They say that you haven't seen Las Vegas until you've seen a Wayne Newton show. After many trips to Las Vegas we figured we had to bite the bullet and make the trek to the old Stardust Hotel on the north end of the strip to see what all the commotion was about. We arrived at the Stardust Hotel via cab and noted it is located quite a ways down the strip from the newer mega hotels like the Bellagio and Mandalay Bay. The Stardust looked much like it did 20 years ago with a few cosmetic changes, but still very "old style Las Vegas". The seating in the Wayne Newton Theater is typical stage show style with long tables and chairs coming out from the stage in spoke fashion with tiered layers back from these tables containing crescent shaped banquettes. It's just like you remember seeing pictures of Vegas stage shows from the '50s and '60s.
Wayne Newton performs here 40 weeks a year and has won just about every award handed out in Las Vegas over the years. He's affectionately referred to as "Mr. Las Vegas" - at least in the advertising and by his energetic side kick on stage. He's been performing in Las Vegas for 30 plus years and is an establishment.
Wayne sings all his favorite songs he's known for and the women in the audience coo and ahh while throwing him kisses. It's pretty funny. A large portion of the show is taken up by Wayne leaving the stage and shaking hands with every person in the theater and kissing all the women. I felt this took up way too much time from the actual performance, but also watching how much he was sweating and puffing, felt he needed the break from singing to prevent a coronary.
The show, though entertaining and a legend, was very sad. Wayne's voice is shot, it cracks and creaks all through the songs almost to a level of making the audience cringe. You couldn't help but feel sorry for the guy.
If you're a true Wayne Newton fan, you probably will think this show is great and you can press the flesh with your idol. If you want true entertainment and enjoyment, you may want to look elsewhere. I'm glad we went once, wish it had been ten years ago when he was able to sing better.
Wayne Newton performs Sunday through Thursday, theater is dark Friday and Saturday nights, at 8pm. Tickets run $54.95 plus tax, but you can find discount coupons in the local Las Vegas "who's performing where" free magazines found everywhere. This price includes two soft drinks and you can purchase alcohol and additional drinks if you like. There is the old fashioned roving photographer who takes everyone's picture and then offers it for sale at inflated prices. Long stem roses can also be purchased. Pricey for what you got.