Opium – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Las Vegas, a city renowned for its entertainment, is always evolving with new shows and attractions that push the boundaries of creativity. Among these, Opium at The Cosmopolitan stands out as a show that redefines the Las Vegas experience. As a longtime resident, I’ve seen the rise and fall of many performances, but Opium offers something refreshingly different—an immersive, surreal journey that blends comedy, music, and acrobatics with a space-age twist.

The Concept and Creation of Opium

Opium is more than just a show; it’s a theatrical experience that transports audiences to a bizarre, comedic, and utterly entertaining universe. This isn’t a conventional Las Vegas performance—it’s a wild ride created by some of the most innovative minds in entertainment.

The Story Behind the Show

• The Psychedelic Space Journey: The show is set aboard the spaceship “OPM 73,” which is traveling from Uranus to Las Vegas. The narrative is purposefully absurd, serving as a backdrop for a series of outlandish and hilarious acts that keep the audience guessing and laughing throughout.
• Spiegelworld’s Vision: Spiegelworld, the creative team behind Opium, is known for their previous hit show Absinthe. With Opium, they aimed to push the envelope even further, creating a spectacle that is as much about the unexpected as it is about entertainment. The show’s creators sought to combine elements of old-school variety shows with modern, edgy humor, resulting in a production that feels fresh and innovative.
• A Genre-Defying Experience: Opium seamlessly blends various genres—comedy, live music, acrobatics, and performance art—into a single, cohesive show. Each element is designed to shock, amuse, and amaze, making for a truly unique theatrical experience.

The Unique Characters

• Captain Ann Tennille: As the slightly unhinged leader of the spaceship, Captain Ann Tennille is both the guide and the comic relief of the show. Her interactions with the crew and the audience are filled with witty banter and unexpected twists.
• Chip the Robot: Chip is a humanoid robot with a sarcastic edge. His robotic movements and deadpan delivery provide a stark contrast to the show’s more chaotic elements, making him a crowd favorite.
• Nurse Barely: A character who embodies the show’s absurd and risqué humor, Nurse Barely is responsible for many of the show’s more outrageous moments. Her presence adds a layer of unpredictability, ensuring that the audience is always on their toes.

The Performances: Acts That Push Boundaries

What makes Opium truly stand out are its eclectic and boundary-pushing performances. The show doesn’t stick to a single type of act; instead, it offers a variety of performances that are as diverse as they are daring.

Must-See Acts

• Aerial Acrobatics: One of the most breathtaking elements of Opium is the aerial performances. These acts involve performers executing gravity-defying stunts high above the stage, often using ropes, hoops, or silks. The combination of strength, grace, and danger in these acts leaves the audience in awe.
• Contortionists: The show features contortionists who bend and twist their bodies into seemingly impossible shapes. These acts are both mesmerizing and slightly unsettling, perfectly in line with the show’s offbeat theme.
• Comedic Interludes: Comedy is a core component of Opium. The humor is sharp, often risqué, and tailored for an adult audience. The comedians interact with the audience, breaking the fourth wall and adding a layer of intimacy to the performance.
• Physical Comedy and Slapstick: In addition to verbal humor, Opium includes elements of physical comedy reminiscent of classic slapstick. These moments are executed with precision and timing, providing laugh-out-loud moments that punctuate the show.

The Music: A Soundtrack to the Stars

• Live Band: Unlike many Las Vegas shows that rely on prerecorded music, Opium features a live band. The musicians are as much a part of the performance as the acrobats and comedians, providing a dynamic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
• Genre-Spanning Sound: The music in Opium is as eclectic as the show itself, ranging from rock to jazz to electronic beats. Each piece is carefully chosen or composed to fit the tone of the acts, whether it’s adding intensity to an aerial performance or setting the stage for a comedic moment.
• Thematic Consistency: Despite the variety, the music maintains a consistent space-age theme, with many tracks featuring futuristic sounds and cosmic influences that tie back to the show’s overarching narrative.

The Visuals and Costumes

• Futuristic and Avant-Garde Costumes: The costumes in Opium are a visual feast, blending elements of 1960s sci-fi with modern avant-garde fashion. Performers are adorned in metallic fabrics, glowing lights, and surreal accessories that make them look like they’ve stepped straight out of a psychedelic space opera.
• Lighting and Special Effects: The show’s use of lighting is particularly striking. The stage is bathed in vibrant colors and shifting lights that reflect the mood of each act. Special effects, including smoke, lasers, and projections, further immerse the audience in the surreal world of Opium.
• Set Design: The set is designed to evoke the interior of a spaceship, with metallic walls, control panels, and cosmic backdrops. The attention to detail in the set design enhances the overall immersive experience, making the audience feel like they are truly on a journey through space.

Insider Tips for the Best Opium Experience

Attending Opium is an event in itself, and a few insider tips can help you make the most of your visit. Whether it’s choosing the best seats or planning your evening, these pointers will ensure a memorable experience.

Seating Recommendations

• Front-Row Interaction: For those who enjoy being close to the action, front-row seats are a must. Not only do these seats offer the best views of the performers, but they also increase your chances of being part of the show. Performers frequently interact with audience members seated in the front, making these spots ideal for those who enjoy a bit of spontaneity.
• Middle Section for the Best Overall View: If you prefer to observe the spectacle from a slight distance, seats in the middle section of the theater provide an excellent panoramic view of the stage. These seats allow you to fully appreciate the scale of the performance and the intricacies of the set design.

Timing Your Visit

• Show Duration: The entire performance lasts approximately 85 minutes, with no intermission. This concise runtime means the show is packed with content, and the pacing is brisk, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
• Arrive Early: It is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts. This not only ensures you have plenty of time to find your seat but also allows you to soak in the pre-show atmosphere. The venue itself is part of the experience, with themed decorations and music that set the tone for what’s to come.

What to Expect During the Show

• Adult Themes and Humor: Opium is an adult-oriented show, and its humor reflects that. The comedy is sharp, sometimes risqué, and often involves sexual innuendos and provocative jokes. Attending with an open mind and a sense of humor is important.
• Unpredictable Moments: One of the hallmarks of Opium is its unpredictability. The show is designed to keep the audience on their toes, with unexpected twists, surprise acts, and impromptu interactions. No two performances are exactly alike, as the show often incorporates elements of improvisation.
• After-Show Atmosphere: The energy doesn’t immediately dissipate once the curtain falls. Many audience members continue their night at The Cosmopolitan’s bars or head to the nearby Marquee Nightclub, keeping the vibe alive well into the early hours.

Exploring The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

While Opium may be the highlight of your evening, The Cosmopolitan offers a wealth of other attractions and amenities that can enhance your visit. From world-class dining to vibrant nightlife, there’s plenty to explore.

Dining Before or After the Show

• Estiatorio Milos: Known for its upscale Mediterranean cuisine, Estiatorio Milos offers a refined and relaxed dining experience. The menu features fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and traditional Greek dishes prepared with modern flair.
• Momofuku: This restaurant by celebrity chef David Chang brings an Asian-inspired menu to The Cosmopolitan. Whether you’re in the mood for ramen, buns, or something more adventurous, Momofuku delivers bold flavors and inventive dishes.
• é by José Andrés: For a truly exclusive dining experience, consider é by José Andrés. This intimate restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu that is as much a performance as the show itself. Each dish is carefully crafted and presented with artistic flair, making it a perfect complement to an evening at Opium.

Nightlife Options

• Rose. Rabbit. Lie.: Part supper club, part bar, and part live entertainment venue, Rose. Rabbit. Lie. offers a unique nightlife experience. The atmosphere is chic and slightly surreal, much like Opium itself, making it a great spot to continue the night’s festivities.
• The Study: For a more laid-back vibe, head to The Study, a quiet bar within The Cosmopolitan. This intimate space is ideal for a nightcap and conversation, providing a contrast to the show’s high-energy environment.
• Clique Bar & Lounge: Clique is a lively bar offering craft cocktails, small bites, and live DJ performances. It’s a popular spot for those looking to keep the party going after the show.

Unique Attractions at The Cosmopolitan

• Art Collection: The Cosmopolitan is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find a range of works from renowned artists, including large-scale installations, sculptures, and digital art pieces. A stroll through the hotel’s public spaces is like visiting a modern art gallery.
• The Pool District: If you’re visiting during the warmer months, be sure to check out The Cosmopolitan’s pool district. The area features several pools, each with its own unique vibe, from the lively Boulevard Pool with its sweeping views of The Strip to the more tranquil Chelsea Pool, perfect for relaxation.

The Legacy and Impact of Opium on Las Vegas Entertainment

Since its debut, Opium has significantly impacted the Las Vegas entertainment scene. In a city known for its large-scale productions and star-studded residencies, Opium offers something different—an intimate, offbeat, and wildly entertaining show that appeals to those looking for a unique experience.

The Future of Opium

• Constant Evolution: Like its predecessor, Absinthe, Opium continues to evolve. The creators regularly introduce new acts, refine existing ones, and incorporate fresh ideas to keep the show feeling new and exciting for returning audiences.
• Influence on Other Productions: Opium has set a new standard for what a Las Vegas show can be. Its success has inspired other productions to explore more unconventional themes and formats, contributing to the diversity and innovation that characterizes the Las Vegas entertainment landscape.

Why Opium Stands Out

• Breaking the Mold: In a city filled with elaborate stage productions, Opium breaks the mold by offering something more intimate and experimental. It challenges the traditional format of Vegas shows, blending humor, acrobatics, and music in a fresh and unexpected way.
• Perfect Fit for The Cosmopolitan: The show’s edgy and contemporary vibe is a perfect match for The Cosmopolitan, a hotel that has built its reputation on being at the forefront of modern luxury and innovation in Las Vegas. Together, they create an experience quintessentially Vegas, unlike anything else on The Strip.

Why Opium Is a Must-See in Las Vegas

For anyone planning a trip to Las Vegas, Opium at The Cosmopolitan is a show that should not be missed. It’s a performance that defies expectations and offers an evening filled with laughter, amazement, and a touch of the surreal. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Vegas veteran, Opium is a show that offers something different—a break from the ordinary that will leave you talking about it long after the lights go down.

With its unique blend of comedy, acrobatics, and space-age spectacle, Opium captures the essence of what makes Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world. So next time you find yourself on The Strip, make sure to secure your tickets, take your seat, and prepare for a journey unlike any other—a journey through the hilarious, bizarre, and unforgettable world of Opium.