This topic is not completely cut and dry--
Yes Vegas shows are a spectacle, and moreover they are an experience. It is about creating a moment for the audiences. Hence why shows like Cirque du Soleil do so well!
Avenue Q, unfortunately has limited appeal to an audience who would rather spend their money on shows like Cirque, if for nothing else but to have "bragging rights" when they go back home. It's all in the marketing. And it didn't help matters much, when Wynn Hotel & Casino was not drawing in the people it had expected. This is speaking for both the casino and in regards to entertainment. Within the first 2 weeks of Wynn's first show, Le Reve, critics were already panning it and giving it a few months before its demise. Well, it has picked up, re-tooled itself, and is doing respectably.
As for Phantom of the Opera: the experience, I know they have cut down and reduced the show from its original inception, even minimalizing the dance numbers, the show will be unlike any production of POTO you have ever seen, for sure.
"Forbidden Vegas" flopped because it was "Forbidden Vegas" the after birth child of "Forbidden Broadway," a hit in many eyes. People who see "Broadway" ...get it! They poke fun at iconic legends of the broadway stage (Carol Channing) and shows that are easily set-up for attack (Defying Chenoweth-Wicked). People who live and "know" Vegas would have appreciated "Forbidden Vegas," but they were not the ones seeing the show. And although the Westin, which was housing the show was slightly off the strip, it was not a destination!
"Menopause," like "Mamma Mia!" have become successful for all of the implants (tours, sit downs; etc) all over the world. "Menopause" is also done in the Shimmer Theatre, which holds about 350, a modest amounts of seats. And someone I know who works on the show has stated that the show has gone from women in their 50s (going through Menopause) to young couples, and single men.
"Hairspray" is still finding its way as most new shows do. "KA" is not selling out everynight and its been open just under 2 years. Fortunately for "Hairspray" and unlike its sister company in NYC, it will not have to rely or depend on star names in order for it to succeed. It can and will stand on its own in due time.
At the end of the day its about getting butts into seats. In essence you need to know your audience. People were turned off by Avenue Q, because it was very confusing. No one got it or understood what the show was about prior to buying a ticket. Ticket buyers had no insight! Had they used "Lucy" in a showgirl costume or even exposed some of the characters in their advertisements, people may have warmed up to the idea, but they didn't. However, those who are "theatre" saavy, loved the show, as I did, at least a half a dozen times!
Sorry for the long post, but I thinks its important to educate each other in this line of business.
Updated On: 3/29/06 at 12:17 PM
) to see Hairspray...I hope Phantom does well, not that it's necessary for income in the city but I would love to be able to do a Broadway show in Vegas; I love the city and there's so much to do that's not on the strip too. 
