers, cocktails and a birthday cake. As reported recently in Las Vegas Weekly, Spiegelworld’s long-gestating “DiscoShow” will finally arrive in the new venue the Glitterloft (in the space of the former Linq sportsbook) next summer, another step in the multi-stage partnership between the theatrical circus company and Caesars Entertainment.

Illusionist Shin Lim also marked a significant number this week — 400 shows at the Mirage Theatre, also celebrating on April 3. The renowned sleight-of-hand master continues his “Limitless” production, co-starring mentalist Colin Cloud, Thursday through Monday at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s your rundown of the other Vegas entertainment announcements this week: rising reggaeton star Blessd will debut at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan on May 20; actor Rob Lowe will return to the Strip with his one-man show “Stories I Only Tell My Friends Live” on June 9 and 10 at the Summit Showroom at Venetian; Anthony Jeselnik brings his unique brand of comedy to the Chelsea on July 14; country singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde plans an outdoor concert at the Backyard Amphitheater at Green Valley Ranch Resort on July 14; R&B fave Maxwell is back at Encore Theater at Wynn on August 9, 11 and 12; comedian Heather McMahan will perform for the first time at Encore Theater on August 19; country star Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line fame will play the Sandbar Stage at Red Rock Resort on September 22; rock act Bad Omens brings its Concrete Forever Tour to the Theater at Virgin on October 9; and classic rockers REO Speedwagon land at the Venetian Theatre for two concerts on November 10 and 11.

New York-New York headlining resident Terry Fator recently released a new original song, “Horses in Heaven,” dedicated to the victims of the Nashville tragedy. "There is no tragedy greater than that of young lives taken too soon," he said in a statement. "This song came to me in a dream years ago and I wanted to share it with all of you who, like me, mourn the horrific tragedy that happened in Nashville. I dedicate it to all these beautiful souls who are now in heaven." Fans and followers can check out the tune at YouTube.