Saturday

06-07-2025 Vol 1984

ABBA Voyages into Las Vegas, Ludacris Returns, and More Vegas Entertainment News

The legendary Swedish pop group ABBA, renowned for their chart-topping hits and record sales of over 150 million worldwide, is set to have a significant presence in Las Vegas.

Currently captivating audiences in London with their show “ABBA Voyage” at the ABBA Arena, the excitement is palpable as news circulates that a similar production could be arriving at Resorts World Las Vegas.

Expected to be announced by this summer, the show will reportedly inhabit a custom-built theater on the south side of the hotel, in a space previously designated as “Enchant.”

While this information is not yet officially confirmed, initial reports surfaced earlier in March 2024 and suggest this could transform the Las Vegas entertainment landscape.

Considering ABBA’s history in the city, the new venture seems promising. The band’s music was the cornerstone for the wildly successful “Mamma Mia,” which ran at Mandalay Bay from 2003 to 2009.

“ABBA Voyage” utilizes advanced CG technologies to bring the band members to life on stage as they appeared in 1979, catering to fans who are eager to see their beloved hits performed live, even though the original members are not interested in touring.

The immersive production, which has a capacity of 3,000, was designed by none other than Industrial Light and Magic, known for its stunning visual effects on numerous high-profile projects including U2 productions and “Postcard From Earth” at the Sphere.

This ambitious project cost an astonishing $175 million to develop, making it one of the most extravagant live shows to date.

As the band famously sings, “Take a chance, take a chance…” fans are also excited about potential opportunities to don satin jumpsuits at the Las Vegas rendition of the show.

Another key event on the Las Vegas scene includes the Rise Festival’s 10th anniversary, headlined by the innovative electronic duo Disclosure and Calvin Harris.

The event, scheduled for October 4 in the Mojave Desert, will feature Disclosure’s unique fusion of house, garage, and soul music, marking an exhilarating addition to the festival with the new performance spaces, including The Horizon stage.

Attendees can expect an epic experience culminating in an illuminated lantern release—a beautiful end to a creative festival day.

Hip-hop icon Ludacris is also set to make waves in Las Vegas as he headlines M Resort’s Summer Pool Concert Series on Saturday at 9:30 p.m.

Known for his vibrant performances, “Luda” has a rich history with the Raiders franchise, having previously performed at half time during a Raiders-Bears game in October 2021 and as Usher’s special guest at Super Bowl 59 at Allegiant Stadium.

A well-known figure in the Vegas nightlife, Ludacris often graces stages at Drai’s Nightclub and Drai’s Live rooftop venue, urging fans to look for crowd favorites like “Stand Up” and “Get Back” during his appearance at the M.

In other exciting news, the production of “The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” promises spectacular effects, including tornadoes and flying monkeys, when it opens on August 28.

Comedy lovers will appreciate the resurgence of Carlos Mencia, who has been drawing crowds at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club.

Once embroiled in controversy due to accusations of material theft by fellow comedians like Joe Rogan, Mencia has worked hard to rebuild his career.

His current stand-up routine, marked by a rugged-funny style not suitable for children, can be seen in this late-night time slot on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Kimmel’s club is also featuring Adam Carolla, returning to the stage from June 19-21.

Despite differing political views, Carolla and Kimmel maintain a strong friendship, and Carolla’s performances alongside guest Dan “Gonzo” Machanik are eagerly anticipated.

For those seeking theater entertainment, “Potted Potter” continues to captivate audiences at the Horseshoe.

The parody of the Harry Potter series recently marked its sixth anniversary, turning the saga of all seven books into a concise 70-minute performance, complete with numerous scene changes and plenty of humor delivered by James Edward-Kelly and Toby Holloway.

Even for those who aren’t die-hard Potter fans, the show is lauded as a hilarious experience.

Lastly, Neonopolis faced air conditioning issues over the weekend, creating obstacles for various events.

The malfunction, which occurred on a Friday night, affected Don’t Tell Mama on Saturday, prompting management to bring in swamp coolers to keep performances running at Notoriety Live on the fourth floor.

Neonopolis ownership confirmed that the problems were resolved by Sunday, ensuring that the entertainment could resume.

In the spirit of resilience and entertainment, the vibrant Las Vegas scene continues to thrive, promising exceptional experiences for locals and visitors alike.

image source from:https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/popular-london-production-closing-in-on-las-vegas-strip-expansion-3315152/

Benjamin Clarke