Monday, Oct. 31, 2005 | 9:06 a.m.
The Amazing Johnathan really knows how to throw a party.
Body bags. Body parts. Live boa constrictors. Fake rats.
The always spooky magician may be at his best on Halloween.
Thursday night he partied with a hundred or so fans and peers at a warehouse where he stores his 14 classic automobiles.
The warehouse was dubbed Szeles & Sons Mortuary.
For the occasion he moved the cars and created a maze of terror which guests had to pass through just to get to the party, where you could dine on such delicacies as human brains (made from jello).
There were live actors in body bags, a carved-up living carcass from a surgery gone seriously wrong, a possessed baby that sprang up from the crib to surprise people passing into the room and a seriously demented mother asking people for help.
Spirits came out of walls to grab you.
The always politically incorrect Johnathan and his assistant Penny Wiggins (Psychic Tanya) brought their zaniness to the party.
As you exited the haunted house you found Johnathan sitting behind the wheel of his classic Ford Falcon, that bounced on hydraulics and flashed its lights as a bloody torso flew at you from a dark corner.
There were performances by go-go dancers and strippers; models carrying snakes and a mind reader.
At 1 a.m. there was a live freak show by cast members of the Jim Rose Circus -- fire eaters and human pin cushions; a performer who hung various heavy objects from a nose piercing.
Among the guests were Monte Carlo magician Lance Burton, who recently was invited to perform on the FTD Float in the 117th Rose Bowl Parade (this year entitled "It's Magical").
Also, "An Evening at La Cage" star Frank Marino (who recently has become involved in a public spat with his producer Norbert Aleman). And Rio magicians Penn & Teller (Penn reportedly soon will have an hourlong talk show on KSFN 1140-AM).
"Thunder from Down Under" producer Adam Steck, hypnotist Anthony Cools (Paris Las Vegas), magician Nathan Burton ("Buck Wild" at the Sahara and "V, the Ultimate Variety Show" at the Aladdin) and cast members of Second City (at the Flamingo) also were among the guests.
Johnathan performs at 10 p.m. Fridays through Wednesdays in the Sahara's Congo Room -- where it's Halloween year around.
Halloween Ball
The 39th annual Beaux Arts Ball, one of the nation's biggest Halloween costume parties, begins at 10:30 tonight at MGM Grand's Studio 54.
American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson will be one of the featured entertainers.
Tickets are $25 at the door.
For information call 384-2899.
All proceeds benefit Golden Rainbow, an organization created in 1987 for Las Vegans who suffer from HIV/AIDS.
In addition to Hudson, entertainers scheduled to perform include cast members of "Fantasy," "Folies Bergere," "Jubilee!" "La Cage," "We Will Rock You," the Vamps Girlie Revue, Chippendales, Culture Shock and others.
Cash prizes will be awarded for Best Costume Overall: $1,054; Best Group Costume (three or more minimum): $654; Sexiest: $254; and Best Drag: $254.
The night will be hosted by Jimmy Emerson of "La Cage" and Bryan Cheatham of "Chippendales."
Houdini
Magician Dixie Dooley, a big fan of Harry Houdini, will conduct his annual Halloween seance to try to reach the late escape artist.
The event takes place today at 1:26 p.m. (the official time of Houdini's death) at Carluccio's Tivoli Gardens, 1775 E. Tropicana Ave.
Jerry Fink can be reached at 259-4058 or at [email protected].
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