The type of entertainment that succeeds on the Las Vegas Strip has dramatically changed over the past few years. That has led to some major productions that had run for decades closing and some other major shows barely opening before shutting down.
The longest-running show in Las Vegas history, "Legends in Concert," ended its run at the Tropicana on Dec. 30 and has yet to find a permanent new home. That type of show — one that trades heavily on nostalgia but lacks the actual original artist — may simply no longer work in Las Vegas.
Related: Another Big Name Las Vegas Strip Show Closing Unexpectedly
A heavily hyped and expensive musical that seemed like a sure bet also met a quick end earlier this year. "Bat Out of Hell," a musical based on the work of Meat Loaf, lasted just a few weeks at Caesars Entertainment's (CZR) -) Paris Las Vegas despite featuring the well-known songs and nostalgia that used to guarantee a long Strip run.
Broadway-style shows generally seem to have fallen out of favor. "Freestyle Love Supreme," a hip-hop musical from "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, ran 2-1/2 months at the Venetian.
These shows have been displaced by the big-name headliner performing a residency. Some of these residencies are sort of indefinite. Lady Gaga has said she wants her Jazz & Piano residency at MGM Resorts International's (MGM) -) Park MGM to be her "forever" show and other performers like Adele and Garth Brooks at Caesars Palace seem to have similar aspirations.
Not every show is meant to last forever and, as of Nov. 4, one of the biggest name performers on the Las Vegas Strip will end her residency.
The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website.
Image source: John Shearer/Getty Images for Katy Perry
Katy Perry: Play reaches the end at Resorts World Las Vegas
Katy Perry seems like the perfect Las Vegas performer. She's larger than life and has never been afraid to lean into that. Her Las Vegas residency at Resorts World Las Vegas, Katy Perry: Play, has leaned into that with over-the-top sets and larger-than-life visuals.
That show will have its last performance on Nov. 4 and Perry was reflective about what the show meant to her, and her fans, in a recent interview on GMA.
"I know how important it is to some audience members," Perry said.
VISIT LAS VEGAS: Are you ready to plan your dream Las Vegas Strip getaway?
The singer seemed genuinely touched that people would spend their "hard-earned money" to see her and amazed that some people were literally "planning a vacation around it."
Perry has been in residency at Resorts World Las Vegas since a little after the north Strip resort opened in 2021. The singer performed over 50 shows at Resorts World.
Lady Gaga actually paid tribute to Perry by quietly stopping in to see one of Play's final performances. The singer did not seek publicity for her visit to her fellow pop star's show, but fans posted footage of her in attendance on social media.
A country star still rocks Resorts World, another is leaving
While Perry will vacate the Resorts World Theatre, one of the venue's other resident acts, Carrie Underwood will return for more shows in 2024. Her "Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency will play select dates including March 6-9, 13, 15-16; May 22, 25-26, 29, 31; June 1; and Aug. 14, 16-17, 21, 23-24.
"'Reflection' brings beloved fan favorites to life in a whole new way, utilizing spectacular special effects, pyrotechnics and state-of-the-art visual and audio technology with extravagant set pieces that couldn’t be packed up and moved from city to city," Resorts World shared in a press release.
Country star Luke Bryan also has a residency at Resorts World Theatre. His final shows will take place on select dates between Dec. 29 - Jan. 6.
F1? SUPER BOWL? MARCH MADNESS? Plan a dream Las Vegas getaway.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are also bringing their comedy show to Resorts World Theater on Nov. 10-11.
