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I’ve seen V ‐ The Ultimate Variety Show a few times now. And I wouldn’t say that it’s the absolute best show in Las Vegas, but I do think it’s worth seeing at least once!
It’s so ridiculous at times that you can’t help but laugh. And the emcee, Wally Eastwood, is outstanding. He steals the show, and I’d go back just to see him again.
V is also reasonably priced, so it’s a fantastic option if you want to see a production without breaking the bank.
So in today’s post, I’ll be sharing what it’s like, how to get the best seats, the types of acts you’ll see, and other FAQs.
What Is The Ultimate Variety Show?
V ‐ The Ultimate Variety Show is exactly what its name implies. It’s a bunch of different acts from all over the world.
For instance, you’ll see talent from Japan, Russia, Hungary, and the good ol’ USA. V includes juggling, magic, feats of physical strength, daredevil stunts, and downright silly stuff.
Many of the stars have even been featured on TV competition shows like America’s Got Talent!
There are currently 12 performers that rotate nightly with different acts. You’ll see about seven performances, so you’ll likely never get the same show twice.
The emcee also does his comedy routines between the acts, which is my favorite part of the night.
Video: Get A Sneak Peek
History
I don’t know about you, but I love to learn the backstory of how something got its start. And the history of Ultimate Variety doesn’t disappoint!
David Saxe, who is V’s producer, spent his childhood backstage. Both his mother and father were involved in the entertainment industry in Las Vegas. David’s mom was a showgirl, and his dad was a bandleader.
Back then, variety acts weren’t the focal point of a production. Instead, they’d be featured during set changes or when there was some downtime during a performance.
But David saw something special in these acts and thought they deserved a show of their own. So he set out to produce a variety show that would highlight top talent from around the world.
His dream turned into reality when V ‐ The Ultimate Variety Show opened at the Venetian in 2002. It was so successful that David decided to build a theater specifically for it.
Two short years later, the production premiered at Planet Hollywood at the V Theater. It’s still going strong there today, with performances frequently selling out on the weekends.
Theater Info
The V theater is designed with stadium-style seating. So each row is higher than the one before it, ensuring that everyone can see the stage.
It’s not the newest space, though. Instead, it reminds me of an older movie theater. So expect the seats to be sunken with some padding. Nevertheless, they’re fairly comfortable for most people.
You won’t find a lot of legroom here either. Think airplane tight or even tighter. So if you’re tall or have long legs, things may feel a little cramped. But you likely won’t notice it once it starts because you’ll be laughing so much.
As far as other comfort measures go, it gets pretty warm. I was comfortable wearing a dress, but the guy next to me in pants and a long-sleeved shirt was sweating it out.
It’s definitely not like how cool and air-conditioned it is at the Mat Franco Las Vegas Show, that’s for sure!
So I’d say dress like it’s the summertime. And don’t worry about bringing a jacket unless you’re visiting during the winter months.
Where Is The Show V In Las Vegas?
The V Theater is located on the first floor inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.
It’s easy to find. Just ask your taxi or rideshare driver to drop you off at Planet Hollywood and follow the signs overhead to the Miracle Mile Shops.
Tickets
There are three ticket options available for V ‐ The Ultimate Variety Show.
- General Admission (GA): Seats are on the sides of the theater or in the back rows
- VIP Middle: Seating here is in the middle center of the theater
- Front VIP: These rows are the closest you can get to the stage
Is VIP Worth It?
Because the theater is small and intimate, every seat in the house has a view. So I wouldn’t be too concerned with seating, especially if you’re on a budget.
There are a few pillars in the General Admission section, though. And because some GA tickets are on the sides of the theater, VIP is better if you don’t want to risk having to turn your head the entire time.
The cost difference isn’t that much either – about $10 on average. So from that perspective, I think it’s worth buying VIP over GA.
Performance Dates & Times
Performances run nightly at 7 pm, and sometimes there’s an additional time at 8:30 pm. So you can catch Ultimate Variety seven days a week! The production also lasts about 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the performers.
Types Of Acts
Please note that the following acts are just some of the ones I saw when I went. This doesn’t mean that you’ll get to see the same performances, as there’s a rotating cast.
Acrobatic & Balancing
At the last show I went to, V began with a guy from Japan twirling hula hoops. I know that might sound lame, but stay with me, it gets better!
As his act continued, the props got larger until he was in a big ring rolling all around the stage doing acrobatics. Considering how much he was flipping, it was pretty impressive that he didn’t fall into the crowd.
The production also ended with a talented acrobatic duo – Iouri and Gabor. They’re a hand and body balancing act from Europe. The duo’s strength is mind-blowing, and I was worried for their safety the entire time. Talk about a nail biter!
Puppetry
Yes, puppets! Although not marionettes in the traditional sense. And I’m not sure that the group behind them (The Quiddlers) would refer to what they do as puppet acts. But it’s the best way I can think of to describe them.
For instance, the bodies aren’t real, but the heads are live actors. So you’ll see hilarious facial reactions and bodily movements as they dance around the stage. It’s a physical comedy act at its finest.
Or you might also get to watch a micro Michael Jackson and a monkey throwing bananas everywhere. It’s incredibly silly, and you can’t but laugh!
The group also does a routine choreographed to the song, YMCA. The guys do all sorts of funny dance moves and other “actions.” (I’ll let you figure out what I mean by that.) It’s definitely out there and all in good fun.
Comedy
The Crazy Gauchos were hysterical and one of my favorites of the night. You’ll get to see “rhythmic drumming and dancing” combined with comedy from the duo’s Spanish background.
Now I don’t want to give too much away here, but I will warn you. If you don’t do what they say, they may start their act all over again.
They made lots of jokes relevant to what’s happening right now too. So they weren’t just repeating stuff from shows in the past.
The duo does some tricks as well. And I highly recommend trying to get up on stage with them. It might be dangerous, but it’s well worth it!
You’ll also get lots of laughs from the emcee, Wally Eastwood. Not only will you get to play “name that tune,” but you’ll learn all about his family and growing up in the circus. His juggling talent is impressive too.
I’d go back just to see Wally and the Crazy Gauchos. That’s how much I loved them.
Magic
If you’re bringing the kiddos, they’ll enjoy the magician. He’s a master at sleight of hand and pulls out lots of playing cards and birds during his performance. There were a couple of times, though, when I thought I could see how he did his tricks.
So, overall, I felt indifferent about this one, but he sure does have a lot of birds! And I will say that I was impressed with his paper bird trick.
Las Vegas Show FAQs
Here are some of the most asked questions about The Ultimate Variety Show in Las Vegas.
Can You Drink During The Show?
Yes, you can! But there are a few essential things to know.
First, there isn’t a bar inside the theater. And secondly, the venue isn’t offering a cocktail service right now. But you can still get drinks at the Showgirl Bar and bring them in with you.
If you’re facing the V Theater, the Showgirl Bar is to the right of the venue. It’s only a few steps away, so you can quickly order drinks before it starts.
No other outside food or beverages are allowed inside, though.
Is V The Ultimate Variety Show Kid Friendly?
V is family-friendly and offers clean and good fun. Any adult content in the jokes is presented in a way children are unlikely to understand. So, I wouldn’t hesitate to take kids to this Las Vegas production.
And if you like variety shows, another option you might want to consider is Wow The Vegas Spectacular. It’s at the Rio, and it’s also kid-friendly.
But if you’re interested in seeing a more adult show, you might want to check out Absinthe.
What Is The Age Limit For The Ultimate Variety Show?
V is one of the only Las Vegas shows that does not have an age restriction. So all ages are welcome to attend.
How Far In Advance Should You Buy Tickets?
If it’s a big weekend like MDW, LDW, or New Year’s Eve, then it’s a good idea to get your tickets as soon as possible.
Other than that, you can pretty much get them a few days in advance. Or sometimes even on the night is fine.
Some sections may sell out faster than others, though. So if you know for sure that you want to go, I recommend getting them in advance for the best selection.
Is It Okay To Take Pictures?
Unfortunately, you can’t take photos during the performances. Thus, my lack of pictures in this post.
However, you can take pictures in the theater before it starts. Or after it’s over when the cast is on stage taking a bow.
Can You Eat Dinner During The Show?
V ‐ The Ultimate Variety Show is NOT a dinner show. So you’ll want to grab food either before or after. Some of my nearby favorites are the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Beauty and Essex, and Koi.
However, there’s often a special that includes a prix fixe dinner at Rainforest Cafe and a ticket to see V. It’s an excellent deal, as it’s usually only a few dollars more than VIP Middle tickets.
You can check availability for this General Admission deal here:
Any Recommendations For After The Show?
After The Ultimate Variety Show, you can head across the street to the Bellagio Fountains. The attraction runs nightly (weather permitting) every 30 minutes before 8 pm. And after that, it’s every 15 minutes.
The water spectacle is a great attraction for both kids and adults.
If it’s a date night or you’re with a group of friends, Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails at the Cosmopolitan has live music. This place is a hidden bar and a fantastic spot for dancing and meeting new people. There are even bottle service tables available.
Or, if you like clubs, there’s also Marquee Nightclub at the Cosmopolitan.
Conclusion: My Review
Overall, I think V is great and worth checking out. The acts are all so different that they truly offer something for everyone.
I will say, though, that it started a little slow each time I’ve gone. To the point that I’m concerned it’ll be that way the entire night. But it always gets more impressive as the night goes on.
I also wish there were a few more performances, so the production lasted longer. But I still had fun when I went, even though it was only about an hour.
What I enjoyed most was how much I laughed. Of course, it’s ridiculous humor, so grab a drink before you go inside. You’ll appreciate it that much more.
And then lastly, I think the production offers an excellent value. It’s not nearly as expensive as other Las Vegas shows. So, if you’re looking for a lower-cost option, put this one on your list!
