Besides gambling and nightclubs, Las Vegas is also known for its residencies with A-list performers. One of the newest residencies that features a Latine star is none other than Marc Anthony’s “Vegas… My Way!” at the BleauLive Theater at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, NV. The 10-date trek started last weekend (Feb. 13 to 15), and will also have runs on Feb. 20 and 21, July 24 and 25, July 29 and 31, and Aug. 1.
If a star has a residency show in Las Vegas, it’s for a reason.
Fans showed up and sold out Marc’s “Vegas… My Way!” opening date with a capacity of 3,800 elated fans. The Theater’s entrance was stacked with a long line of millennial and boomer fans wearing shimmery dresses, blazers, and heels, waiting to enter the venue. Upon entrance, the Theater echoed salsa anthems like El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico’s “Un Verano en Nueva York,” and “Brujería,” which spectators danced to as they waited for the salsa star to appear. The anticipation was high, as people hyped each other’s dancing moves, warming up for Marc’s grand entrance. Though he was scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m., Marc began his set at 9 p.m., with a visual ode to New York’s rhythmic Spanish Harlem lifestyle in the 1970s, where Marc grew up embodying both New York and Puerto Rican culture.
The 90-minute performance began with a vibrant instrumental introduction by his 14-piece band, which covered most of the stage. After what seemed like the longest intro ever for those dying to see the icon in flesh, Marc finally appeared in a fitted tux, wearing his signature sunglasses, ready to kick off his residency’s first show with his iconic tracks “Valió la Pena” and “Flor Palida.”
The concert’s first segment got the crowd going — before he dove into duets featuring recordings of his collaborators on a big screen as he traded verses with them from the stage. This section was a bit disconnected for some fans, who were hoping to hear him sing throughout the whole show. But the music video bit gave an insight into his range of hit pop collaborations with stars like Maluma, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, and La India.
Regardless of the potential disconnect, Marc bounced back once he continued to show off his unmatched pipes on classic ballads like Juan Gabriel’s “Abrázame Muy Fuerte” and José Luis Perales’ “¿Y Cómo Es Él?” This musical stretch felt like a warm embrace—and a deep entrancement—as spectators blew kisses to the singer after each interpretation. It was without a doubt, a fan-favorite moment. This is what they came for. This is the Marc they grew up loving, and the singer seemed to feel the crowd’s praise, especially after singing songs like “You Sang To Me” and “I Need To Know”; tracks that marked the crossover era for the Boricua singer.
Another standout and emotional moment was when he sang “My Baby You,” a poem-turned-to-song dedicated to his daughter Arianna Muñiz. He told the crowd he was unsure of keeping it in his repertoire, signaling the sentimental undertones behind the ballad that he promised himself he’d never sing again “for personal reasons.”
Whether or not Marc was honest about not knowing if he’d sing the ballad live again, what is clear is that he embodies that nostalgic pop singer’s melodramatic charisma that we lack on stage nowadays. We miss the drama! We miss the human emotion of singing a live, non-autotuned, passionate ballad! Furthermore, throughout the performance, he notably signaled his musicians to continue or cut off songs, showing that he was real-time conducting his set list on his own terms. This demonstrated the icon’s elite musicianship and leadership, not only as the star performer but also as the show’s director.
The residency wrapped up with a special rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” which he sang as a video tribute to his accomplishments played in a visual backdrop. The tribute included cherished photos of him with icons like Celia Cruz, as well as throwback photos of him in different musical eras. The residency’s final song was the popular and festive “Vivir Mi Vida,” continuing the theme of living your life for yourself, which he celebrated by showcasing flags from our communities on the digital screens. Mi gente Latino!
After seeing him engage and lead his talented musicians on stage and sing this sentimental and reflective setlist, Marc left one thing clear: he’s going to continue his legacy his way. On his own terms.
So, Was It Worth It?
For those curious to see what Marc Anthony’s magic is all about — the limited-time residency is definitely worth it. For those who have never heard of this man (or only know he’s so-and-so’s ex), it’s still worth going to.
You don’t have to be a die-hard fan to feel the show’s emotion and charisma spearheaded by one of Latine’s greatest performers alive. Sure, Marc didn’t have much spectacle as far as dancers or floating structures go, but he carried the memorable show with what he’s always been known for: his powerful tenor vocal range that captivates your full attention from the moment he starts singing his ballads and salsa classics.
And that’s what Las Vegas residencies and shows are all about — even if you don’t know the performer’s repertoire from front-to-back before buying a ticket, you know you will have a memorable experience.
Travel and accommodations were provided to the author by Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Live Nation for the purpose of writing this story.
