David Cassidy to depart MGM’s ‘EFX’

Melissa Schorr

Thursday, Oct. 8, 1998 | 2:29 a.m.

The Partridge bird will fly the coop.

David Cassidy, the former teen idol of "The Partridge Family," and star of the MGM Grand's $45 million special effects extravaganza "EFX," announced Wednesday that he will be leaving the show in December after a two-year run.

"From day one, MGM Grand believed in me and my vision for this show," Cassidy said in a statement.

"They allowed me to help make 'EFX' the best it could be, and together we created the biggest and best production show on the planet. It's been a wild ride -- and a genuine pleasure."

"David has helped make 'EFX' the city's premier production," Richard Sturm, senior vice president of MGM Grand Worldwide Entertainment, said. "We're grateful for his contributions to the show as well as to our community, and we wish him every success in the future."

According to MGM publicist Lynn Holt, Cassidy is not breaking his contract to leave the show, but simply choosing not to renew it at the end of its term.

"This was an active decision," Holt said. "His contract was up at this time, but there was an option for renewal."

"It was very much mutual," Sturm confirmed. "We've had a great two years with him. He has done a sensational job for us."

Cassidy took over the lead role in the show in November 1996, a few months after Michael Crawford, the former "Phantom of the Opera" and originator of the "EFX" starring role, departed.

Crawford later filed a lawsuit against the hotel for injuries he sustained while performing stunts in the show.

Parts of the show were revamped when Cassidy came on board, with some Crawford songs cut, and new ones added.

Cassidy received mostly positive reviews: Local reader polls and out- of-town newspapers enthusiastically praised the show and Cassidy's energetic performance.

An Entertainment Weekly magazine critic reviewing "EFX" this past summer found the script lacking, with "so much to see, so little to think about," but still concluded that Cassidy's performance serves as the brain beneath the show's fluffy locks.

Cassidy said he plans to pursue concerts and television projects, and will continue promoting his recently released adult contemporary CD, "Old Trick, New Dog."

However, he also declared his intention to remain a Las Vegas resident.

And despite this turn of events, the show must go on.

Sturm confirmed that a new performer has already been lined up to take over in January, although he would not announce who that replacement will be.

"It's going to be a surprise," he said.