The hit television show “Dancing with the Stars” kicked off a live version of their show on Friday, April 14 at the Tropicana Las Vegas. This time around fans will be treated to a more intimate version of the live show along with an elevated entertainment factor from the dancers. The 80-minute production will run for 12 weeks with eight performances per week until their last show on July 7.
According to a press release on BroadwayWorld.com, the opening run of the production will feature past “Dancing with the Stars” alum including Kyle Massey, Joey Fatone, Sabrina Bryan, and Tia Carrere. Celebrity stylist Carson Kressley will act as the host of “Dancing with Stars: Live in Las Vegas” while Dmitry Chaplin and Lacey Schwimmer will star as the professional dancers.
According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, the live show will differ from the TV version in that producers will use props and dance sets to liven up the production. Former celebrity dancer Massey explained that the absence of judges will also set the live show apart because the dancers will be able to perform without any pressure — “sometimes the judges stand in the way of celebrities doing well,” said Massey, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.
In addition to memorable dances from past seasons and the addition of new routines, the live show will also uniquely feature the “Las Vegas Troupe”, a group of men and women chosen to perform dance numbers and entertain guests between the celebrity performances. TicketNews reported on the hit dance show’s last live tour in 2009, which visited 37 cities and featured nine of the show’s professional dancers. While the Las Vegas production will not star as many celebrity dancers and professional choreographers as the last tour, the Tropicana Theater is a far more intimate venue for fans to catch a glimpse of their favorite “Dancing” stars.
Fred Harmon, vice president of corporate culture and image at the Tropicana recently spoke with the Las Vegas Review Journal on their recent remodeling and what the show means for the hotel. “‘Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas’ will bring a one-of-a-kind experience to our newly transformed property, with the perfect combination of celebrities and stunning performances that our guests will love. We couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Harmon.
According to the press release, fans can purchase a ticket for $40 to $89. For those fans looking for the star treatment, a VIP package is available for $165 and offers a seat at a table on the floor, a VIP laminate, show program book, custom paddle, VIP entrance, post-show meet and greet, and photo opportunity with the cast.
Secondary ticket sellers are likely to make a profit as tickets are selling for significantly more than face value – tickets listed on TicketNetwork’s online exchange range in price from $99 for general admission up to as much as $262 for VIP seating.
