Las Vegas: Tape Face Show at the MGM Grand

Sam Wills, the New Zealand comedian behind Tape Face, builds a whole comedy show from mime, movement, and simple props. At MGM Grand’s Underground Theater, his wordless acts turn small ideas into odd, funny surprises, with audience participation playing a central role.

I like the show’s family-friendly format and its intimate feel, which several ticket holders praised as a small, almost familiar Vegas experience. The main consideration is that the humor depends on visual comedy and participation, so anyone seeking a big musical production or a spoken stand-up set may want something else.

Key points

• Sam Wills created Tape Face: The character became widely known through America’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent: The Champions.
• Audience participation matters: You may be invited into the action, so this is not a show to watch from a completely distant seat.
• The performance lasts 90 minutes: That gives you a compact evening plan without taking over your night.
• MGM Grand’s Underground Theater keeps things intimate: The setting suits physical comedy better than a giant concert-style production.
• Category A VIP includes extras: You receive the closest seating to the stage plus a T-shirt, signed cartoon photo, poker chip, and lanyard.
• It works for families: Children age 3 and older need tickets, while children age 2 and under may sit on an adult’s lap.

Why Tape Face works without a script of spoken jokes

Tape Face is built around a clear visual idea: Sam Wills performs with tape across his mouth, using his body, timing, objects, and facial expression to carry the comedy. That makes the show easy to follow even if English is not your first language. It also gives the performance a different rhythm from most Las Vegas comedy acts.

I like the restraint. The humor does not depend on a long story, a celebrity impression, or a stream of adult jokes. Instead, a simple physical action can grow into a strange little scene, then turn again before you quite know where it is going.

That approach also explains why the show has broad age appeal. Children can follow the movement and visual surprises. Adults can appreciate the precision behind them. The performance does not require you to know every reference in American pop culture.

Sam Wills is the creative force behind the character. His background as a New Zealand comedian and his television appearances give the act a familiar hook, but the live performance is not simply a repeat of a television clip. The stage format allows the audience to become part of the comic machinery.

Arriving at MGM Grand’s Underground Theater

The meeting point is the Underground Theater at MGM Grand. You will need to make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

That matters in Las Vegas, where a hotel can feel like a small town once you are inside it. Give yourself time to find the theater rather than cutting arrival close. The supplied information does not give a recommended arrival time, so check your ticket for the current schedule and allow extra minutes to get through the MGM Grand interior.

The theater setting is a good match for Tape Face. Physical comedy depends on seeing small gestures, quick reactions, and the relationship between performer and audience. A more compact room can make those details easier to catch than a huge arena would.

The intimate atmosphere is one of the show’s strongest qualities. A ticket holder from Austria described it as a very funny experience with a small, familiar feel. That is useful context when comparing Tape Face with the larger, louder productions along the Las Vegas Strip.

The first part of the 90-minute performance

Tape Face does not rely on a conventional spoken introduction followed by a series of unrelated jokes. The character establishes the mood through action. You are asked to watch closely, read the gesture, and wait for the turn in the gag.

I enjoy that kind of comedy because it rewards attention. A prop or movement that seems plain at first can become the center of a much bigger bit. The show’s appeal comes from watching Sam Wills find comic possibilities in things that would normally be ignored.

The first portion also prepares you for the participation element. The information for this experience makes clear that audience involvement is central, not a rare extra. You should be ready for the possibility of being noticed or invited into a bit.

That does not mean every person will be pulled onto the stage. The exact pattern of participation is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a guaranteed role or a completely private viewing experience. If you dislike being singled out, consider that before buying.

Imaginative acts and physical comedy take the lead

The show is described as a mix of mind-bending imaginative acts and physical comedy. In practical terms, you can expect visual routines that stretch ordinary actions into something unexpected, with Sam Wills using his body and comic timing rather than long spoken explanations.

The word imaginative is important here. Tape Face is not presented as a standard magic show, and the information does not promise a particular set of illusions. It is better to think of the performance as inventive physical theater with moments that may feel magical because of the way the action is staged.

I like this format for a night when you want something light but not disposable. You are not being asked to follow a complicated plot. You can simply watch the situation develop, enjoy the reaction, and let the next odd turn arrive.

The show also has a useful language advantage. Because much of the comedy is physical, international ticket holders can follow it without needing every line translated. That may be one reason the performance works well for people from different countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria.

Audience participation changes the way you watch

The audience is not just a passive row of seats. Participation helps shape the energy of the performance, and it creates the chance for a moment to feel different from one night to the next.

That is a real strength. When a comedian reacts to people in the room, the show can feel more immediate and personal. It also helps explain why the experience has been praised as intimate rather than anonymous.

There is a trade-off. Audience participation means the pace and mood may not feel as controlled as a recorded television segment. If you prefer a polished production where every moment follows a fixed script, this may feel less predictable.

I would choose Tape Face for a mixed-age group that enjoys laughing together and does not mind a little uncertainty. It is especially suitable if some people in your group speak limited English, since the visual style does much of the work.

Choosing between regular seating and Category A VIP

The price listed for the experience is $81 per person. That is not the cheapest entertainment option in Las Vegas, but the value depends on what you want from the evening.

For the base ticket, you are paying for a 90-minute live performance by a recognizable television performer in a theater setting. The relatively short running time can work in its favor. You can fit the show around dinner, another attraction, or a later casino visit without giving up an entire evening.

Category A VIP is aimed at people who care about proximity and souvenirs. VIP ticket holders receive seating before the regular and general admission sections, with the closest seats to the stage. The package also includes a TAPE FACE T-shirt, signed cartoon TAPE FACE photo, souvenir poker chip, and lanyard.

The swag bag is a pleasant extra, but I would not choose VIP solely for the merchandise. The more meaningful benefit is the seating. With physical comedy, being closer may help you see facial expressions and small movements more clearly.

If you are buying for a dedicated Tape Face fan, the package makes more sense. If you simply want a fun comedy show and do not care about memorabilia, regular seating may offer the better value. The available information does not give separate prices for each seating category, so compare the final totals before deciding.

Who will enjoy this MGM Grand show most

Tape Face suits several types of ticket buyers:

• Families: The show is open to all ages. Children age 3 and older need their own tickets, while children age 2 and under may attend as lap-seat children.
• International visitors: The strong visual style reduces the need for fluent English.
• Fans of America’s Got Talent: Seeing Sam Wills live gives you a chance to experience the character beyond short television appearances.
• Couples and friends: The format is easy to share because you do not need to study a plot or prepare beforehand.
• Visitors with a spare 90 minutes: The running time is long enough to feel like a complete show but short enough to fit into a packed Las Vegas schedule.

You should think twice if your ideal Vegas night involves singing, dancing, elaborate costumes, or a large-scale production. Tape Face is deliberately simpler. Its pleasures come from clever movement, surprise, and interaction rather than spectacle on the biggest possible scale.

Children and teenagers must be considered carefully. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The show is accessible for wheelchair users, which helps families and groups planning around mobility needs.

What the audience response tells you

The overall rating is 4.3 from 15 reviews, a useful sign of solid approval but not a guarantee that every person will like the same style of comedy. The strongest praise centers on three things: laughter, surprise, and the intimate setting.

One ticket holder called it the best small show they had seen in Las Vegas. That comment points to an important comparison. Tape Face is not trying to compete with a stadium act. Its strength is the close connection between a single performer and a room full of people.

Another ticket holder noted that people familiar with Tape Face from television or social media will get what they expect and find the visit worthwhile. That is good advice for setting expectations. If you already like the character’s silent, playful style, the live show is a natural choice.

The most useful praise came from the reaction to audience involvement. A German ticket holder found the show funny and surprising, with participation adding to the experience, and said they would see it again. That tells you the interactive element is not just a marketing phrase. It is part of what makes the performance memorable.

At the same time, the number of reviews is small. I would treat the rating as a helpful signal, not a promise. Comedy is personal, and wordless physical humor either clicks with you or it does not.

Practical planning for your Las Vegas evening

Since transportation is not included, plan your route to MGM Grand independently. The show takes place at the Underground Theater, so keep the venue name available when checking directions inside the resort.

Check the available starting times for your chosen date. The duration is fixed at 90 minutes, but the start time is not listed as one universal time. This is important if you are pairing the performance with a meal or another ticketed activity.

The booking terms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Las Vegas schedule is still changing. Read the final booking conditions for your date, but these options make the show easier to fit into a flexible itinerary.

Wheelchair access is available. Children age 2 and under may sit on an adult’s lap, while age 3 and older requires a paid ticket. Anyone under 18 needs an accompanying adult.

I would arrive with a simple plan: confirm the show time, locate the Underground Theater before the performance day if possible, and decide in advance if VIP seating and the swag bag matter to you. The show itself is straightforward to add to a Las Vegas schedule, but MGM Grand’s size makes a little planning worthwhile.

Should you book Tape Face at MGM Grand?

Book it if you want clever, visual comedy with a strong chance of audience interaction. It is a good fit for families, international ticket holders, television fans, and anyone who prefers a smaller room to a giant Vegas production.

At $81 per person, I see the best value for people who actively enjoy Sam Wills’ style or who want a compact live show with a personal feel. Category A VIP is worth closer consideration for fans who want the nearest seating and the TAPE FACE merchandise.

Skip it if you want a spoken comedy set, a major musical production, or complete freedom from audience participation. For everyone else, Tape Face offers a distinct 90-minute change of pace, and its simple setup is exactly what gives the show its charm.

FAQ

Where does the Tape Face show take place?

The show takes place at the Underground Theater inside MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How long is the performance?

The performance lasts 90 minutes.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $81 per person.

Who performs Tape Face?

Sam Wills, a comedian from New Zealand, created and performs the Tape Face character.

Does the show include audience participation?

Yes. Audience participation is a central part of the Tape Face experience.

What does Category A VIP seating include?

Category A VIP includes seating closest to the stage, before the regular and general admission sections. It also includes a TAPE FACE T-shirt, signed cartoon TAPE FACE photo, souvenir poker chip, and TAPE FACE lanyard.

Are children allowed to attend?

The show is open to all ages. Children age 3 and older must have a ticket, while children age 2 and under may attend as a lap seat. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the theater wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The experience is wheelchair accessible.