Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Siegfried & Roy: masters of animation

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

World-renowned illusionists Siegfried & Roy will "bring the magic back" to family television with today's premiere of their animated miniseries, "Siegfried & Roy: Masters of the Impossible."

"This animated series is a wonderful chance to bring children our important message about discovering the world of magic all around them," Roy says. "We also want them to discover the magic deep inside all of us."

The series, which airs at 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays on the Fox Children's Network, KVVU Channel 5, is based on the real life of Siegfried & Roy as traveling magicians on a quest to bring the magic back to the mystical land of Sarmoti. The miniseries, which was developed over four years, was produced by DiC Entertainment.

"I think kids are really going to have a good time with this show," says Mike Maliani, DiC senior vice president of development as well as the show's executive producer, along with Kenneth Feld, Bernie Yuman, Andy Heyward and Robby London. "The show creates such a rich and imaginative world, I've never seen anything like it."

Director-producer Ron Myrick says they turned to sources as varied as Norse mythology, sword-and-sorcery games and, of course, Siegfried & Roy's nightly spectacle at The Mirage.

"We've opened the door, allowing us to borrow from other periods and places," he says. "There are no bounds to this world of Sarmoti. Each character and place has a unique, creative look that's been in no other show of its kind. There are no limits on what we can create and do."

The inspiration for the series came from the vision of Siegfried & Roy themselves. The animated show reflects their hopes for the next generation.

"Our series isn't about superheroes with special powers or about lasers or guns," Roy explains. "It's about the very special and powerful magic inside all of us and in the world around us."

Adds Siegfried, "Magic is inside all of us and is very powerful. Roy and I have been called the 'Masters of the Impossible,' but we are really masters of human possibility. We want children to uncover the possibilities they have."

That's exactly what Siegfried & Roy do as they travel through Sarmoti, meeting kings, evil titans, dragons and an assortment of other mythical creatures. Siegfried's skill at the magic of misdirection blends with Roy's powerful ability to communicate with animals, producing a remarkable team.

As a team, Siegfried & Roy eschew weapons and violence. Instead, they succeed through their own skills and wits.

Siegfried & Roy are perfect role models for Fox Children's Network's audience, according to the network's president, Margaret Loesch.

"Siegfried & Roy have created an extraordinary world of fantasy and illusion that continues to astonish and captivate audiences of all ages," Loesch says. "With this exciting new animated miniseries, we've attempted to capture the magic of these amazing performers and bring their unique world of dreams and fantasies to children."

And after the four-episode miniseries airs, will there be more?

"This is only the beginning," Siegfried says.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy