Vegas update: three long-running shows close, September 2026

By the ThingsVegas Editorial Team | Published September 25, 2026

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Three Las Vegas productions closed this summer, including a 21-year Strip institution. If any of these were on your itinerary, here is what happened and what to see instead.

See what is playing in Las Vegas

Mad Apple closes at New York-New York (final show September 5)

Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple played its final performance on September 5, 2026, at New York-New York. The show opened on May 12, 2022, and ran just over four years, welcoming more than 1.2 million guests according to Cirque.

Mad Apple was Cirque's first resident production built around stand-up comedy, blending the company's acrobatics with New York-style comedy, live music, and late-night energy. Cirque confirmed there are no plans for a touring version.

Four Cirque du Soleil resident productions remain on the Strip: Mystère at Treasure Island, “O” at Bellagio, KÀ at MGM Grand, and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay. Visitors looking for the Mad Apple mix of acrobatics and comedy should consider Absinthe at Caesars Palace or V - The Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood.

If you held tickets for performances after September 5, refunds are handled through your original point of purchase.

Menopause the Musical closes at Harrah's after 21 years (final show June 27)

Menopause the Musical played its final Las Vegas performance on June 27, 2026, at Harrah's Cabaret, ending a 21-year run that made it the longest-running scripted musical in Las Vegas history. The permanent closure was confirmed in August 2026, after the production went on a planned five-week hiatus in June that was originally expected to end with a return engagement.

The show debuted in Las Vegas on February 3, 2006, at the Las Vegas Hilton (now Westgate), moved to Luxor in May 2009, and settled at Harrah's in February 2015, where it played more than 7,000 performances. Co-producers Alan and Kathi Glist cited competition from the Sphere, superstar residencies, and sports programming as factors in the decision.

Harrah's Cabaret is now anchored by X Country and mentalist Colin Cloud. Visitors who had Menopause the Musical on a girls' weekend or bachelorette itinerary may want to look at Chippendales at the Rio or Fantasy at Luxor instead.

Marriage Can Be Murder ends its Rio run (July 2026)

The interactive dinner show Marriage Can Be Murder ended its run at the Rio in July 2026. The long-running comedy-murder-mystery production was a staple of the Rio's entertainment lineup.

Visitors looking for an interactive dinner experience can consider Tournament of Kings at Excalibur, the Strip's long-running dinner show, which remains bookable.

What this means for visitors

Las Vegas show schedules change constantly, and closures are rarely the last word - venues typically announce replacements within weeks. Three practical takeaways:

Do not trust stale ticket listings. Third-party ticket sites can show future performances for weeks after a show closes - we found listings still advertising Menopause the Musical performances well after its final show. Always confirm a show is still running through the venue or the production's official channels before buying, and buy from the box office or authorized sellers.

Check show pages before you book travel around them. If a specific show is the centerpiece of your trip, verify its schedule in the week before you fly. Our Las Vegas shows guide is updated regularly.

Replacements are usually announced quickly. Prime showroom space on the Strip does not sit empty for long. Watch this page and our Vegas updates for announcements about what replaces these productions.

Schedules, operators, and venue details can change. Confirm directly with the property before making plans.