If you are unaware of the name Bill Smith, please learn it.
He is among the most celebrated magic prop builders in the world and a specific favorite of the Las Vegas elite. Night after night you can spot his handiwork on stage with David Copperfield as well as Penn & Teller. He’s also been the workshop man for Johnny Thompson and Lance Burton, whose entire Monte Carlo was comprised of Smith creations.
So how much are you looking to drop should you seek a Smith original?
His illusions start at $8,000 and are built out of sturdy aluminum and fiberglass. A good illusion, Smith explained, is a work of art. It must look like a box or a dangerous device, but it does a completely different job. It also must be durable enough to withstand travel and thousands of shows.
While Smith is knowledgeable in building illusions, it’s his experience as a performer that makes him one of the top builders, Thompson said.
The difference between a magic prop builder with relevant performing knowledge and a competent builder without it is like the difference between one who has eyeballs and one without them. Sure, they might get it right and they are probably cheaper but there are no guarantees.
Read the Las Vegas Sun’s full story on Smith here.
David Copperfield, Lance Burton, Las Vegas, Penn & Teller | No Comments »
Posted by Editor on November 17th, 2012
Signs are lit up for Tommy Wind and his new show Magic, Music and More. He is set to hit the stage on November 24th at the Boulevard Theater. Here is what is currently flashing for Las Vegas visitors.
Las Vegas | No Comments »
Posted by Editor on November 2nd, 2012
Jeez, when they say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas they are not kidding. Here is a picture taken by an eagle-eyed iTricks reader of the trailer for Melinda’s show. For those keeping track, the show closed over seven years ago at the Venetian.
Melinda made a brief reappearance on stage as part of V: The Ultimate Variety Show this year.
Good to see this piece of magic history is still trucking. Literally.
Las Vegas | 3 Comments »
Posted by Editor on October 16th, 2012
Tommy Wind will open a new show, his first since he closed at the Clarion, in the Boulevard Theater this November. Entitled “Tommy Wind: Magic, Music and More” it will feature the 22 year old performing a stage illusion act as well as singing, dancing and performing martial arts.
His father (also named Tommy) tells iTricks that the family is in the process of selling a reality show focused on his family’s transition from New York City to Las Vegas and their management of Tommy’s career. The elder Tommy says their production company partners are currently mulling offers from two cable networks on the strength of a sizzle reel. The show is currently titled Staten Island on the Strip.
Below is an image being used to sell the show.
More on this as it develops.
Las Vegas, TV | 1 Comment »
Posted by Editor on October 9th, 2012
An unfortunate casualty in Nathan Burton’s sudden just from the Flamingo Hotel and Casino to the Saxe Theater in the Planet Hollywood is that Michael Turco’s Magic and Mayhem show is temporarily without a home.
With choreography provided by Dancing With the Star’s Lacey Schwimmer, Turco took to Vegas after his run on America’s Got Talent. We are told the switch was a sudden one. Neither Burton nor Turco got a chance to commemorate their final performances at their former theaters.
We wish all the best for Turco, wherever he lands.
Las Vegas | No Comments »
