Treasure Island
3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South
No mystery here -- Cirque du Soleil's fanciful nouvelle circus offers a brand of artistry and imagination that would stand out anywhere, yet seems even more impressive amid the glitter of the Strip. Powered by live music (a showroom rarity these days), "Mystere's" acrobats, high-wire artists and "bungee birds" soar to victory for the second consecutive year. But don't retire the trophy just yet; "Mystere's" victory margin over the MGM Grand's "EFX" was a wire-thin five votes.
Our Pick: 'O'
Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Eat your heart out, Esther Williams. Just like R-J readers, we're card-carrying members of the Cirque du Soleil Fan Club. But we'll take the plunge and opt for their astounding new aquacade at the Bellagio, a dizzying assemblage of synchronized swimmers, trapeze artists, contortionists, fire-eaters and musicians who manage to compete with their Bellagio home's spectacularly high-tech trappings, providing yet another unique showcase for their visionary talents.
