Wayne Newton

Up Close and Personal

Flamingo Casino / Las Vegas, NV

Wayne Newton – Las Vegas was built on the shoulders, or rather the voices of legends. Artists such as Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Wayne Newton were showcased in the biggest hotels on the strip during its glory days, and helped make the city one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. Over the years the sights and sounds of Las Vegas have changed drastically. However, if you are like me and long to experience that magical time of the strip, you are in luck!

Sadly, most of the incredible artists that I mentioned above are no longer with us. But there is still one musical giant that is keeping the classic Vegas spirit alive. And I am not talking about just any artist. I am talking about Mr. Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton! After playing his first show in Las Vegas at the young age of 15 years old, Newton is still delighting Vegas audiences nearly 7 decades later. When I saw that I had the opportunity to see Wayne Newton live, I jumped at the chance.

Wayne performs regularly at the Wayne Newton Theatre, housed inside the infamous Flamingo Casino and Hotel. The theater is an intimate showroom that allows the audience to have a memorable experience with one of the most legendary entertainers in the world. The show is billed as Wayne Newton Up Close and Personal, and it truly lives up to its name. The theater is so much more than just another concert venue. It is a classy and warm room that makes you feel that you are someone special to be attending an event there. And there is not a bad seat in the house. When you buy a ticket to see Wayne Newton, you are going to see Wayne Newton.

By this time in his career, a performer like Wayne Newton has earned the right to coast through whatever he chooses to do. But that is not what the icon does. From the time he takes the stage, Newton engages his audience and gives 100% of himself to every member of the crowd. Of course, you hear Wayne do what he does best, and that is sing. But you will also get to see him showcase his ability on many instruments including the guitar, violin, and steel guitar. In between performances, the superstar shares stories from his days with his pals like Elvis, and Glen Campbell, as well as members of the Rat Pack. There are also video highlights all throughout Wayne Newton’s storied career. Shortly into the show you truly feel like you are sitting in Newton’s living room receiving his full attention. To make things even more personal, Wayne’s wife, Kathleen McCrone, shares the stage with him throughout most of the performance.

If seeing Wayne Newton on stage is not enough for you, you can also purchase an add-on VIP experience that allows you to spend a few moments with the legend and have a professional photograph taken. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Newton and it was amazing. He was very personable, warm, and engaging. It was a moment that I will never forget and will be talking about for as long as I can. Chances like this don’t come along very often, and I assure you it is worth every penny. And compared to most VIP experiences, it is very much a bargain.

I have only begun to scratch the surface about my experience seeing Wayne Newton live in Las Vegas. It is something that truly needs to be experienced for yourself. The word legend is not one that I use lightly, and I do not believe there are many true legends still out there. But Wayne Newton is in fact a legend. And you have an amazing opportunity to say that you got to see him live in person. Whether you are planning a trip to Vegas in the near future, or are just looking for your next music adventure, make Wayne Newton a part of your plans!