HistoryTrivia

Famous Opening Acts You May Have Missed

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shutterstock_345533810Today, the entertainment options are almost limitless in Las Vegas. Everything from the one man magic show to the grand spectacles offered by Cirque du Soleil give the visitor a smorgasbord of choices.

Then, there are the shows of celebrity entertainers such as Celine Dion, Elton John, Garth Brooks, Olivia Newton John, and others to choose from.

In Vegas’ earlier years, hotels would usually have a famous celebrity be the opening act. Here are some of these from history that you may find interesting. Some of our older readers may even remember these or possibly were one of those who attended one.

Caesars opened with Andy Williams and Elaine Dunn on August 5, 1966.

Desert Inn opened with Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy on April 4, 1950.

The Dunes opened with Vera-Ellen and the Magic Carpet Revue on May 23, 1955.

International opened with Barbra Streisand, July 3, 1969.

MGM Grand opened with Barbra Streisand on December 18, 1993.

Sahara opened with Ray Bolger (he played the scarecrow in Wizard of Oz) on October 7, 1952.

Rivera opened with Liberace on April 29, 1955.

Sands opened with Danny Thomas, December 15, 1952.

Even though many of these entertainers are forgotten, they help make Las Vegas what it is today.

 

 

 

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