Review: Burton at best in new showroom

Joe Delaney

Friday, July 12, 1996 | 5:16 a.m.

Master magician Lance Burton held a capacity crowd in thrall, including this critic and daughter Kathleen, for the full 90 minutes Thursday night. The Lance Burton Theatre, built to Burton's specifications much as the Siegfried & Roy Theatre was built for them at The Mirage, replicates the lovely venues in London's theater district, even to the bar in the lobby.

The seating is theater-style, most comfortable, and affords the world's No. 1 prestidigitator an opportunity to work in the audience. His "Vanishing Bird Cage," with children onstage, is a delightful segment, topped only by the youngster who later has his shoe turned into a handkerchief.

For nine years, Burton did his act that won him the prestigious Gold Medal Award for Excellence from the world's largest magic society, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, in the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere." He never said a word. It was during the five years at the Hacienda that he developed the warm, humorous speaking persona that complements his already proven ability as a complete magician and illusionist.

At the Monte Carlo, he is taking his place among the all-time greats in his profession. There are excellent production values, six lovely and talented ladies, brilliant comedian-juggler Michael Goudeau, special effects, illusions, but most of all a consummate performer minus the usual high-tech and bombast, who guides the entire assemblage through a wondrous 90-minute entertainment.

We'll save the complete credits for a subsequent SUN column. For now, hats off to all concerned.

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