Chinese show set to debut in Las Vegas

The first Chinese theatrical production to take up residency in Las Vegas, the internationally renowned tourist center for gambling, shopping and nightlife, will open next month at the Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino.

Panda!, which debuted in Beijing in October, will be previewed on Dec 16 and open on Dec 19. With a cast of about 50, the show combines acrobatics and kung fu with music and dance, produced by a team whose credits include the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Panda! uses some of the same lighting technology and video elements from the ceremonies, according to Zhao Yen, general manager of Panda Global Entertainment.