Get behind the scenes with these free tours
The stillness is overwhelming, the lack of drama pervasive, the silence disturbed only by the voice of a docent. Above the orchestra pit of an empty Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center, she quietly describes the stage’s versatility and the theater’s acoustical features. Absent the spectacle of the performance, the public can tour several spectacular Las Vegas venues. Learn how a show comes to life and feel like an insider with behind-the-scenes knowledge gleaned from these free experiences.
The Smith Center: Hamilton (through June 24) may be a tough ticket to score, but taking an hour-long tour is easy and educational. See all the ways the facility’s architecture and décor pay homage to Hoover Dam, and find out why the Founders Room features irises and a sculpture of a hog. (Namesake Mary Smith, who died in 2010, was a fan of the blue iris flower and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Her husband, Fred W. Smith, died in April.). Tours held periodically; thesmithcenter.com
Mystère: Celebrating a quarter-century in Las Vegas in December, Mystère opens its doors weekly for the public to see cast members rehearse. Guests receive a special offer on tickets to see the show that started it all for Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. Treasure Island, 3-3:30 p.m. Saturdays
The Beatles LOVE: In a stunning theater in a space that previously housed Siegfried & Roy, a weekly demonstration features technical elements such as staging, sound, projection, lighting, rigging, props, and the Grammy-winning soundtrack. The Mirage, 1-1:30 p.m. Fridays. To confirm Cirque’s daily activity, call 702-352-0221
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: A stroll through this seasonally themed Eden is free, of course, but you can ask questions of Mr. and Mrs. Green Thumb, members of the resort’s horticulture team, to satisfy your curiosity: Just how many flowers are there? (Flowers are changed out weekly or biweekly for the duration of the display. In the Japanese Spring display through early June, more than 65,000 flowers were used.) Bellagio, 10:30-11:30 a.m. daily