Wayne Newton still knows how to work a room. This up-close show at the Flamingo pairs a handful of his biggest hits with personal stories and stage craft you can actually feel from your seat. I love how intimate the vibe is for a Vegas legend, and I also like the option to upgrade to a VIP meet-and-greet after the performance. One thing to watch: the experience leans on storytelling as much as singing, so if you only want nonstop songs, you may not love the balance.

You’re also getting a very classic Las Vegas night out without the hassle of complicated planning. It runs about 1 hour 20 minutes, starts at 7:00 pm, and you’ll find it at Bugsy’s Cabaret inside the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. If you’re sensitive to seating comfort, pick your seat category carefully before you lock it in.

Key things to know before you go

• Up close at Bugsy’s Cabaret: a smaller-feeling showroom set for an intimate Wayne Newton-style performance
• Songs plus stories: expect crowd favorites and a lot of his real Vegas-showbusiness talk
• VIP meet-and-greet upgrade: includes time to meet Wayne, take a photo, and chat briefly
• Choose your seat category: your viewing experience depends a lot on where you sit
• Mobile ticket works best when you’re prepared: keep a backup version of your ticket in case your phone has issues
• One clear reason to book early: the show schedule can be tighter than you’d think, and advance tickets help secure admission

Entering Bugsy’s Cabaret: finding your seat and settling in

Plan to arrive with just a bit of breathing room. The show start time is 7:00 pm, and you’ll want time to get from wherever you’re staying in Vegas to the Flamingo and then into Bugsy’s Cabaret. The good news: it’s at a major Strip-area resort, so you’re not stuck with an off-the-map location.

You’ll be using a mobile ticket, and the experience includes your admission ticket as part of the package price (taxes and fees are included too). You choose your seat category during booking, so don’t treat this like a “whatever” ticket. In a venue like this, seat position can make the difference between feeling close and feeling boxed in.

If you’ve never been to this kind of Vegas showroom, here’s the simple mental picture: it’s not a huge arena show. It’s built for a performer who talks to the room, not just sings at it. That’s a big part of why this works—Wayne Newton is presenting, not just performing.

What the show feels like: songs, instrument skills, and Mr. Vegas stories

Once you’re seated, the evening follows a straightforward rhythm. Wayne Newton performs an intimate program called Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal. This is designed to feel like a conversation that happens to include music, not a long concert with constant set changes.

From the information you’re given, you’ll hear a handful of his all-time favorites—most notably Danke Schoen is called out as a hit you shouldn’t miss. But the show isn’t only about the songs. He also shares personal stories and talks about his decades in show business, including influential moments in his Vegas career.

One of the most consistently praised parts is how much he packs into the show. Multiple people highlight that it’s not a one-note performance. He sings, he tells stories, and he plays instruments as part of the act. One review specifically pointed out the stage variety: he performs and also uses clips and contributions from musicians, which helps keep the pace moving.

That variety is also why the show works even if you don’t know every detail of his discography. You’ll follow the arc: Wayne as a Vegas performer, Wayne as a working artist, and Wayne as the entertainer who knows how to keep an audience engaged.

The VIP meet-and-greet: when it’s worth the upgrade

The VIP option adds a meet-and-greet package. If you upgrade, you get a chance to meet Wayne Newton, take a photo, and chat briefly after the show. This is the part many people are happiest about, because you’re not just watching a legend—you’re meeting one.

At the same time, be realistic about what “chat for a few minutes” means. This isn’t a private guided event where you’ll have a long conversation. It’s a short, structured interaction, timed to fit the show and the schedule.

I’d treat the VIP upgrade as a “yes” if you fall into one of these groups:

• You’re a big fan and want the photo and direct moment.
• You’re celebrating something (a birthday, milestone, or family Vegas trip).
• You want the emotional payoff of meeting the performer, not just seeing the performance.

If you’re more of a casual fan, the standard ticket can still be a strong value because the show itself is the core experience. The VIP is more about memory-making than about changing the performance.

Seating choices matter more than you think

Because you pick a seating category, you should think about what you want from the view. An intimate show can still have “good” seats and “not-great” seats, especially if the room layout creates sightline issues.

Some people loved everything and called it totally worth the money. Others still gave a high score for the show but flagged seating comfort and said the seats could be updated or were uncomfortable. In other words, even if you’re going for Wayne Newton, your comfort still affects the experience.

Practical tip: when you book, take a minute to match your seat category to your preferences. If you’re short, have mobility limits, or care about angle and sightline, don’t assume all categories feel the same. Choose the best category you can comfortably afford. In a one-hour-and-change show, discomfort can feel like it lasts longer.

The only-in-Vegas experience: what you’re really buying for $85.20

At $85.20 per person, this isn’t a cheap Vegas night, but it’s not the kind of price that feels outrageous for a major-star Las Vegas venue show. The value comes from three things you actually get:

• a well-defined show slot (about 1 hour 20 minutes)
• an included admission ticket with taxes and fees covered
• an option to add VIP if meeting the performer is the point of your trip

Also, you’re not paying extra for a separate ticket once you arrive. Your ticket is part of the package, and it’s a mobile ticket. That’s helpful in Vegas, where you don’t want to spend your evening hunting down paperwork.

Two details to keep your budget honest:

• Beverages aren’t included (you can purchase them onsite)
• Parking/valet fees aren’t included

If you’re staying nearby and can walk or use public transport, you’ll feel the value more. If you’re planning to drive and valet, factor in extra cost so the total doesn’t surprise you.

Arrival and timing: how to make a smooth 7:00 pm start

Start time is 7:00 pm. That’s a classic Vegas dinner-to-show rhythm. If you’re going right after a meal, give yourself time to not feel rushed. The Flamingo is a big resort, and walking times add up when crowds are thick.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. So you’re on your own for getting there. The experience is listed as near public transportation, which can be a big relief if you’re trying to avoid parking.

I also recommend coming with your ticket ready. Mobile tickets are convenient—until they’re not. One person reported their ticket wouldn’t work in the app and also had issues with a printed version, but the box office team sorted it out. That’s why I suggest bringing a backup screenshot and, if possible, something you can show offline.

Who should book this Wayne Newton night (and who might skip it)

This show fits best if you want a classic Vegas performer evening—music, stories, and a polished sense of showmanship. You’ll probably enjoy it most if you’re a fan of Wayne Newton, like Las Vegas variety-style entertainment, or want a memorable “legend moment” during a short trip.

You might choose a different option if:

• you’re only interested in nonstop singing
• you get annoyed when a performance includes lots of storytelling and Q&A-style engagement
• you know you’ll be picky about seating comfort and aren’t willing to pick the right category

All ages are welcome, and adult pricing applies to all travelers. So if you’re bringing family, plan on pricing that reflects adult cost even for kids.

The practical checklist: what to bring and what to skip

Here’s the short list that keeps the night easy:

• Bring your mobile ticket plus a backup version (offline screenshot or another way to present it)
• Wear something comfortable enough for a one-hour show where you sit the whole time
• Budget for drinks, since beverages are for purchase
• Don’t count on included parking or valet
• Don’t plan on hotel pickup

If you’re the type who likes to be early, you’ll feel better. It’s easier to settle in, use the restroom, and get your seat situation right before the show begins.

Should you book Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal?

If you want a true Vegas legend night in a smaller, audience-facing setting, I think this is a strong yes. The combination of classic hits, storytelling, and that up-close energy is exactly what this kind of performance is best at. And if you care about meeting the performer, the VIP meet-and-greet option is built into the appeal—not an afterthought.

I’d only hesitate if you’re expecting a pure concert experience with nonstop singing and very little talk. This show is designed around Wayne Newton connecting with the room. If that sounds fun to you, book it and pick a seat category that you’d be happy to wear as your “home base” for the evening.

FAQ

How long is Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal?

The show runs about 1 hour 20 minutes.

What time does the experience start?

The start time is 7:00 pm.

Where does the show happen?

You’ll go to the Flamingo Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, specifically Bugsy’s Cabaret.

Is food, drinks, or parking included?

No. Beverages are available for purchase, and parking/valet fees are not included.

Can I choose my seat?

Yes. You select a seat category when you book, and your ticket includes the admission for that category.

Is the ticket refundable or changeable?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.