When it comes to entertainment, Las Vegas, Nevada, can’t be beat. Whether you want to try your luck at the slot machines, play a few hands at the poker table, soak up the sun at the pool or experience an over-the-top, exciting atmosphere that includes everything from roller coasters to Egyptian pyramids to laser and light shows, Sin City is your town.

Besides the elaborate casinos, there is one other form of entertainment that is quintessentially Las Vegas: shows. Whether you want to hear the hottest performers sing their latest hits or catch a Broadway play, there’s a show in Las Vegas for you. Magic, music, drama, dance, comedy and circus — Las Vegas has it all.

There are so many shows, though, that it can be hard to decide on which one you’re willing to spend $100 (or more) for a ticket. Check out this list of the five best shows in Vegas — any one of them is bound to delight and entertain you.

1.    Jubilee! Las Vegas

Once upon a time, showgirls were the top act in Vegas. With their outlandish costumes festooned with feathers, beads and sequins — and not much else — the showgirls sang and danced and added a little extra sparkle to the Nevada desert. Today, Cirque du Soleil–type acrobatic shows are the most popular in Vegas, but “Jubilee! Las Vegas,” at Bally’s Hotel and Casino, continues the showgirl tradition. This is a classic Vegas show: part Broadway, part burlesque. It’s not for the kids, but if you want to get a taste of the “old” Las Vegas, this is where to find it.

2.    Penn & Teller

By now, there are few people who haven’t heard of this legendary eccentric duo. Combining magic and comedy, the loquacious Penn and silent Teller entertain the masses at the Rio and have been named “the Best Magic Show on the Strip” six times. There are many magicians in Las Vegas, but this show is the best.

3.    Cirque du Soleil

Listing Cirque du Soleil as one show is not really fair, as there are seven different shows offered at casinos and resorts in Las Vegas. While you can’t go wrong with any of them, one of the most popular is the Mirage’s “LOVE,” based on the music of the Beatles. For the most breathtaking stunts and acrobatics, catch “Mystère” at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. Other options include “Ka,” a tale of twins and destiny, at the MGM Grand, and “O,” at the Bellagio, which has an aquatic theme.

4.    Donny & Marie

Anyone who grew up in the 1970s — or who wishes they did — will love the classic Las Vegas kitsch of “The Donny & Marie Show” at the Flamingo. The wholesome sibling duo hasn’t missed a beat since their iconic television show of the same name, and the Las Vegas show features them singing and bantering just as they did nearly 40 years ago. The show features Donny and Marie singing their classic songs as well as current hits and Broadway favorites.

5.    Absinthe

A relatively new show on the Las Vegas scene, “Absinthe” at Caesar’s Palace combines the best of acrobatics and cabaret for an unusual and fascinating spectacle. Rated one of the top shows in the city, “Absinthe” is modeled after the Spiegel tent shows of the early 20^th century, where crowds packed in to watch dancers, acrobats, singers and magicians perform. All of the seats are within a few feet of the stage, giving the audience an enthralling and unforgettable experience. This show is for mature audiences only.

Taking in a show is a must when visiting Las Vegas, and many Sin City hotels make it easy and affordable by offering package deals that include lodging and either tickets to a show or discounts to certain performances. Research your options, and soon you’ll be enjoying the performance of a lifetime.

Image provided by Filip Musial from Flickr’s Creative Commons

Author: Kendra O’Dell is a rarity — a second-generation Las Vegas native. As a child, she wanted to be a showgirl, but instead became a writer, a career that includes far fewer sparkles but which allows her to eat as many cupcakes as she wants.