Las Vegas Happenings That You Can Talk About By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large August 18, 2004 As most travelers have heard by now, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." And while that may be the catchphrase of the moment, there's a whole lot going on in Las Vegas these days that is conversation worthy. I'm talking about the fact that more and more Broadway productions are taking their acts on the road with their sights set on the town of high rollers--and that has a lot of people a-buzz. Growing up near New York, there was nothing I loved more than seeing a Broadway show. Sometimes we'd order our tickets months in advance, while other times, we might take our chances standing inline at the discounted TKTS line. I didn't care what I saw; I just loved being carried away the moment the orchestra started. The instant the curtain lifted, I was transported to lands near and far. Vegas has long been a land for escape, but never has it been so much about productions that might attract the masses. Sure, there is still nudity, but there seems to be a move a-foot to clean it up. What was once a Vegas vice is now more appropriately a Vegas spice. Take for example, Zumanity, the erotic Cirque du Soleil show with highly sensual and seductive performances. Or the Burlesque shows at the Tangerine Lounge, and the much anticipated opening of 40 Deuce, which has a reputation as a celebrity-studded strip show. While some still herald Vegas as the next suburb of Los Angeles, others say it's becoming Broadway West. No doubt Las Vegas has elements of the Hollywood glitz and glamour, but what used to be the Broadway Mamma Mia now plays at Mandalay Bay as well. We Will Rock You (a musical set to Queen music, a la Movin’ Out and Mamma Mia) just opened. And over the next two years, Phantom of the Opera and Avenue Q are set to take center stage. With all these Broadway productions making their way West, Broad-Vegas may be more like it. Of course Broadway shows aren't the only new things in town. Leave the strip behind and visit downtown where the Fremont Street Experience light extravaganza blows people away nightly. This performance sports the biggest LED screen to date—you'll stand enraptured before the 90-foot high, four-block long electric canopy with over 2.1 million lights and 550,000 watts of sound. For a truly au natural show, The Ritz Carlton Lake Las Vegas offers nightly stargazing tours just 17 miles from the bright glow of the strip. If you're looking for a listing of shows in Las Vegas visit www.vegasfreedom.com, and you can buy your tickets in advance at www.showtickets.com. If you, like millions of Americans, plan to tour Las Vegas this year, you're now in the know about some of the brag-worthy highlights that will make your friends green with envy upon your return. For the most recent travel news check out Amy Ziff's Travel Tips from AtoZ at www.travelocity.com/atoz. If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com ask.amy@travelocity.com. Come back monthly to see if your question has been answered.

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