A giant finger lowers from the rafters and gently drops Katy Perry onto an oversize bed on the immense stage of the Theatre at Resorts World, and the over-the-top party begins. The gifted Perry sings, steps, and dances. She jumps and climbs on colorful, massive sets throughout the fast-paced, whimsical show.
Since it debuted in December, "Katy Perry: Play" has come to symbolize the new era of resident shows in Las Vegas: stars in their prime regularly performing in packed theaters with state-of-the-art production values.
Perry, a judge on "American Idol," has likened the production to "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" and "Pee-Wee's Playhouse."
It's an apt description, since animated video vignettes of Perry as a doll introduce the show's five acts. She soon comes to life, frolicking amid mammoth versions of common household items such as a toilet, beer can, cereal box and electrical cord.
There are dancing mushrooms, marching soldiers with crayons and a colossal rocking horse that leave audience members shaking their heads, laughing, pointing and of course singing along to her hits.
Among the highlights of set list are "E.T.," "Chained to the Rhythm," "Hot N Cold" "I Kissed a Girl," "Roar" and naturally, "Waking Up in Vegas." The stirring finale includes a cover of "Greatest Love of All" and the Perry megahit "Firework."
During one of the production's rare pauses, Perry tells the audience that she has roots in Las Vegas. Her aunt was a showgirl and her grandmother a seamstress at the Stardust, where Resorts World now stands. And her dad grew up, met Perry's mother and married her in the city.
In a nod to her origins and her ongoing success, the Clark County Commission gave her a symbolic key to the Las Vegas Strip. Perry has accumulated 65 billion streams during her career, and she has 45 million monthly listeners and more than 21 million followers on Spotify.
Ticket sales to October shows have begun. She will perform at 8 p.m. from Oct. 5 and running to Oct. 22.