Magician making laughs appear in act

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 | midnight

Jeff Hobson

Keep an eye on your watch if you plan on attending Jeff Hobson's comedy magic show at Casino MonteLago. During a show, the slight-of-hand artist will swipe about a dozen watches.

"At the end of the show, I give them back," said Hobson, appearing at 8 p.m. Nov. 26 in the Lake Las Vegas casino's Portofino Room. The comedian jokes he'll keep them "only if they're really good."

The first show, "Comedy Night At Casino MonteLago," inside the casino's new showroom opens with comedian Marc Patrick. Tickets are $30 and include a free drink. The new events room, 8 Strada di Villaggio, will be used for entertainment, wedding receptions and cocktail parties.

"It's a beautiful room, Tuscan design," said Christopher Eissler, casino director of operations. "It's right in the heart of the casino. It's going to double as a conference venue and entertainment with comedy events in the midweek."

He plans for quiz nights and open-mic performances monthly or bi-monthly.

Performing magic since he was 11, Hobson has always loved making people laugh and making things disappear. He's "borrowed" about 80,000 items in his career from his spectators. Hobson travels all over the country conducting magician workshops. He has starred in production shows, including "World's Greatest Magic Show," "V-The Ultimate Variety Show," and "The Little Legends Show." He lives in Las Vegas and has performed here since 1987.

"I'm thrilled to be one of the first live, on-stage variety performers out there," Hobson said, calling from a workshop near Valley Forge, Penn. "Lake Las Vegas should get more of a taste of Vegas entertainment. So I'm excited to be the first one."

He's into the old comedy of Victor Borga, Richard "Red" Skelton and Danny Kaye. Comedy cannot be cut out in these hard times, he said.

"Because with all the current economic trouble we all need a laugh. The fact that you need to feel better about yourself is worth 10 times the amount."

For ticket information call the casino gift shop at 939-8951.

Becky Bosshart can be reached at 990-7748 or becky.bosshart@hbcpub.com.