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So much for things slowing down after Memorial Day. The question is whether the two biggest Las Vegas shows of 2006 can both open in June without one stealing all the thunder.
"Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular," the shortened but technologically souped-up version of Broadway's "The Phantom of the Opera," opens at The Venetian June 4, with a grand opening gala on June 24.
The Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show at The Mirage also looks to drop within that time frame. An announcement of the show's official title, opening date and ticket prices could come as early as next week. It's up to Cirque management to decide if they want to get on the same square with "Phantom" or distance themselves.
Those promoting the titles are looking at a "glass half-full" scenario of national publications and TV news magazines having to choose, or splitting coverage between both shows. "If they're opening three or four weeks apart, it's unlikely that, say, Time magazine is going (to Las Vegas) twice," says Chris Jones, theater critic for the Chicago Tribune. "It would be better to be really close and do it on the same weekend."
But it's also true that each title merits individual attention. That's why the timing doesn't thrill Jennifer Dunne, Cirque's director of marketing and public relations. She's hoping the Beatles show will draw music writers and reviewers from more youthful publications who wouldn't be interested in the Andrew...