Las Vegas: Tape Face Show at the MGM Grand

Tape Face turns a strip of black tape over his mouth into a full comedy language. New Zealand comedian Sam Wills uses movement, props, physical stunts, and audience participation rather than spoken punchlines. The result is a family-friendly 90-minute show at MGM Grand’s Underground Theater that feels very different from a standard Vegas comedy set.

I like the show’s simple visual humor, which crosses language barriers well, and its small-theater feel. I also like that the audience is not just watching from a distance. A possible drawback is that participation is part of the design, so anyone who strongly dislikes being brought into a show may prefer a more traditional performance.

Key points

• Sam Wills performs as Tape Face, the silent character seen on America’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent: The Champions.
• The 90-minute show relies on physical comedy, visual surprises, imagination, and clever stage action rather than regular spoken dialogue.
• Audience participation is central, so the room becomes part of the comedy.
• The Underground Theater at MGM Grand gives the performance a more intimate setting than a large concert arena.
• Category A VIP seating places you closest to the stage and includes a TAPE FACE T-shirt, signed cartoon photo, souvenir poker chip, and lanyard.
• The $81 price is worth weighing against the short running time, the unusual format, and the included VIP extras if you choose that category.

What Tape Face actually is

Tape Face is the stage character created and performed by Sam Wills. The black tape across his mouth is the visual signature, but the act is not limited to a silent mime routine. Wills builds comedy from body language, timing, physical control, strange little ideas, and the audience’s reactions.

That makes this a useful choice when you want a Vegas show that does not depend on a long story or a wall of dialogue. You can follow the action through movement and visual cues. If someone in your party is less comfortable with English, the format may be easier to enjoy than a spoken comedy show.

The act was introduced to a broad American audience through America’s Got Talent and later America’s Got Talent: The Champions. You do not need to know the television appearances before attending, but fans of the character will have a clearer idea of the playful tone.

I would describe the mood as odd, cheerful, and deliberately old-school. Tape Face finds comedy in the physical world. A prop, a gesture, or a tiny change in expression can become the setup for a larger gag. The humor is more about surprise and invention than sharp language or adult material.

The Underground Theater at MGM Grand

The setting matters here. Tape Face performs at the Underground Theater inside MGM Grand, rather than in a huge arena or a sprawling production space. That helps the show feel closer and more personal, especially because audience interaction is one of its main tools.

You are not simply settling in for a performance that happens far away under bright lights. The room is part of the act. Reactions, volunteers, and the performer’s awareness of the crowd help shape the evening. The exact amount of interaction can vary, but you should expect the possibility of being noticed or invited to take part.

The theater location also makes this easy to pair with other MGM Grand plans. You do not need hotel pickup or drop-off, so you are responsible for getting to the theater yourself. Build in enough time to find the Underground Theater inside the resort, particularly if you are unfamiliar with MGM Grand’s large interior.

A smaller venue can also change how you think about seating. In a show built around physical detail, a closer view may help you catch gestures and prop work. That is one reason the VIP category may appeal to dedicated fans, though a regular ticket can still make sense if your budget is tighter.

Why the physical comedy works

Tape Face has to communicate without normal spoken dialogue. That limitation gives the act its identity. Wills uses the body as the punch line, with exaggerated reactions, controlled movement, and unexpected physical tasks.

I like this format because it asks you to watch closely. Instead of waiting for a joke to be explained, you follow the setup through action. The payoff may come from a strange object, a sudden change in direction, or the performer’s ability to make a basic idea look completely absurd.

The comedy also has a broad reach. Since the main tools are movement and imagination, the show is not tied to one accent or one set of cultural references. The available feedback includes strong responses from people in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria, which fits the act’s largely visual approach.

That does not mean every moment will work for every person. If you prefer stand-up comedy with fast verbal jokes, political commentary, or a clear narrative, Tape Face may feel too unusual. If you enjoy physical comedy and visual theater, the format is likely to feel fresh.

Audience participation changes the evening

Audience participation is not a minor extra added between routines. It is one of the show’s defining features. Wills can bring people into the action, use their reactions, or make the room feel involved in the next comic turn.

That creates a lively atmosphere, but it also comes with a small trade-off. You may be happy to watch from your seat, yet the show is designed with the possibility that someone from the audience will become part of it. If you are shy, tell your companions to avoid drawing attention to themselves, though there is no guarantee who might be selected.

For families, this can be a strength. The shared surprise gives children and adults something to respond to together. The activity is listed as suitable for all ages. Children aged three and older need their own tickets, while children aged two and under may attend as a lap seat.

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Those rules are simple, but they matter when you are arranging a family evening. The act’s visual nature also means different age groups can follow along without needing the same sense of humor.

What the 90 minutes feel like

The show runs for 90 minutes. That is a useful length for a Vegas evening. You get a complete event without committing most of the night, and you can still plan dinner or another activity around it.

The performance is built around a series of imaginative comedy pieces rather than a sightseeing-style itinerary with stops. You move from one physical idea to the next, with audience involvement helping connect the room to the stage.

Because the act depends on surprise, I would avoid trying to predict the exact sequence. The important point is the style: visual comedy, physical feats, imaginative setups, and moments designed to make you laugh at the unexpected.

The short running time can work in two ways. It keeps the show focused and manageable, especially for children. On the other hand, if you judge entertainment strictly by minutes on stage, $81 may feel high for 90 minutes. The value depends on how much you want something distinctive rather than a longer, more conventional production.

Is $81 a fair price?

At about $81 per person, Tape Face is not a casual bargain attraction. You are paying for a ticketed theater performance at MGM Grand, a known television performer, and a format that is unlike many Las Vegas shows.

I would consider the price fair for people who already like Tape Face or who want a compact, unusual comedy show. The strongest value comes from the character of the act. You are not buying a generic stand-up set that could take place in any club. You are buying a specific visual performance built around Sam Wills’s stage persona.

The value becomes easier to judge if you compare the ticket category before booking. Category A VIP seating puts you closest to the stage and ahead of the regular and general admission sections. That matters here because physical comedy can reward a clear view.

VIP also includes a themed swag bag:

• TAPE FACE T-shirt
• Signed cartoon TAPE FACE photo
• Souvenir poker chip
• TAPE FACE lanyard

If you select Category A VIP seating, take your VIP ticket directly to the theater entrance. An usher will direct you to the swag bag pickup. I would not choose VIP solely for the merchandise, but it adds something tangible for fans and makes the higher category more attractive as a gift.

For a budget-conscious night, regular seating may be the better call. The show’s broad visual style does not depend entirely on being in the very first section. You should decide if being near the stage and receiving the merchandise matters enough to justify the upgrade.

Who will enjoy Tape Face most

I would recommend this show to several types of people.

Families get a clean, visual comedy experience with a clear age policy. Since the show is listed for all ages, it can suit a mixed-age group better than a late-night adult comedy act.

Fans of America’s Got Talent will recognize the character and understand the appeal of seeing the act in a live theater. Television provides a sample of Tape Face’s style, but the live setting adds the possibility of audience interaction.

International visitors may appreciate the limited reliance on spoken language. The comedy still depends on timing and cultural expectations, as all comedy does, but the physical format is easy to follow.

Couples and friends looking for something offbeat can use it as a change from musical productions, magic shows, and large-scale casino entertainment. The oddness is the point.

I would be more cautious if your ideal comedy show is a spoken monologue, a sharp roast, or a plot-heavy production. Tape Face asks you to enjoy physical invention and playful silliness. That style either clicks quickly or it does not.

Practical planning inside MGM Grand

The meeting point is the Underground Theater at MGM Grand. Hotel transportation is not included, so plan your own route to the resort and allow time to locate the theater once inside.

Check the available start times when you book. The show lasts 90 minutes, but the best time for you depends on what else is on your schedule. A performance can fit neatly before dinner, after a meal, or between other Las Vegas plans.

The show is wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is important for your party, confirm the seating details when choosing your ticket category so you know how your place in the theater will be handled.

The age rules are worth repeating when booking for children. Ages three and older require tickets. Children two and under can attend as a lap seat, and anyone under 18 needs an adult companion.

The booking terms also give you some useful flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying at the time of booking. Those features are helpful when your Las Vegas schedule is still shifting.

What the strongest praise tells you

The most positive reactions focus on three things: humor, surprise, and the intimate atmosphere. One person called it the best small show they had seen in Las Vegas. Another pointed out that knowing Tape Face from television or social media gives you a good idea of what to expect.

That is useful advice. This is not a show to book because you want a broad casino spectacle with dozens of performers and lavish scenery. It is a smaller, personality-driven act. The appeal comes from Sam Wills’s physical control and imagination.

The feedback also highlights the audience participation. Some people find being brought into a performance thrilling, while others prefer a quiet seat. I would treat that feature as part of the purchase decision, not as a surprise waiting for you in the theater.

The compact, family-style atmosphere is another repeated strength. The room may feel more personal than the largest Vegas venues, which suits a performer who depends on reactions and close attention.

Should you book Tape Face?

Book it if you want a 90-minute show built around visual comedy, imagination, and audience participation. It is a good fit for families, international visitors, America’s Got Talent fans, and anyone who wants an unusual break from standard Las Vegas entertainment.

Choose Category A VIP seating if you care about being closest to the stage or want the TAPE FACE swag bag. Choose a lower category if the $81 price already feels like a stretch and the merchandise does not matter to you.

Skip it if you want a talk-heavy comedy act, a large musical production, or complete certainty that you will never be invited into the action. For the right audience, though, Tape Face offers a compact and memorable night at MGM Grand, with Sam Wills turning silence, movement, and a little audience nerve into the whole show.

FAQ

Where does the Tape Face show take place?

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

How long is the performance?

The show lasts 90 minutes.

Who performs as Tape Face?

Tape Face is performed by New Zealand comedian Sam Wills, known from America’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent: The Champions.

Is the show suitable for children?

Yes. The show is listed for all ages. Children aged three and older need a ticket, while children aged two and under may attend as a lap seat.

Do children need an adult with them?

Yes. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What does Category A VIP seating include?

Category A VIP seating provides 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.

Is the theater wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.