Las Vegas, the Grand Illusion

Everything in this town is an illusion:

A replica

A reproduction of someone, something, or someplace else

Un-authentic

Lights.  Special effects.  Fountains.

Ceilings in malls painted like the sky on a cloudy day.

Moving sidewalks, outdoor escalators,

Bridges over busy streets.

Some things are for real.  On a bridge.

Most all grandiose.

Grander than grandiose.

Larger than life.

Overwhelming.  Stimulating.

False.

Fake.

Harrah's Las Vegas is proud to be the new home of Legends in Concert, the longest running celebrity tribute show in the world and the second longest running show in Vegas.  Featuring live re-creations of superstars of yesterday and today and backed by a live orchestra and dancers, "Legends in Concert" is a true entertainment spectacle for all ages. The fast-paced show features singer-dancers, a live band, and an all-around spectacular full-stage production. The producers of Legends in Concert are careful to cast performers who capture not only the sound of the artist they are portraying but also their look and feel.  Fantastic impersonations of the hottest stars of today!

Dean Martin was the emcee the night Amy took Eddy and me to the show.  We had our picture taken with Elvis Presley.  When we told him we were from Utah, he said he was in Sandy at 10 that very morning.  “Was it snowing?” we asked.  He said, “No, but it snowed two days ago.” (While we basked in the warm sun by the pool each day.)  I thought maybe he was from Utah but I read his bio that he was born in Ireland.  He was good.  We also saw Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, and Michael Jackson, whose dancing and nimble feet were worth the price of the ticket (especially since Amy paid).

Amy didn’t want to go see Phantom of the Opera so she picked a show she thought Ed would like.  When Amy reserved the tickets, DeRay made a big fuss about how he’d drive us and hang around until it was over to take us back to the condo.  “I’ll bet Jerry (Aunt Clare’s son her same age) drives all over Vegas by himself,” Amy mumbles.  As it turned out, it was Clare’s TOPS night and she invited DeRay to go with her.  Suddenly, we were quite capable of going on our own. Amy drove superbly.

Watching “The Legends Show” gave me my first impression that the whole city is an impersonation:  things, people, places.  Why would you want to be somebody else night after night after night?  Wouldn’t you forget your own identity?  Why would we want to be somewhere we’re not?

Holland

 

Gondolier on the Canal in Venice

Paris

Egypt

New York New York

A jelly bean replica of the replica of the Statue of Liberty

Amy walking over the Brooklyn Bridge

 Everything is a production; staged.

Teasing and tantalizing.

 Stimulating.

And we don’t even gamble, drink,

or patronize the casinos.

Brooke, Elizabeth, and family spent

The week in the condo we stayed in last time.

We met them on Monday,

Karlton’s 9^th birthday

For the “free” Popovich show

(compliments of Jerry who is his friend).

For some reason no one understands,

It cost DeRay $110 for the free tickets.

We were all there.

What could we do?

DeRay, Ed, Jeanette, Brooke, Karlton, Elizabeth, Isaak, Brigitte at Planet Hollywood.

 The next night, they came to our condo

For pizza and salad then

Brooke, Elizabeth, DeRay & I

Chauffeured by capable Clare

Went to Phantom of the Opera.

DeRay, Jeanette, Brooke, & Elizabeth at Phantom of the Opera

DeRay & Clare in the Opera House

 I sometimes think

Phantom was more special effects

and amazingly spectacular

Than piercing musical lucidity.

All day, Ed kept saying,

“I can’t believe you’re going without me.”

We didn’t know until we watched the movie

The next day

That Ed had every song memorized.

The kids were supposed to play games

While we were gone.

Instead they all watched the same Disney Channel

In four separate rooms.

Maybe they needed their space for awhile.

After they left,

DeRay, Clare, Amy & I

Played Pinochle until 3 AM.

Was that Utah or Nevada time?

Fun filler.

Amy’s champ.

Whoever she was partner with, won hands down.

Pure luck.

On the bridge. Apex of the arch.

Amy & I walked across the bridge and back.

 Thursday we went to the Dam

And took a Ferry Boat ride.

Ed’s absolute favorite.

We scanned the hills for Longhorn Sheep

Then saw five crossing a canal next to a subdivision
As we drove back into Bolder City.

OK, this is Silverton. Can't fool you.

Live Longhorn Sheep, Zion's National Park 2009

Returning to St. George from Class Reunion in Orderville 2009

I have never believed in Mermaids.

I thought they were mythical

But we spent one afternoon

After the movie Mirror Mirror

Watching with our own eyes

An enchanting mermaid.

Now I believe.

All is not false;

Families are true.

Good times are heartfelt.

Love surrounds us

Even in the midst

Of  impressive illusions and impersonations.

PS Thank You, Clare, for making our week so much fun!

And Blessed 16th Birthday Brigitte!

Ed looking at the Blog:
"That was sure a fun trip.
The best part was seeing Brooke's family."