Vegas: Phantom or KA?

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 4:58am

Hey guys I'm going to Vegas in March for a weekend and I want to watch both Phantom and KA but they're both on Sat and do not run on Sundays. Which one will you recommend more? I know they're very different, but... I just need some suggestions ~
THANKS!

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 9:42am

As a Vegas local, I can honestly say I would go with none of the above and choose the Beatles LOVE Show. It's my favorite of the Cirque shows by far and although I'm a bit biased because of my Beatles love, everyone I've known who has seen it says it's magical. And I would pretty much have to agree, especially if you're a fan of musical theater. It's certainly the most integrated of all the Cirque shows, in terms of character, story, and music. Anyway, sorry if that's not all that much help.
Updated On: 2/12/10 at 09:42 AM

[Candleshoe2]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 10:18am

Last time I went to Las Vegas, I saw both, and would choose to see KA over Phantom. Both were great - but KA was one of the most unique theatrical productions I have ever seen. I really would love to see it again!

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 12:29pm

Thanks! I'll watch KA on Sat then... LOVE shows on Sun so maybe I'll watch that... but I'm more tempted to watch their other Cirque show that's alittle more sexy/burlesque-y ~

[dacvingwolf]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 12:48pm

Don't watch Zumanity. My parents went to it and they hated it. And my family loves Cirque Du soleil, but they said they don't even consider it apart of the Cirque family because it was so bad

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 12:51pm

My parents also saw Zumanity and didn't care for it, but they also saw it way back in previews.

I saw Love and thought it was impressive, but wasn't blown away.

Phantom is big and dumb and fun.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 1:08pm

Consider Cirque's "O," it's stunningly beautiful. Or you could be the first kid on your block to see their new "Viva Elvis!" which is in previews.

Also, if parents don't like a performance that's sexy, I would think that would be a strong incentive to go.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 1:13pm

I say "Ka" over Phantom, but if "O" or "Zumanity" is showing on Sunday I would check them out.

"O" was the most beautfil show I have ever seen. I just adored the spectacle and found it very moving.

I will be the lone person to say I loved "Zumanity" but it is not a "Circus" type show and does not contact much of the trademark death defying stuff. However it is gorgeous and erotic and has some of the best dancers and acrobats I have ever seen. It is a sophisticated, sexy show and I am tired of people who like the typical Cirque stuff bashing it. It stands on its own, not to be compared.

[MrBundles]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 1:27pm

I'd choose O, but if you had to choose between those two, KA definitely.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 3:09pm

I thought "KA" was absolutely horrendous and the worst show I have ever seen.
"O," on the other hand, was amazing!

[JMPlayer6]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 3:46pm

I've seen both, and KA twice. Between the two, see KA.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 4:04pm

O is the single greatest theatrical experience I've ever seen.
But if it's purely between Ka or Phantom, go for Ka 100%.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 6:22pm

O is indeed fantastic. La Reve is also a georgeous show . Love may be the best of all.

By the way, what is the difference between the Broadway & Vegas versions of Phantom? Which songs/scenes are gone & what is the difference with the chandelier scene?

Updated On: 2/12/10 at 06:22 PM

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 6:23pm

Thanks for your tips. guys.

When I am in Las Vegas in May, I planned to see Phantom, Ka and O, you have confirmed to me that I am going to see the right shows.

I take it no one is going to recommend Menopause the musical. lol.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 6:24pm

You don't go to Vegas to see menopause. A cute show but not in the class of the other shows. Get the CD & you will have the same experience.

[Upland]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 6:58pm

Ka

[Robert Taylor]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 8:44pm

I'll switch things up and recommend you go see "Phantom" which, for me, is the best possible version of the show produced. The special effects, particularly with the chandelier, are unmatched, all of the fat from the Broadway and film versions have been trimmed and the little extras (the Phantom climbing on the chandelier, the fireworks, the theatre itself) are what makes the show so magnificent.

Now if you would have said "O" or "Phantom" I might have chosen differently.

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 8:59pm

Wow thanks so much guys!!! So Phantom is totally out of the question! maybe I should just do the Phantom marathon after my LA trip in London!
I'll probably watch KA and O then by the sound of it!
just abit out of topic, i'll be in Los Angeles during that period as well (19 - 29th March) you guys recommend any shows/theatre related events??

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 2/12/10 at 11:25pm

Phantom in Vegas is fun. If you can see it on your way back, I do recommend it.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 2/13/10 at 12:24am

I loved Phantom in Vegas, even though I'm not a fan of the Broadway version. The production itself is spectacular, and the way they cut it down to 100 minutes is pretty stunning itself. All the songs, a lot of the other crap cut - all killer no filler!

I also like Le Reve a lot.

Seeing KA when I'm there next month, I hear it's pretty amazing, looking forward to it too.

[Scott Briefer]

Posted: 2/13/10 at 12:50am

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?page=2&thread=974579&boardid=0

A while ago I wrote a fair amount on KA including some amazing photographs. If you click on the link above and scroll down you'll see those images and if you follow the thread through, you can read some of my thoughts on KA.

[alterego]

Posted: 2/13/10 at 8:34am

Personally, I'd avoid PHANTOM (why would you bother?) like the plague. My vote goes with LOVE also.

[Chrranke]

Posted: 2/13/10 at 9:18am

KA!

[Fanb]

Posted: 2/13/10 at 7:09pm

If you live in London, and are going to Vegas on a holiday - you should see more typically Vegas show. Cirque has taken over Vegas, so you should definitely see a Cirque show while you are there in order to have the full Vegas experience. I liked both "O" and "Ka" but don't think you necessarily need to see both. One or the other will suffice.

[BenjaminNicholas2]

Posted: 2/13/10 at 10:51pm

God, I'm bored with everything Cirque, especially since they're hitting a wall right now with their creative teams (paging Banana Shpeel). I've always felt that nothing was ever the same since they let Franco Dragone go...

My recommendation: See Phantom. It's the pen-ultimate version of this show and it's in pretty good shape. Sad to see that Brent Barrett left (he was a SUPERB Phantom), but Anthony Warlow is holding up alright. He's getting a little lazy at times with his pronunciation. Perhaps a little sleepwalky too. I think he has his issues with 'Vegas throat' as many of the other performers do in town.

The theatre and tech of the show are, however, incredible. Beautiful production overall and a very strong ensemble.


BN
Updated On: 2/13/10 at 10:51 PM