Piano Man at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino

Piano Man brings Billy Joel and Elton John’s biggest songs to a compact stage at Planet Hollywood, with Kyle Martin leading the performance and a live band behind him. Expect 17 familiar hits, strong vocals, dancing, costumes, and enough crowd contact to keep this from feeling like a simple lounge act.

I like the 75-minute running time, which fits neatly into a Las Vegas evening, and the small V Theater, where even seats away from the stage can offer a clear view. The $49 price is also reasonable for a ticketed Strip show, especially if you enjoy both artists.

The main caution is the venue itself. Some parts of the theater feel dated, and the step at the end of some upper rows deserves care when the lights are low. The exact mix of Billy Joel and Elton John songs can also vary, so do not assume every personal favorite will be included.

Key points to know before you book

• 17 classic songs: The show focuses on recognizable Billy Joel and Elton John favorites, performed by a singer, live musicians, and dancers.
• Kyle Martin leads the production: He handles both artists’ material, with an energetic stage presence and strong Billy Joel-style vocals. Some published comments also praise Matthew Banks, so the performer lineup may vary.
• Small theater, close views: V Theater gives the performance an intimate feel. Paying more for VIP or seats near the front can bring you close to the action.
• Easy Strip location: The theater is inside Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops, surrounded by restaurants and stores for a simple dinner-and-show plan.
• Short evening commitment: The performance lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and begins at 6:30 pm.
• A few venue drawbacks: The theater has been called shabby and in need of renovation, and the upper-row aisle steps need attention.

A two-star tribute in one compact Vegas show

Piano Man is built around a simple idea: combine the piano-driven pop of Billy Joel with the flamboyant rock of Elton John. That gives the show a wider range than a single-artist tribute. You move from New York storytelling and barroom piano to big costumes, showy vocals, and Elton-style stage flair.

The performance includes 17 songs, a live ensemble, dancing, stage graphics, and some audience interaction. It is more than one musician at a keyboard, but it is not a full-scale arena concert either. The V Theater’s modest size keeps the action close, which helps the show feel personal even when the production reaches for a larger Vegas style.

Kyle Martin is identified as the main performer, and the strongest praise centers on his singing and showmanship. His Billy Joel material receives especially high marks, with some people finding the impersonation remarkably convincing. He also takes on Elton John’s songs, though the Elton portion may feel more like a tribute performance than a precise recreation of Elton’s voice and mannerisms.

That distinction matters. If you want an exact replica of one particular concert, this may not satisfy you. If you want a lively evening built around two great songbooks, the mixed format makes good sense.

What happens inside V Theater

Your evening begins at V Theater, located at 3663 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Suite 360, inside Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops. The theater itself is on the second floor, and an elevator is available if stairs are difficult.

Admission to the theater area and Miracle Mile Shops is free, but the show requires your purchased ticket. Your ticket includes a seat in the section you selected, along with taxes and fees. Drinks are not included, though you can buy beverages at the on-site bar.

Once seated, you can expect a relatively close view of the stage because the theater is small. That is one of the show’s biggest practical advantages. You are not looking at a distant screen or trying to follow a performer through a huge room. Even so, front sections offer the best chance to catch facial expressions, costume details, and interaction with the musicians.

The first few rows are the most desirable. Several comments suggest that upgrading to VIP can be worthwhile, particularly because the room puts front seats close to the performers. You do not need the most expensive option to enjoy the music, but this is one of those shows where a better seat can noticeably improve the evening.

Take care when moving through the upper rows. A step at the end of each row has caused problems for people walking in the dark, so keep your footing and avoid rushing out before the lights come up. Late arrivals can also interrupt the opening minutes.

The music, costumes, and live band

The show’s main strength is its music. The band performs the songs live rather than relying on a backing track, and the saxophone player receives repeated praise. That instrument is central to much of Billy Joel’s sound, so a confident sax performance gives the tribute extra punch.

The band also helps the show avoid feeling like a solo impersonation act. The musicians are active onstage, and the production includes dancing and choreography. The result is a fuller concert feel, even within the smaller room.

Costumes add another layer. Elton John’s flamboyant image gives the production an obvious visual hook, and costume changes help mark the shift between the two artists. Stage graphics also contribute to the presentation. You should expect entertainment rather than a stripped-down piano recital.

The song choices lean toward familiar hits, which is the right call for a 75-minute production. You are likely to know much of the material, making this a good pick if you want to sing along. Still, a fixed song list is not supplied, and one disappointed customer specifically expected Crocodile Rock and did not hear it. That is a useful reminder that even a tribute show cannot include every favorite in one short set.

Is the audience energy part of the experience?

Piano Man aims for an interactive atmosphere. The singer engages with the crowd, and the show finishes with dancing according to one account. At its best, the room gets people clapping, cheering, and singing along with the chorus.

The small theater helps here. A performer can address the room without the distance found in a major concert hall. If you sit near the stage, you are more likely to feel part of the performance rather than simply watch it.

Audience energy may vary from one night to another. Some reports describe a very lively crowd, while others found the room less engaged and wished for more participation. I would treat this as a normal risk with any audience-driven show. You can bring your own enthusiasm, but you cannot guarantee that every seat around you will sing along.

Photography is encouraged, which is unusual enough to be worth noting. That makes the show friendly for people who like to capture a few moments, though you should still be considerate of the people behind you.

How the theater affects the value

At $49 per person, Piano Man sits in the lower-cost range for a formal show on the Las Vegas Strip. The value depends heavily on your expectations. You are paying for a live band, a named tribute performer, choreography, costumes, and a reserved seat, not for a lavish theater production with elaborate scenery.

For fans of both Billy Joel and Elton John, the price works well because one ticket covers two catalogs of music. The 75-minute length also means you are not spending the whole night or committing to a costly dinner package. You can see the show, then eat at Miracle Mile or continue elsewhere on the Strip.

I would be less enthusiastic about the value if you are only mildly familiar with the artists or if you expect a polished new theater. The venue has been described as dark, shabby, and in need of renovation. That does not necessarily spoil the performance, but it can reduce the sense of occasion.

The best value comes from matching the show to the right mood: familiar songs, a lively band, and a straightforward Vegas night at a moderate price. The weaker value comes if you judge the ticket mainly by the condition of the room.

Why the Miracle Mile location works so well

Planet Hollywood is one of the easiest places on the Strip for a dinner-and-show plan. V Theater sits inside Miracle Mile Shops, so you can arrive early for a meal, browse stores before the doors open, or continue shopping after the final song.

This location also keeps the logistics simple. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you are responsible for getting to Planet Hollywood. The venue is near public transportation, and the theater’s central Strip position makes it practical if you are already staying or sightseeing nearby.

Start time is 6:30 pm. That gives you room to plan dinner either before or after the performance, though you should allow time to find the box office and reach the theater on the second floor. Miracle Mile has plenty of food choices, but no specific restaurant is included with the ticket.

I like this setup because you are not trapped in a remote showroom with nowhere to go before or afterward. The surrounding shops can also help fill time if you arrive early.

Who will enjoy Piano Man most?

This show is a natural fit for people who know the radio hits of Billy Joel and Elton John. It works especially well for couples, families, and friends who want an entertaining evening without spending several hours at a major production.

You do not need to be a serious fan. The familiar songs and visual touches make the show accessible, and most people can participate. The production is also family-friendly based on the available information, and most people can take part without special physical requirements.

Fans who want authenticity should set reasonable expectations. The performance is designed around tribute and entertainment, not a historically exact concert recreation. Elton John’s costumes and Billy Joel’s vocal style are part of the appeal, but the singer does not present only one artist throughout the entire show.

You may prefer another option if you dislike audience interaction, do not care for tribute acts, or want a grand theater with fresh seating and a highly polished interior. Piano Man’s charm comes from its music and intimacy, not from a luxurious venue.

A few practical tips for your night

Arrive with enough time to redeem your ticket at the V Theater box office. The listed redemption point is 3663 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Suite 360, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109.

If stairs are a concern, ask about the elevator to the second-floor theater. Service animals are allowed, and the venue is near public transportation.

For the strongest view, choose a section close to the front if your budget allows. VIP tickets may offer the best experience in this small room, but even standard seats can be worthwhile because the theater does not place you far from the stage.

Keep your phone and camera ready if you enjoy taking pictures, since photography is encouraged. At the same time, avoid standing or holding a device high for long periods, particularly in a compact room.

Plan drinks separately. Beverages are available for purchase at the on-site bar, but they are not included in the ticket price.

If your plans change, free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the 6:30 pm start time. Cancel within 24 hours and the payment is not refunded, and changes during that period are not accepted. The cutoff follows Las Vegas local time.

How Piano Man compares with a large Strip production

A huge Las Vegas show gives you spectacle, scale, and often a grand theater. Piano Man gives you proximity. You can see the singer and musicians without feeling that they are tiny figures far away.

That closeness is especially useful for a music tribute. You can watch the piano work, follow the saxophone player, and see the performers react to one another. The band’s chemistry becomes part of the entertainment.

The tradeoff is production polish. The theater may feel worn, and the room lacks the visual scale of a major Strip spectacular. Some performances may also feel more energetic than others, depending on the crowd and the night.

I would choose Piano Man for recognizable songs and a relaxed evening. I would choose a larger production if the building, stage technology, and visual scale matter as much as the music.

Should you book Piano Man?

Book it if you love Billy Joel, Elton John, or both, and you want a reasonably priced show in a convenient Strip location. The strongest reasons are the live band, the powerful lead vocals, the excellent saxophone work, the intimate theater, and the easy 75-minute format.

Choose seats near the front if you can. That is the clearest way to make the most of the small room and the performer’s crowd interaction.

Skip it if you need a pristine venue, a guaranteed song such as Crocodile Rock, or a production devoted entirely to one artist. For everyone else, Piano Man is a practical, good-value night out, with enough music and personality to make the older theater fade into the background.

FAQ

Where is Piano Man performed?

Piano Man is performed at V Theater inside Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops in Las Vegas.

What time does the show begin?

The listed start time is 6:30 pm.

How long does Piano Man last?

The performance lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How much does admission cost?

The listed price is $49 per person.

What does the ticket include?

The ticket includes admission in the selected seating section, plus all taxes and fees.

Are drinks included?

No. Beverages are available for purchase at the on-site bar.

Is transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The theater is near public transportation.

Who performs in Piano Man?

The production is identified as being led by Kyle Martin, with a live ensemble. Some available comments also praise Matthew Banks, so the performer lineup may vary.

Is the theater accessible by elevator?

Yes. An elevator is available for people who cannot climb the stairs to the second-floor theater.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the show’s start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.