# Absinthe (show)

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{{Short description|Las Vegas variety show at Caesar's Palace}}
{{Infobox stage production
| name           = Absinthe
| image          = Absinthe Las Vegas.jpg
| image_size     = 
| alt            =  
| caption        = 
| company        = [Spiegelworld](/source/Spiegelworld)
| genre          = [Contemporary circus](/source/Contemporary_circus)
| type           = Resident show
| premiere       = 2006
| finalshow      = 
| location       = [Caesars Palace](/source/Caesars_Palace), [Las Vegas](/source/Las_Vegas)
| creatortitle1  = Writer and director
| creatorname1  = [Wayne Harrison](/source/Wayne_Harrison_(director))<ref name=PB/>
| creatortitle2  = Producer
| creatorname2   = [Ross Mollison](/source/Ross_Mollison)<ref name=VN>{{cite web|title=ABSINTHE Celebrates Two Successful Years on The Strip with a Zombie Invasion|date=March 30, 2013|work=VegasNews.com|url=http://www.vegasnews.com/92744/absinthe-celebrates-two-successful-years-on-the-strip-with-a-zombie-invasion.html}}</ref>
| creatortitle3  = Choreographer
| creatorname3   = Lucas Newland
| creatortitle4  = 
| creatorname4   = 
| otherlabel1 =
| otherdata1 = 
| otherlabel2 = 
| otherdata2     = 
| otherlabel3    = 
| otherdata3     = 
| website        = http://www.absinthevegas.com
}}

'''''Absinthe''''' is a live show that premiered in 2006 and is playing on the forecourt of [Caesars Palace](/source/Caesars_Palace), Las Vegas,<ref>{{cite web|work=[Las Vegas Sun](/source/Las_Vegas_Sun)|title=Penny Pibbets' Las Vegas includes magic, clowns and 'Absinthe'|first=Penny|last=Pibbets|date=July 7, 2011|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2011/jul/07/penny-pibbets-las-vegas-includes-magic-clowns-and-/|access-date=October 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194516/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2011/jul/07/penny-pibbets-las-vegas-includes-magic-clowns-and-/|archive-date=October 29, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> after opening on April 1, 2011. A [contemporary circus](/source/contemporary_circus), the show is described by Stage and Cinema as a "cross between terrific variety acts and a stag party."<ref name="Zeff1" /> ''Absinthe'' has been described as part of the burlesque revival in Las Vegas by ''[USA Today](/source/USA_Today)''.<ref name="Sehlinger">{{cite web|last1=Sehlinger|first1=Bob|title=Burlesque resurges in Las Vegas|url=https://www.usatoday.com/experience/las-vegas/best-of-vegas/burlesque-resurges-in-las-vegas/10440559/|accessdate=15 July 2014|website=Best of Vegas|publisher=USA Today}}</ref> It has been called "The Greatest Show In Vegas History" by ''[Las Vegas Weekly](/source/Las_Vegas_Weekly)''.<ref>{{cite web|title=The 20 greatest shows in Las Vegas history - Las Vegas Weekly|url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2016/nov/17/greatest-shows-in-las-vegas-history/|access-date=2021-01-26|website=lasvegasweekly.com}}</ref>

The show is hosted by the character The Gazillionaire,<ref>{{cite web|work=Las Vegas Sun|title=A day in the life of the Gazillionaire and Penny Pibbets of 'Absinthe'|first=Andrea|last=Domanick|date=April 1, 2012|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/apr/01/day-life-absinthes-gazillionaire-and-penny-pibbets/|access-date=September 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017102358/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2012/apr/01/day-life-absinthes-gazillionaire-and-penny-pibbets/|archive-date=October 17, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> originally played by former [Cirque du Soleil](/source/Cirque_du_Soleil) clown Voki Kalfayan.<ref name="LVS">{{cite web|first=John|last=Katsilometes|date=November 5, 2011|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2011/nov/05/dizzying-dustup-v-and-assorted-mischief-marks-retu/|title=Skating skirmish, too much anatomy raise eyebrows at returning 'Absinthe'|work=Las Vegas Sun}}</ref>  His original assistant (2006-2015), Penny Pibbets<ref>{{cite web|work=Las Vegas Sun|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2013/jul/02/penny-pibbets-absinthe-cosby-show-sweaters-more-u/|first=Penny|last=Pibbets|date=July 2, 2013|title=Penny Pibbets: 'Absinthe' = 'Cosby Show' – sweaters + more unicorns|access-date=September 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818185339/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2013/jul/02/penny-pibbets-absinthe-cosby-show-sweaters-more-u/|archive-date=August 18, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> was portrayed by actress Anais Thomassian.<ref name="LVS" /> In 2015 the character Joy Jenkins was introduced, "a kewpie doll-goofy sidekick inspired by Moe of The Three Stooges."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Outrageousness is the real deal for 'Absinthe' stars|url=https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2016/jul/29/absinthe-caesars-palace-gazillionaire-joy-jenkins/|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Las Vegas Magazine|language=en}}</ref> Developed and played by the American clown Jet Eveleth, "who masterminds the show. Joy is truly the heart of the show."<ref>{{cite web|title=Q&A: Absinthe’s No. 1 Assistant, Joy Jenkins|url=https://lasvegas.showtickets.com/articles/q-and-a-interview-joy-jenkins-absinthe/|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Las Vegas Shows|language=en-us}}</ref>

==Background==

Originally, ''Absinthe'' was supposed to open at the [Fontainebleau Las Vegas](/source/Fontainebleau_Las_Vegas), a proposed resort which was later postponed due to financial problems.<ref>{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |title=Absinthe celebrates 10 years as a Las Vegas rite of passage |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2021/apr/08/absinthe-celebrates-10-years-as-vegas-rite-passage/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=Las Vegas Weekly |date=April 8, 2021}}</ref> Instead, the show opened at [Caesars Palace](/source/Caesars_Palace), which allowed the producers to set up a temporary [tent](/source/tent) at the Roman Plaza.<ref name=Potempa>{{cite web|last1=Potempa|first1=Phil|title=OFFBEAT: 'Absinthe' bawdy burlesque fun a great stage fit for Las Vegas|url=http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/columnists/offbeat/offbeat-absinthe-bawdy-burlesque-fun-a-great-stage-fit-for/article_75014ee6-7ab7-5712-967e-9630f8e23709.html|website=Off Beat|publisher=Northwest Indiana Times|accessdate=15 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=Leach2>{{cite web|last1=Leach|first1=Robin|title=Wild, wacky and sexy 'Absinthe' celebrates third anniversary, 1,500-plus shows|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/apr/16/wild-wacky-and-sexy-absinthe-celebrates-third-anni/|website=Vegas Deluxe|publisher=Las Vegas Sun|accessdate=15 July 2014|date=2014-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716215611/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/apr/16/wild-wacky-and-sexy-absinthe-celebrates-third-anni/|archive-date=16 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Within 90 days of performances, after inspections by [Las Vegas Fire & Rescue](/source/Las_Vegas_Fire_%26_Rescue), the organizers were told to shut down production. Due to the success of the shows within those 90 days, Gary Selesner, president of Caesars Palace, purchased a [Spiegeltent](/source/Spiegeltent).<ref name=Weatherford>{{cite web|last1=Weatherford|first1=Mike|title=Raunchy 'Absinthe' doubles as Cirque parody|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/shows/raunchy-absinthe-doubles-cirque-parody|website=Shows|publisher=Las Vegas Review-Journal|accessdate=15 July 2014}}</ref> 

The show is directed by [Wayne Harrison](/source/Wayne_Harrison_(director))<ref name=PB>{{cite web|work=[Playbill](/source/Playbill)|title=Spiegelworld Returns to Manhattan with Absinthe Aug. 6|first=Adam|last=Hetrick|date=6 August 2008|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/120097-Spiegelworld-Returns-to-Manhattan-with-Absinthe-Aug-6}}</ref> with original choreography by Lucas Newland. It is produced by Ross Mollison<ref name=Leach3>{{cite web|last1=Leach|first1=Robin|title=Photos: 'Absinthe' is sexier, raunchier than ever on third anniversary at Caesars|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/apr/17/photos-absinthe-sexier-raunchier-ever-third-annive/|website=Vegas Deluxe|publisher=Las Vegas Sun|accessdate=15 July 2014|date=2014-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717101650/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/apr/17/photos-absinthe-sexier-raunchier-ever-third-annive/|archive-date=17 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and owned by Spiegelworld.<ref name=Weatherford/>

Performances are 90 minutes long<ref name="Potempa" /> and take place in a 750 capacity<ref name="Zeff1">{{cite web|last1=Zeff|first1=Dan|title=Las Vegas Theater Review: ABSINTHE (Caesars Palace)|url=http://www.stageandcinema.com/2012/01/22/absinthe-vegas/|publisher=Stage and Cinema}}</ref> spiegeltent on a stage that is only {{convert|9|ft|spell=on}} in diameter. Audience members sit in a circle around the stage.<ref name="Weatherford" />

==Reception==
In 2011, it was named "Best New Show" by ''Vegas Seven Magazine''.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 28, 2011|title=Best New Show|url=http://weeklyseven.com/feature/2011/07/28/best-new-show|work=Vegas Seven Magazine}}</ref> ''[Northwest Indiana Times](/source/Northwest_Indiana_Times)'' writer Philip Potempa acknowledges the "all-so-amazing" performers, comparing Melody Sweets to the character of the Green Fairy played by [Kylie Minogue](/source/Kylie_Minogue) in the 2001 film ''[Moulin Rouge!](/source/Moulin_Rouge!)''<ref name="Potempa" />  [Paul Carr](/source/Paul_Bradley_Carr) of ''[The Huffington Post](/source/HuffPost)'' proclaimed "If I could only see one show my entire life," he said, "I'd want it to be that."<ref name="HP">{{cite web|author=Carr, Paul|authorlink=Paul Bradley Carr|date=2011-04-17|title=The Strip Diary, Day Thirteen: Strip Club Fun With the Stars of Vegas' Most Stupidly Dangerous Show|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-carr/the-strip-diary-day-thirt_b_850119.html?ref=fb&src=sp|work=[The Huffington Post](/source/HuffPost)}}</ref>

Celebrities who have attended performances of ''Absinthe include'' [Gerard Butler](/source/Gerard_Butler),<ref name="VN1">{{cite web|author=VegasNews.com|date=April 7, 2011|title=Angel Porrino Joins ABSINTHE at Caesars Beginning April 19|url=http://www.vegasnews.com/44510/angel-porrino-joins-absinthe-at-caesars-beginning-april-19.html|work=VegasNews}}</ref> [Daniel Radcliffe](/source/Daniel_Radcliffe),<ref name="VN1" /> [Lacey Chabert](/source/Lacey_Chabert),<ref name="VN2">{{cite web|date=October 2, 2012|title=Lacey Chabert and Kaley Cuoco Spotted at ABSINTHE in Las Vegas|url=http://www.vegasnews.com/82013/lacey-chabert-and-kaley-cuoco-spotted-at-absinthe-in-las-vegas.html|work=VegasNews}}</ref> [Kaley Cuoco](/source/Kaley_Cuoco),<ref name=VN2/> [Channing Tatum](/source/Channing_Tatum),<ref>{{cite web|author=Chareunsy, Don|date=April 12, 2015|title=Channing Tatum attends 'Absinthe' at Caesars Palace|url=http://lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2015/apr/12/channing-tatum-attends-absinthe-caesars-palace/?|work=[Las Vegas Sun](/source/Las_Vegas_Sun)}}</ref> [James Franco](/source/James_Franco),<ref name="LasVS">{{cite web|last=Chareunsy|first=Don|date=July 17, 2014|title='Absinthe' sock-puppet seductress Penny Pibbets talks National Sock Puppet Day|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/jul/17/absinthe-sock-puppet-seductress-penny-pibbets-talk/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013235941/http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/jul/17/absinthe-sock-puppet-seductress-penny-pibbets-talk/|archive-date=October 13, 2014|access-date=October 8, 2014|work=Las Vegas Sun}}</ref> [Giada De Laurentiis](/source/Giada_De_Laurentiis),<ref name=LasVS/> [Neil Patrick Harris](/source/Neil_Patrick_Harris) and [Olivia Newton-John](/source/Olivia_Newton-John).<ref name=Leach2/>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons cat}}
*{{official website|http://www.absinthevegas.com/}}

Category:2006 establishments in the United States
Category:American circuses
Category:Production shows in the Las Vegas Valley
Category:Events at Caesars Palace
Category:Las Vegas shows

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Absinthe (show)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthe_(show)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthe_(show)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.