Las Vegas Sun

February 9, 2010

Currently: 47° | Complete forecast | Log in

Headliner Lance Burton cancels shows through June 2

Broken bone in foot needed surgery

Published Friday, May 8, 2009 | 2:40 p.m.

Updated Friday, May 8, 2009 | 8:07 p.m.

Lance Burton

You need to upgrade your Flash Player

Las Vegas performer Lance Burton will be offstage at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino until June 2 after he broke a bone in his right foot.

This is the first time in the 15,000 shows he has performed in more than 30 years that Burton has broken a bone, said his publicist, Wayne Bernath. Burton has been at the Monte Carlo for the past 13 years.

He will undergo surgery on Monday for the broken bone. All tickets are refundable from the place they were purchased.

Burton noticed something wrong 15 minutes into the 7 p.m. show Thursday at the Monte Carlo, Bernath said. "But he didn't know it was this serious at the time," he said.

The magician plans to return to his normal schedule as soon as possible, Bernath said.

An on-stage appearance at age 5 years with a traveling magician appearing in Kentucky and a small magic book given to Burton by a neighbor launched his passion and his career.

Born into a Kentucky farm family not far from Louisville on March 10, 1960, Burton quickly became a top magician. In July 1980 at age 20, Burton became the youngest person to receive the Gold Award for Excellence from the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the world's largest magic society.

Burton moved to California, working at the Magic Castle, and made the first of many appearances on the Johnny Carson late-night TV show. Carson allowed Burton to do his entire 12-minute act that eventually earned him a featured spot in the Tropicana Hotel's "Folies Bergere." Burton arrived at the Tropicana for eight weeks and stayed for nearly 10 years.

During his decade at the Tropicana, Burton performed his illusions in full formal attire, never speaking a word.

He won the Grand Prix on July 10, 1982 at the Federation Internationale of Magic in Lausanne, Switzerland, the youngest person and first American who had been honored.

During five years at the former Hacienda Hotel, Burton developed more illusions and began speaking to the audience.

Burton is also known for his work with children through the Shriners and Variety Club.

Discussion: 2 comments so far…

Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy.

  1. This is good news. Las Vegas really need to get rid of these TIRED OLD ACTS and get shows that people want!

  2. Maybe after he gets his foot fixed he'll get his lock-jaw fixed! He talks to the audience through clenched teeth. This is, by far, one of the most BORING acts on the Strip. He does the same "trick" over and over again. One of the funniest parts of the act was the overweight "tah dah" girl who was busting out of her outfit. "Magic" ranks right up there with jugglers, mimes and clowns. Tak your time getting better, Lance!

Post a comment

Commenting requires registration.

Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy.

If you would like to submit your comment as a letter to the editor, you may submit it here.

Username:
Password: (Forgotten your password?)

OR Create an account (It's free)

Spotlight

Signing Day

Signing Day

Eight locals highlight first recruiting class at UNLV for new coach

Miss America

Miss America

Stories, photos and videos from this year's pageant

CES 2010

CES 2010

Full coverage of the International Consumer Electronics Show

CityCenter

CityCenter

The definitive guide to MGM Mirage's newest property

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

Full coverage of New Year's Eve 2009

Sights Unseen

Sights Unseen

A collection of our favorite images that didn't run in 2009

2020 Vision

2020 Vision

As a new decade begins, the Sun looks 10 years ahead

Bottoming Out

Bottoming Out

Gambling addiction in Las Vegas

Funny Face

Funny Face

Carrot Top's stage act a mask of contradictions

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

A detailed look at where renewable-energy sources are located in the state

A gamble in the sand

A gamble in the sand

The history of Las Vegas

Guest Gauge

Guest Gauge

The weekend crowd forecast for Las Vegas

  • Most Read
  • Discussed
  • Most E-mailed

Calendar »

  • 9 Tue
  • 10 Wed
  • 11 Thu
  • 12 Fri
  • 13 Sat