Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Attraction

From Don King to Julia Roberts, Madame Tussauds displays more than 100 intricately designed wax replicas of well-known celebrities from the worlds of film, sports, television and music.

Each wax figure is so detailed, you'll have a difficult time distinguishing them from the other guests. Over a period of six months, more than 150 precise measurements are taken of the subject's body, hands and face, and eyeballs are hand-painted to match the exact shade desired. And many of the figures are dressed in clothing once worn by the celebrities themselves.

"We do have a fair share of Hollywood," said Adrian Jones, general manager at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.

The museum also features several themed exhibits, including "Spirit of America," which honors instrumental figures from our country's past and present. Those included are George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy (with Jacqueline) and George W. Bush. Another exhibit showcases Vegas entertainers such as Liberace, Wayne Newton, Frank Sinatra and Siegfried & Roy.

The attraction has always been an interactive one, encouraging visitors to touch the hair, skin and clothing of the wax figures. But now, Madame Tussauds has taken the interactive element one step further. In a series of new experiences, guests can participate in a variety of activities, from going to the net against Shaq at Staples Center to performing a routine with Britney Spears.

In "The King in Concert" exhibit, it appears that Elvis truly is alive and well and has made his return to Vegas at Madame Tussauds. Set on a small stage in front of about a half-dozen seats, The King is accessible to fans who want a picture taken with him as they hold his hand and he speaks to them.

"Celebrity Poker" offers visitors the chance to try their luck alongside Ben Affleck.

"Hef: The Experience" features a likeness of the infamous Hugh Hefner posed on a round bed with his signature drink of Pepsi and Jack Daniel's in hand. Guests are invited to pick up a faux cocktail, don a pair of bunny ears and matching silk pajamas and join in on one of Hef's famed parties. Hef even paid a visit to this attraction.

"He loved it," Jones said. "He got into bed with himself. He thought it was great." 

"SPEED" is an interactive attraction dedicated to auto racing. Auto racing icons found in the new exhibit include "The Intimidator," Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. Visitors can have their photo taken next to the $200,000 figure of Earnhardt standing in a Victory Lane setting with his arms raised in triumph. More recent wax figure additions of famous auto racing legends include Richard Petty, "The King of NASCAR" and Dale Earnhardt., Jr.

"Turn Blue" features wax figures of the three co-founding Blue Man members. Guests are encouraged to join them on stage, play the PVC instruments and experience a live Blue Man performance firsthand.

And for all “American Idol” fans and aspiring musicians who missed out on the auditions, they now have the chance to perform live in front of Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest -- their wax figures, that is! With the help of an interactive karaoke video game, visitors can actually select and perform songs of their choice. This fun “American Idol” karaoke experience even features specific, in-depth verbal critiques from Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Contestants may play this game alone or compete against friends.

"The interactive element of American Idol is extremely popular," said Jones.

"Marry Clooney" may be the best experience yet. Visitors put on a wedding gown and veil, grab a bouquet, and take their place at the altar next to a wax likeness of George Clooney. Finally! Hollywood's most unobtainable bachelor has decided to take the plunge. You'll even have the photos and a mock wedding certificate to prove it.

The museum regularly adds new attractions to the collection to keep it new and exciting. Surveys are conducted throughout the year to help determine whom guests would like to see on display. The most recent additions to Madame Tussauds are likenesses of legendary stunt man Evel Knievel, actresses Cameron Diaz and Angelina Jolie, actors Marlon Brando, Matthew McConaughey and Johnny Depp and the late Tupac Shakur. Expect to see a Harrison Ford figure May 2008.

"There are a lot of brand new figures that we've never done anywhere else," Jones noted.  

If you’re curious about the making of a wax figure, the attraction features a short, behind-the-scenes film narrated by R&B superstar Beyoncé. Here, the songstress shares the step-by-step process on how the experts at Madame Tussauds London replicated her exact hair, make-up, skin and body type.

Some visitors in the past have taken their admiration for the wax figures a little too seriously. Madame Tussauds has definitely had its share of strange behavior.

"They take a lock of hair, which is silly because it's not their real hair!" Jones said.

Weddings and reception parties are also available. Enjoy a ceremony with wax celebrities as your "witnesses." Wax couples include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Elizabeth Taylor and Tony Bennett or Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. Please call (800) 292-1177 for more details. For reception information and reservations, please call (702) 862-7805.

Madame Tussauds gives visitors a chance to mingle up close and personal with the world's greatest stars of past and present. And no matter how many times you visit, you won't be disappointed.

"It's not [just] a wax museum," said Jones. "At a wax attraction, you can interact and immerse yourself in different experiences. I think when people come in here they'll be very surprised to find that out." 

All experiences and figures are subject to change without notice.

-- Staff Report