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The cast of “OPM” takes its final bows at the Cosmopolitan on December 31.
Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 | 2 a.m.
“OPM” has completed its hilarious, uncompromising intergalactic journey. The Spiegelworld production performed its last show at the Cosmopolitan on New Year’s Eve, after launching there in 2018. It was the company’s second go-round at that venue, after Vegas Nocturne began in 2013, and its sci-fi themes and “Absinthe”-like hijinks made it a favorite comedy variety show on the Strip for the duration of its run. “Never before has Spiegelworld decided to close a Las Vegas show,” company president Ross Mollison said in a statement. “It’s a decision that is profoundly sad and may be hard to understand given we are seeing a beautiful piece of the essence of Vegas exiting the stage tonight.” Specific information about a new entertainment offering from Spiegelworld in the Cosmo room has not been released, but the company continues to operate the adjacent Superfrico restaurant, which has its own entertainment programming.
Other Vegas shows had new beginnings on New Year’s Eve. Singer Christina Aguilera, who already has a Strip residency at what is now Bakkt Theater under her belt, made her debut at Voltaire Belle de Nuit at Venetian with a sexy new show spotlighting her standout voice and one-of-a-kind fashions by Mugler. She’s back onstage Friday and Saturday, then again in February and March. And illusionist and stunt legend David Blaine, who previously performed at Resorts World, unveiled his new “Impossible” show at Encore Theater at Wynn with sold-out performances Dec.29-31, attracting celebrity guests like Demi Lovato and Dan Reynolds. Blaine returns to Wynn for more shows in February, March and May.
The hottest surprise performance to ring in the new year on the Strip had to be a pop-up performance by the award-winning Janelle Monae at the Poodle Room, the brand-new members-only club at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The “panoramic penthouse” space offered tremendous views of the Strip’s vast fireworks show as Monae took the stage, meanwhile Post Malone performed in the 3,800-seat BleauLive Theater.
The producers at Metropolis Theatricals — the same people behind the former Vegas Room venue at Commercial Center — are teaming with the local JOI Jazz Orchestra, the UNLV College of Fine Arts, the Showgirl Legacy Foundation and the Neon Museum to put on six performances of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “Follies” at the Access Showroom at Aliante Casino & Hotel on April 11-14. More than 45 performers, including a dozen “legendary Las Vegas showgirls,” will be part of the show, with featured performances by Pete Barbutti, Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton-Holmes, Bubba Knight, Frederica von Stade, Ted Chapin, Ruby Lewis, Skye Dee Miles and Michelle Johnson. The score features Stephen Sondheim’s classics including “I’m Still Here,” “Broadway Baby” and “Beautiful Girls,” and Dave Loeb will be musical director. Stay tuned for more coverage of this epic entertainment extravaganza, and get tickets now at follieslasvegas.com.
