There’s no better place on earth to see a magic show than among the lights of Las Vegas. Glitter and glamor abound. The world’s most skilled magicians pass through Las Vegas at one time or another. Some thrill and move on to other places, others stay and perform almost daily. They cover just about every genre of magic, from David Copperfield’s complete illusions to Mac King’s parlor magic and humor.
This article is not about who I think you should see, but rather a kind of directory that will guide you to the artists that best suit your preferences and budget.
David Copperfield performs almost every night at the MGM Grand. He is the epitome of Vegas magic: big, grand, dazzling and the best at what he does. Anyone of any age can appreciate his shows and will leave inspired. Expect to spend some money, as seeing the best will cost more.
Penn and Teller show up at the Rio, and adults who want to be seriously tricked and entertained can’t miss it. He would recommend this show for the whole family, but Penn has been known to drop the ‘F’ bomb from time to time, so he would rate this show a definite ‘PG’. Again, tickets aren’t cheap, but they’re worth it.
Criss Angel’s ‘Believe’ plays several times a week at the Luxor. Although this show didn’t get great reviews, I understand that Criss has dramatically increased the number of illusions and I’m starting to hear that the Criss Angel who wowed a nation on TV is back and going strong. If you are a fan of Criss Angel, I hope you are extremely satisfied with the new look of ‘Believe’. It should be suitable for the whole family.
The Amazing Johnathan performs on Planet Hollywood and his wild magic is definitely for adults. The magic is simply a tool that Johnathan uses to make you laugh for the duration of the show. Continuous virtual humor makes this one of the most watched shows in Las Vegas.
Gerry McCambridge, the mentalist, also stars in Planet Hollywood. He would recommend finding another activity for the kids as Gerry is a very cerebral artist whose mentality is probably beyond the average kid. Adults will ‘get it’ and appreciate the tremendous skill and professionalism displayed by ‘the mentalist’.
Rick Thomas’s Magic and Tigers shakes up the Sahara. Rick continues in the tradition of the hugely popular Siegfred and Roy, using big, beautiful creatures to add flavor and flair to his shows. This show is a perennial favorite for Las Vegas magic lovers. Suitable for the whole family.
The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah’s is the best deal for the money in Las Vegas. Call the box office and ask for special prices. You can find good tickets for less than twenty dollars. Mac is a very, very funny guy. A couple of his effects slightly border on risk, but in a way that will make the average “kid” feel like you trust them to see and appreciate the performance. I wouldn’t hesitate to accept anyone over the age of ten.
The Nathan Burton Comedy Show at the Flamingo is a great way for a family to spend an afternoon in Las Vegas. The star of World’s Greatest Magic on NBC; World’s Wildest Magic on NBC; America has talent; Miami Ink; and VH1’s Surreal Life is often called the ‘hardest working magician in Las Vegas…’. Filled with illusions and showgirls, this show will definitely be one of the highlights of his trip to Las Vegas.
Although not every magician currently performing in Las Vegas is listed, there are several websites detailing many other performers and shows currently appearing in and around Las Vegas. Magicians contact these sites regularly with their latest information and links to their venues, as times, dates and details are constantly changing. Do your homework before you leave for Las Vegas, as some shows sell out early. Enjoy.