‘Magicians of the Century’ celebrate anniversary

Joe Delaney

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000 | 9:32 a.m.

Siegfried & Roy celebrated their 10th anniversary and the start of their 11th year at the Mirage Tuesday evening before a capacity audience with a bravura performance by the newly named "Magicians of the Century" and their large, handsome, super-talented cast, led by Lynette Chappell.

We were there when Siegfried & Roy made their debut as a featured act in a production show almost three decades ago and have followed their progress from the first MGM Grand to the Stardust and "Beyond Belief" for years at the Frontier. The art of illusion was taken to a new, much higher plateau when their current production opened at the Mirage.

Where there had been little or no magic as an entertainment attraction in Las Vegas, today there are times when Lance Burton, David Copperfield and Penn and Teller are here at the same time and all doing great business. Each owes a tithe to Siegfried & Roy, who continue to exceed all Las Vegas box office records.

Kenneth Feld is the producer, as he was for "Beyond Belief." The current production was conceived and created by Siegfried & Roy and John Napier, who triples as co-director and designer. John Caird wrote the book for the show and serves as co-director. Other contributors include Tom Bahler (composer); Anthony Van Lasst (choreographer); Andrew Bridge (lighting design); Jonathan Deans (sound design) and William Ivey Long (costume design).

What Cirque du Soleil has accomplished for "O" and "Mystere" at the Bellagio and Treasure Island, respectively, Siegfried & Roy, Feld, Napier and Co., with the support of Steve Wynn and all concerned at the Mirage, did first with this production. It starts its second decade as fresh and exciting as it was at the start of the first 10 years.

Approximately 90 minutes seemed to disappear much too quickly. There is a smooth flow from start to finale, with some 40 segments that include the white tigers, lions, a mechanized dragon that comes close to stopping the show, plus an elephant that disappears and re-appears.

The production deserves the term "spectacular." The illusions are incredible, without equal anywhere, but it is the totality of the entertainment experience from beginning to end that sets Siegfried & Roy apart, resulting in a box office return of close to $1 billion in the first 10 years.

The lounge era's Mary Kaye Trio, Louis Prima, Keely Smith and Sam Butera, followed by Shecky Greene and Don Rickles -- all made Las Vegas in the 1950s. Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack were the catalysts in the 1960s. Wayne Newton was a major factor in the 1970s and into the 1980s. Newton continues to be a factor but it is Siegfried & Roy who redefined entertainment and made Las Vegas the place to visit these past 15 years.

Their award as Magicians of the Century was given by the International Magicians Society at a between-shows ceremony. May they continue as Magicians of the New Century as well.