"Awakening" at Wynn Review: A Beautiful World of Spectacle and Storytelling
- Christianne Klein
- 24 hours ago
- 4 min read
There are certain Las Vegas shows that feel big, loud, and spectacular- and then there are the rare ones that transport you to another world. Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas falls firmly into the second category. It doesn’t just entertain you for 90 minutes; it pulls you into another realm of myth and magic- one that feels both epic in scope and deeply intimate at the same time.
That sense of immersion begins before the show begins. Awakening is performed on a 360-degree prismatic stage, with the audience surrounding the action on all sides. It’s a true “in the round” experience, and remarkably, there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house. Every angle is supported by intentional choreography, lighting, and staging. Performers enter and exit from multiple points throughout the theater- sometimes from above- creating the feeling that the story is unfolding all around you. You’re not watching Awakening from afar; you’re inside it.
The world of Awakening is brought to life by an extraordinary cast of 60 international performers, blending music, dance, illusion, and grand-scale puppetry in a way that feels seamless rather than showy. At the center of the story is IO, a young, reluctant heroine who sets out on an epic journey to confront the forces of Light and Darkness in order to save her world. Without giving too much away, this is a mythic tale rooted in balance, exile, and love- where gods and goddesses are bound by ancient rules, able to meet only during fleeting moments of sunrise and sunset, their connection severed for eons before being cast aside. That larger cosmic struggle quietly underpins IO’s very personal journey.
What makes Awakening so distinctive is how confidently it commits to storytelling. This is not a traditional Vegas revue. It unfolds in acts that feel like chapters in a living myth, guided by the unmistakable narration of Sir Anthony Hopkins. His voice- instantly recognizable- fills the theater with a gravitas that feels almost elemental, like the voice of God itself. It gives the production a cinematic, timeless weight that anchors even the most fantastical moments.
Behind the scenes, the creative pedigree of Awakening is as impressive as what’s happening onstage. The show is created by legendary producer Bernie Yuman, producer and director Baz Halpin, and award-winning puppet master and character designer Michael Curry. Curry’s groundbreaking work on The Lion King on Broadway forever elevated the art of large-scale puppetry (if you haven’t seen it yet, you must read our recent review and catch the Broadway or National Tour). With Awakening, he raises the bar yet again. The fantastical creatures he’s conceptualized don’t just appear on stage- they seem to breathe, move, and exist in the space with you. Like with his work in The Lion King, he is not intimidated by scale or size, and neither is Wynn. Some of the creatures are so massive that they take up much of the stage. The fluid motion of these creatures, with the performers who help bring them to life, is absolutely enchanting and is integral to why Awakening feels less like a show and more like a living world.
Baz Halpin’s influence is equally evident. Known for creating massive global spectacles- from Super Bowl halftime shows and international opening ceremonies to tours for artists like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Usher, Cher, and Katy Perry- Halpin brings a sense of precision and visual storytelling that elevates every moment. And Bernie Yuman, a legend in live entertainment who was instrumental in Siegfried & Roy’s record-breaking Las Vegas run, brings a deep understanding of what it takes to create a show that endures.
What resonated most with us, though, was the heart of the story. As parents of a 7-year-old daughter who is just beginning to fall in love with mythology, symbolism, and heroic journeys, Awakening felt especially meaningful. This is a story about courage, identity, and stepping into your power- even when you feel unprepared or afraid. Watching IO navigate epic trials while grappling with responsibility and self-discovery felt emotionally rich and age-appropriate, something that’s surprisingly rare in Las Vegas entertainment.
That’s one of Awakening’s greatest strengths: it truly works for all ages. Younger viewers are swept away by the creatures, movement, magic, and spectacle. Teens and adults appreciate the artistry, music, mythology-inspired storytelling, and emotional depth. And for parents, it’s refreshing to find a Las Vegas show that doesn’t require a disclaimer- or a fast-forward conversation afterward.
In a city packed with shows competing to be louder, flashier, or more shocking, Awakening stands apart by doing something much harder. It tells a story. It builds a world. And it invites you- no matter your age- to believe in it.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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