Time a true test for local shows

The United States of America celebrates its 234th anniversary today, with more than 85,410 performances. At least that's how Vegas show publicists would promote Independence Day.

Before the fireworks, consider some local show traditions, or lack thereof.

The R-J's Neon showguide currently lists 97 shows. Only three have been around more than 20 years: "Jubilee!," "Legends in Concert" and "Crazy Girls."

"Tournament of Kings" just toasted its 20th, but the current title and content emerged from a makeover in 1999. That's worth talking about.

In the old days, production shows had generic titles but modular formats. Segments were swapped out and shows often updated in pieces, so "Folies Bergere" was really several shows over its 49 years. It didn't really stall out until 2001, when it started to be slowly starved to death before closing last year.

"Mystere," a game changer on the Strip, will turn 17 on Christmas. For a time, Cirque du Soleil planned to overhaul its bedrock title, but backed away from the idea. Leaving well enough alone seems to be the current mindset.

Maybe that's why shows don't run as long now, eh Blue Man Group? But you seem to be doing fine at age 10.

Lance Burton soon departs the Monte Carlo after 14 years. On one hand, that's amazing. Only "Mystere" and the three titles mentioned above have more seniority. But again, magic is modular. Did audiences expect him to update it more often?

(Burton says the amicable divorce was his choice. But one could assume the casino would fight harder to keep him if he were doing capacity business.)

Needless to say, no casino-hosted party for Burton's 14th last month. But on Wednesday, "Phantom -- The Las Vegas Spectacular" cast members gathered for a potluck party to celebrate a mere four years at The Venetian. They're happy to be around.

There was also a publicity stunt, when an entire audience wore Phantom masks. But cast members from other shows were recruited to fill seats. "Phantom" is seldom packed. Do 22 years on Broadway work against it here?

Cirque du Soleil tried to inflate the zen of the number four for its Beatles show "Love" (the quartet grouping is a running theme). But "Love" took its normal day off on its anniversary day Wednesday. Cirque folks had to schlep up to Niagra Falls for a photo op with Ringo Starr.

Nonetheless, "Love" seems to have won the battle some of us played up when it and "Phantom" both opened the same week.

Forget that they're British. Toast 'em both today. Any show with a cast of, say, more than one stand-up comic is worth a 21-gun salute.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.