Location: Versailles Theatre at the Riviera
2901 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
About the show: With ice as their stage, 42 Russian performers leap, dangle, juggle, flip and perform just about every circus act imaginable (without elephants and clown cars) in Ice: Direct from Russia. The production is based on the work of Sergey Ryshkoff, who created the Moscow Ice Circus. It was adapted by Debra Brown, the choreographer behind Cirque du Soleil's Mystere and O. She's "Vegasized" Ryshkoff's work by sprinkling it with the glitz show goers have come to expect in Las Vegas.
Though this is no Cirque du Soleil - it's far smaller in size and budget - it clearly shares some of Cirque's suspense and skill. Because the Versailles Theatre is small, there's an intimacy between the audience and the performers - particularly when the performers skate out into the showroom thanks to a circular runway. The audience is close enough to see their trembling muscles as they balance one another on the 3,000-square-foot stage. Suspense builds as acts become more complex throughout the show: Performers hang from hula hoops, skate on stilts and stack atop one another in handstands. The feats are impressive in and of themselves - never mind the slippery, frozen ground on which they balance.
The story of Ice is the journey of the beautiful performers out of their freezing Russia and into the warmth and opportunity of Las Vegas. It's not a plot line that's strictly adhered to; the acts seem fairly random, but with the juggling and speed-skating and daredevil skills, the show moves rapidly.
The show is set to an eclectic soundtrack, featuring music by Rusted Root, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, James Brown and others. There's dancing throughout the show - but while the Russians are known for their circuses, they're not exactly known for their rhythm. Few words are spoken, and few are needed. The language of strength, balance and suspense are narrative enough - and even kids will love it. Just remind them not to try these stunts at home.
Schedule: Saturday through Thursday at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets for Ice: Direct from Russia: General admission is $76.77, and VIP seating (which includes the first five rows and tables by the runway) is $85.86. If VIP seating is available, take it. It's well worth the difference to be able to see the facial expressions of the performers and to feel as though you're almost a part of the show. Purchase tickets online or call the box office at 877-892-7469.
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Transportation: The Deuce is a double-decker bus that runs from the Strip to downtown 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and stops at the Riviera. At its peak, The Deuce leaves every six minutes (in slow periods, buses may leave up to 20 minutes apart); single rides cost $2 and an all-day pass is $5. Cabs are another option if you don't have a car; call Yellow/Checker/Star (702-873-2000), Whittlesea/Blue Cab (702-384-6111), Desert Cab Company (702-386-9102), or Western Cab Company (702-736-8000).
