Show in the Sky

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to star in a music video, the newly revamped “Show in the Sky” at the Rio certainly comes close.

With the glamour, edgy choreography, vocal performances and overall exciting atmosphere, Rio’s “Show in the Sky” is comparable to all of those upbeat videos you see on TV. Once recognized for its Mardi Gras theme, the “Show in the Sky” now takes on a whole new spin. With the exception of the fantasy floats and bead throwing at each of the show finales, everything from the cast and choreography to song selections and costumes is brand new.

“We wanted to create an edgy, sleek contemporary vibe that was appealing to a younger demographic,” said Doug Johnson, president and executive producer for Entertainment Plus Productions. “This is our first full-time show in Las Vegas so we wanted to pull out all the stops.

“We have created a ‘wow’ factor by designing a show that explodes with energy, fabulous contemporary costumes and the most talented cast of singers and dancers in Las Vegas,” he continued.

Besides being a free show, one of the major perks about the revamped “Show in the Sky” is that visitors will never get bored. That’s because they have the chance to see three completely different productions all in one night. Catering to all tastes, “Show in the Sky” includes pop, Latin and burlesque numbers.

“When you tell people there are three different productions, they stay for the second and third show,” said dancer Sheri Godfrey. “All three productions are so different, it's definitely something worth coming back to see.”

“They’re really designed to leave you at the end saying, ‘What’s going to happen next? I want to come back and see the next one,’” explained Jaymes Vaughn, lead male singer for “Show in the Sky.”

Dancing, singing and so much more

Choreographers/brothers Kevin and Marcel Wilson are responsible for all of the exciting, upbeat choreography. Having a background in jazz, hip-hip, lyrical, pop and musical theater, the Wilson brothers have also worked with celebrities like Madonna, Lenny Kravitz and Beyoncé, to name a few.

Since the production has a two-story stage, complete with spiral stairs on each end, the generous space allows patrons to see the choreography no matter where they are standing.

On top of sharp and sassy choreography, Vaughn and lead female vocalist Jennifer Joseph add to the excitement. One night during the burlesque number, a man randomly got up on stage during Joseph’s performance – long before the cast had a chance to call someone from the audience.

“This guy just pops up on stage and sits in the chair!” Vaughn said, laughing.

“We were having a great time,” Joseph added.

The performers also get to wear some of today’s trendiest clothes. The show features costumes by top name designers like DKNY, Victoria’s Secret and bebe. “This is stuff that you seriously want to take home,” Vaughn said.

When you consider all of these factors, it’s no wonder the crowd finds the new production exciting.

“The crowd’s reaction is obvious,” said Johnson. “There are people gathered in the Masquerade Village as far as the eye can see. The crowd also stays in the area for a long while following each show.”

“They stay and watch the whole show and by the end of the show, we can’t even see where the crowd ends,” Vaughn said. “What’s so cool is that we have an infinite amount of space.”

Guests can watch from either the ground level or the second floor. An insider tip: If you get there early and you’re at least 21 years old, you can actually sit in one of the slot machine chairs right in front of the stage.

-- Review by Jeannie Borbe