VegasChatter

As happy as we'd be hanging out under the Vegas sky sipping Belgian beer or absinthe drinks whiling nomming a very yummy Badass Burger, guests are sure not to miss the signals that the show is starting. In lieu of smoke signals or dimming the lights, sexy girls climb a perch to don their lingerie or suggestively reapply their lipstick before suggesting you enter the theater. We'll pause for effect:

Those lightbulbs lit themselves.

The 600 seat theater is set in the round with a small stage in the center and VIP booths lining the outer wall. General admission seats are a bit close and uncomfortable, with some sight lines near the back obstructed by tent poles, but that's our only complaint from the whole show.

Front row is not for the faint at heart.

Challenge us to further describe the show and we're still not sure we can do it justice but here's our best shot. It's as if you've stumbled into a backyard party somewhere in Nowhere, America, and been given a ticket to watch the homeowner's private carnival. A mashed up yet carefully crafted carnival that's wonderfully talented and entertaining. A show you leave feeling as if you're now in on the best kept secret in Nowhere, America.

Absinthe is an element of Cirque du Soliel without all the pomp and circumstance, oddball costumes, multi-million dollar custom theaters, or name headliners. But no less spectacular.

The show is not only amazing feats of strength,

Bet they couldn't do that without socks.

acrobatics, and high-wire stunts,

Dude is doing a keg stand on a high wire. A keg stand!

and provides enough semi-nudity for both the guys and gals

When a wardrobe and condom malfunction converge.

along with a soundtrack and comedy that's howl funny better than half the comedy shows around town. One of our fav segments from the show wasn't even from a beefed up acrobat or professional stunt artist. It was courtesy of Borat's long lost, sexier cousin and his blonde partner:

Actually not the green fairy we referred to earlier.

The element of fear we expected but didn't feel when Criss Angel suspended himself in a straitjacket over his Believe audience was captured during a roller skating duo's time on stage. We could actually feel the tension as the audience wondered whether he would let go or if at least a skate would fly off:

On premiere night, the perched lady in red was replaced after the show with a DJ who kept the party going. The post-show party won't continue for future shows which is unfortunate since it could draw in passersby curious about the beats and lights, keeping the party, games, and beer going longer, creating an even bigger buzz for a great show.

Absinthe is a show you need to see in person in order to fully enjoy the pictures. The characters, performers, sound, lighting, and decorating all come together for a very entertaining evening. For even more pics from inside and outside Absinthe, check out our full gallery. Kids, cover your eyes.

Shows are twice nightly Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30 and 9:30pm. Tickets start at $69 (plus tax) and can be purchased online or by calling 1(800)745-3000.