Updated 07/11/2006

Laughternoon, starring Adam London

By Chuck Rounds

Note: Now at the Luxor
"BODIES...THE EXHIBITION" at the Tropicana is unique entertainment for Las Vegas. There are no show girls balancing fancy headpieces as they make their way down shiny stairs. There are no circus performers flying through space or tumbling around a stage. There are no singers, dancers, or trained animals. The only real similarity between "Bodies" and other Vegas shows is the magic. However, the magic in this show is the use of science to present to the audience something unique only to those in medical school---the inner, unseen parts of our human selves. Sounds gross, doesn't it. But, the show is not gross; it is extremely intriguing.

Throughout the exhibition are bodies and parts of bodies that show us the bones, muscles, tendons, and organs that we take for granted. Most we never think about---until they stare us in the face and demand our attention. Alongside featured parts of the human body are posted bits of information that teach us things we (probably) never knew about the body we live in every day.

One the most amazing things about the show is that all the bodies are real, yet they appear not to be because they are colorful and well-displayed. Although there has been some controversy about the show, it is worth seeing because the chance to learn about ourselves is so important. For example, it is one thing to say that you can get lung cancer from smoking; it is another thing to actually see the healthy lung next to one ridden with cancer.

So, if you have a few hours to spare this summer, go see the most unique science class you'll ever see. "Bodies...The Exhibition" is an intelligent way to spend a lazy summer afternoon. You will leave the exhibition more informed than you went in---entertained, too.