Displaying items by tag: Westgate Hotel and Casino
Trent Carlini Brings The King to Life
When you think of Las Vegas many things come to mind – gambling, bright lights, monstrous hotels and casinos to which one can easily get lost, glamorous showgirls, dry heated air, the Bellagio fountain, The Rat Pack, Bugsy Segal and Seigfried and Roy. But maybe the largest association one has with Vegas is none other than the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley himself. After flopping in Las Vegas during the 1950s (they just weren’t ready for rock n’ roll), Elvis returned with a vengeance in the late 1960s and had several highly successful years as a residency and touring act until his death on August 16th, 1977.
Since the King’s passing there have probably been more Elvis impersonators than one can count, and though most may go unnoticed, Trent Carlini does not. Formerly known as the Las Vegas Hilton where Elvis performed with regularity, Carlini currently performs an amazingly inspired tribute at what is now called Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Known as one of the best Elvis impersonators in the business, Carlini does not disappoint.
Set in the Shimmer Cabaret, a 350-seat theatre, fans are treated to a very intimate Elvis experience that is a true celebration of Elvis’ life and music. Trent Carlini packs an accurate, and highly entertaining, musical chronology into his 75-minute show that starts with Presley’s earliest hits like “Blue Suede Shoes” and keeps on rolling through the 1970s. Touching on the movie years, we hear classics like “Rock-A-Hula”, “G.I. Blues”, and of course “Viva Las Vegas”, before Carlini appears in that famous leather suit for some ’68 Comeback Special action. Carlini also dons Elvis’ legendary white suit for an emotionally stirring rendition of “If I Can Dream”.
“The King starring Trent Carlini” gives audience members a taste of Elvis Presley’s music in a way many thought could not be done. Carlini’s vocal ability to sound like Presley is haunting, his likeness almost uncanny at times, his movements right on and he even captures some of the late legend’s renowned charm whether it be in joking with the crowd or letting off a simple impish grin. Band members play along with Carlini but are not exposed until a few songs in, adding another dimension to the show. Expect a good amount of audience participation, as Carlini prods the crowd to sing along on occasion (or on their own!), invites the ladies to step up to the stage for a kiss, personally greets a good amount of the crowd during “Love Me Tender” and later passes out scarves to the adoring women in true King fashion.
With each period of Elvis’ life, Carlini sports the proper attire from Presley’s Lansky collection to his well-known jumpsuits (complete with karate demonstrations). We get a little history lesson along the way though the main focus is on the music, as it should be in a tribute show. Pumping out the Elvis faves like “Hound Dog”, “Jailhouse Rock” (one of Carlini’s self-proclaimed top choices), “Burning Love”, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “The Wonder of You”, fans leave the theater feeling as though they got their full dose of Elvis-mania. The show concludes on an apropos note with Carlini’s powerful version of “American Trilogy” that really gets the goose bumps going. Carlini hits the song’s final note with precision and might – a note that so many other tribute artists substitute with a lower octave.
There is a huge variety of shows to see in Las Vegas, but this is one that should be on your must see list, Elvis fan or not. It is a show for all ages and one that anyone who likes to rock can enjoy. “The King starring Trent Carlini” is completely entertaining and thoroughly engaging. Trent is one of the best in the business and what better place than to relive, or get a taste of, the musical performance of Elvis Presley.
“Thank you. Thank you very much.”
Lookingglass’ Kowalski Ignites a Battle of Wits Between Two Icons
24 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewLookingglass Theatre’s production of Kowalski offers a gripping, fictionalized glimpse into the first meeting between two theater greats: Tennessee Williams…
Writers Theatre continues its 35th Anniversary Season with explosive, high-stakes boxing drama The Royale October 22 – November 29
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues…
Detroit ’67: A Basement Becomes a City on the Brink
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewDetroit was burning in the summer of 1967, inside one basement, life was still going on. That contrast is at…
Now Boarding: Bonnie’s Last Flight, a Sky‑High Comedy with Real Heart
23 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewRivendell Theatre Ensemble closes its milestone 30th season with Bonnie’s Last Flight, a sly, sky‑high comedy set during a flight…
Teatro Vista Productions announces season
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTeatro Vista Productions, the Midwest's only Latine-led Equity theatre company, led by Executive Director Lorena Diaz and Artistic Director Wendy…
Step Right Up and Ride the Cyclone (The Musical) at Metropolis Arlington Heights
22 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIf anyone has ever told you to buckle up and enjoy the ride, they were talking about life—and even if…
Funny ‘Prayer Circle’ Is Loaded With Laughs
22 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewErik Gernand is resident playwright at Redtwist Theatre, and his Prayer Circle is absolutely laugh-out-loud funny. The strength of this…
Steppenwolf Presents GRACEFUL WARRIOR: AN EVENING WITH GARY SINISE - Tuesday, November 24, 2026
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present Graceful Warrior: An Evening with Gary Sinise on Tuesday, November…
Acclaimed Mexodus musical makes Chicago premiere November 7-21 at Studebaker Theater
22 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreStudebaker Theater, P3 Productions and Audible, in collaboration with Teatro Vista Productions, present the Chicago premiere of the groundbreaking, award-winning new hip-hop musical Mexodus, written and performed…
Arts in the Dark Parade moves to Columbus Drive due to dynamic growth, Oct. 24
21 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzLUMA8 and the City of Chicago return with the 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly celebration…
American Blues Theater hosts its annual costumed fundraiser HALLOWEEN BOO BASH October 25th
21 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzAmerican Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents Halloween Boo Bash, its annual costumed fundraiser benefiting artists' wages…
Definition's How We Got On: A Mixtape for the Stage
21 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWhat happens when three young people discover hip-hop and realize they might have something to say? Idris Goodwin’s How We…
Open Space Arts Presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY October 23 – November 8
21 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOpen Space Arts presents BEFORE WE ARE HISTORY, a three-week theatrical exploration of LGBTQ+ theater created during and in response to…
Northlight Delivers a Headline-Making, Hilarious Front Page
20 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewNorthlight Theatre opened its new venue with Jeffrey Hatcher’s smart, rejuvenated adaptation of The Front Page. Commissioned by Artistic Director…
Chicago Shakes' Play On!: With a Syncopated Harlem Beat
20 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThere are some productions you watch, and then there are productions that make your heart swoon and your toe tap.…
Overshadowed's Flame of Fire Finds Humanity, Strength, and Forgiveness in a Tragic Chapter of Missionary History
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOvershadowed Productions’ Flame of Fire revisits one of the most polarizing true stories in mid‑century missionary history, and the result…
The Attic at Goodman Theatre Redefines Memoir Through Breathtaking Physical Storytelling
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAt intermission, I sent Ken, Buzz Center Stage’s managing editor, a text: “So thankful I made it!! It’s intermission, and…
Class is back in session with Victory Gardens’ World Premiere of The Humanities
19 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewCoincidentally (or not), Victory Gardens’ new play about a controversial campus speaker opens just days after the one-year anniversary of…
Babes With Blades's Announces William Shakespeare's KING LEAR, playing October 22 - November 21
18 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBabes With Blades Theatre Company’s (BWBTC) announced today new production dates for the final production in its 2026 season, William Shakespeare’s King…
Layered, Lovely, and Lasting; The Joffrey Ballet's Liliom Lights up The Lyric Opera
18 September 2026 in Dance in ReviewSometimes when we reach into the past to resurrect or revive an old story, we find it doesn’t age well.…
Cast and Production Team Announced for Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre's THE NICETIES, October 31 – November 15
18 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFleetwood -Jourdain Theatre, an award-winning theatre company that has been thrilling audiences with over four decades of unique, inspirational, and invigorating Black…
Goodman’s centennial is its all‑time most successful year, with 300,000 patrons at 4,000 performances & events
18 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe Goodman wraps its 2025/2026 Centennial Season, an unprecedented line-up marking the 100th anniversary of Chicago's flagship not-for-profit theater, as the…
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show - December 6th at Auditorium Theatre
17 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe greatest holiday show south of the North Pole returns for its 9th year with another brand spankin' new wintertide…
Paramount’s smash hit, immersive Million Dollar Quartet returns for its final run at Aurora’s Stolp Island Theatre, October 7-January 3
17 September 2026 in Upcoming Theatre“Great Balls of Fire!” Chicago audiences have just one last chance to catch Paramount Theatre’s immersive musical Million Dollar Quartet, returning more…
Holiday Cheer (and an earlybird discount) come to The Second City November 25th through December 27th
17 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTis' the season for laughter and cheer! The Second City is decking its holiday lineup with shows for every sense…
Kokandy Productions’ Jekyll & Hyde: A Fearless Reworking Elevated
17 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewKokandy Productions’ Jekyll & Hyde, now presented by Broadway In Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse, arrives with the momentum of…
Chicago City Opera presents Chicago premiere of Der Vampyr October 7-11
16 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewChicago City Opera (CCO) presents the Chicago premiere of gothic horror opera Der Vampyr by composer Heinrich Marschner to a…
Full Casting Announced for A Red Orchid Theatre's HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING - October 29 – December 6, 2026 - Chicago Premiere!
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is pleased to announce full casting for its Chicago premiere of Will Arbery's politically-charged drama Heroes of the Fourth Turning, directed…
Chicago Legend Da Brat to Host and MC THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to welcome trailblazing hip hop artist and Chicago legend Da Brat as special guest host…
THE PRINCESS BRIDE to have Pre-Broadway World Premiere in Chicago July 19 - August 22, 2027
16 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreProducer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway In Chicago have announced the world-premiere of the new musical THE PRINCESS BRIDE will begin performances in…
Latest Articles
-
Writers Theatre continues its 35th Anniversary Season with explosive, high-stakes boxing drama The Royale October 22 – November 29
Written by Buzz Center StageWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues its 35th Anniversary Season with the highly-theatrical historical boxing drama The Royale from Marco Ramirez (Orange is the New Black, Buena Vista… -
Teatro Vista Productions announces season
Written by Buzz Center StageTeatro Vista Productions, the Midwest's only Latine-led Equity theatre company, led by Executive Director Lorena Diaz and Artistic Director Wendy Mateo in collaboration with Associate Artistic Director Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, announces its 2026-27 Season. The season opens with the groundbreaking live…
-
Arts in the Dark Parade moves to Columbus Drive due to dynamic growth, Oct. 24
Written by Buzz Center StageLUMA8 and the City of Chicago return with the 12th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, a family-friendly celebration of Chicago’s cultural landscape and creative spirit, featuring unique floats, spectacle puppets, and all forms of artistic performance on Saturday,…
-
Lookingglass’ Kowalski Ignites a Battle of Wits Between Two Icons
Written by Angelo CamposLookingglass Theatre’s production of Kowalski offers a gripping, fictionalized glimpse into the first meeting between two theater greats: Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando. Set in 1947 in a dilapidated beach house, the plot revolves around the legendary playwright as he…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.