Columnist Joe Delaney: Magic has firm hold of local entertainment scene

Joe Delaney

Friday, Oct. 2, 1998 | 9:26 a.m.

WHEN STEVE WYRICK, billing himself as a "World Class Magician," opened at the Lady Luck Hotel in August, 1997, the consensus was that his Las Vegas career as a headliner would be short-lived. ... The Lady Luck showroom, really a converted tent, had been a good venue for Melinda, First Lady of Magic, until she decided to appear elsewhere.

Wyrick opened with a few of his best illusions still to come. ... There was a technical mishap the night I was to review him for the Sun's "It Happened Last Night." ... I noted that the review was actually based upon a videotape of a previous performance. ... I was impressed with the young Texan, his talent and desire to succeed in Las Vegas.

At age 28, Wyrick is well into his second year, all of his illusions in place. ... He is constantly improving and adding, proving every performance that he is truly a "World Class Magician."

More magic

Siegfried & Roy were the catalysts who energized the profession here, making it LV's No. 1 entertainment staple today. ... Their Mirage show commands the town's top ticket price, $89.35. ... David Copperfield, currently in Caesars Circus Maximus, fills that room at $82.50. ... Lance Burton (Monte Carlo), at $39.95 and $34.95, is a comparative bargain. ... Penn & Teller shows are in a similar price range when they appear at Bally's.

Mexico's magic superstar Joaquin Ayala headlines "Spellbound" at Harrah's ($34.95). ... Dirk Arthur's magic is featured in Bally's "Jubilee," while Caesars Magical Empire ($75) is a dinner and magic experience featuring the art's top practitioners. ... Most production shows have magic acts.

Price-wise, we also recommend Nick Lewin's Comedy Magic (Maxim), 1 and 3 p.m., $9.95 covers one drink, tax and gratuity. ... Dixie Dooley (Boardwalk) does his magic at 2, 4 and 5:30 p.m. for $8.95.

Magic wrap-up

"The Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas" is another afternoon attraction, 2 and 4 p.m. daily, except Friday, in the Tropicana's Tiffany Theatre. ... There you have it. ... Magic is LV's No. 1 entertainment staple. ... It all began in the 1980s with Siegfried & Roy as a featured act, then with their own production show at the Frontier, and now, a top draw at the Mirage.

Anent comedy

Comedy clubs are another LV staple, pioneered here by Mitzi Shore with her Dunes Comedy Store, 1984-1991. ... Today, there is the Improv at Harrah's with Heath Hyche, Drew Hastings and David Gee. ... The Maxim's Comedy Max stars Jimmy Walker, Nick Griffen and Greg Schwem.

The MGM Grand's "Catch A Rising Star" has Grant Turner and Kevin Jordan this week, while the Riviera's Comedy Club stars Bobcat Goldthwait, plus Pure Insanity, Glenn Hirsch and David White. ... All of the above listed shows close Sunday; the bill changes every week.

Jazz notes

Tasty jazz is available, Wednesday through Saturday nights with Mike Breene, Bob Badgley and Santo Savino (Sante Fe), where the Jazz Organ-ization holds forth, noon-3 p.m. Sundays. ... Friday nights are hot at Pogo's. ... Friends meet at Carollo's Restaurant, 5-9 p.m. Sundays for Marv Koral's All-Stars with Carl Fontana, Carl Saunders, Joe Romano, Gas Mancuso, fine rhythm players and top drawer sit-ins.

Also recommended, the international sounds of Tim and Maritza, Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7:30, at the Kitchen Cafe. ... Tim is a master of the guitar and other middle-eastern stringed instruments, a good jazz player as well. ... He has a CD release in the works.

Texas Station gets a head start on Halloween with its "Texas Screamer" Haunted House, today through Oct. 31, in the hotel-casino's southwest parking lot. ... Part of the proceeds go to local charities.

Friday addenda

Reminder: This Sunday at 6 p.m., it's the "30-30" Dinner and Entertainment at the Stardust Hotel. ... Peggy Ryan and her TNT Dancers, Peter Anthony, Bernie Allen and The Four Freshmen will perform, no speeches, just a good time. ... See you there. ... Do something this weekend, there's plenty happening. ... See you next Thursday.