‘Masters of Illusion’ to bring magic to Jubilee Theater
Las Vegas is still the nation’s capital when it comes to magic shows, so it was really only a matter of time before “Masters of Illusion”—a hit TV series on the CW Network and a touring production featuring a rotating cast of veteran and rising star magicians — made its way to the Strip. The show lands onstage in the Jubilee Theater at Bally’s beginning Dec. 6, a limited engagement that could potentially turn into something more permanent.
“It’s going to be the touring show on steroids,” says co-executive producer David Martin, who’s been developing the Las Vegas version of “Masters of Illusion” for at least a year while taking it on the road for nearly 200 shows and maintaining the TV show for four years. Martin is aiming for a longer run at Bally’s. “I would say right now it’s open-ended.”
If you haven’t seen it, “Masters of Illusion” is fast-paced, ever-changing, and layered with different, nuanced styles of magic, tricks and stunts.
“It’s not your father’s magic show,” says co-executive producer Gay Blackstone, former president of the Academy of Magical Arts and widow of stage magician Harry Blackstone Jr. “It’s for the current period. It has a bit of the Cirque du Soleil feeling, a lot of comedy, a lot of big magic, and it’s for all ages but it’s certainly not a children’s show by any means. It moves very quickly and there’s nothing like an emcee involved.”
“And there are no tuxedos,” adds Martin.
The initial ensemble cast is set with Tommy Wind, Jason Bird, Farrell Dillon, Greg Gleason and Chris Randall, but other performers will rotate through. Because each magician brings their own style — some are comedic, some specialize in big illusions, some in close-up magic — the show will naturally evolve, which the producers hope will cultivate a strong following with Las Vegas locals as well as Strip visitors.
Taking up the celebrated space of the Jubilee Theater is also a big deal.
“It’s such a gorgeous theater, and it will be even more beautiful because we’ll have the TV set, which is very recognizable,” says Blackstone. “We’re taking an incredible theater and going one more level up, and I am so excited about it because I think this is the most gorgeous theater on the Strip. Working there is going to be fabulous.”
Tickets for the December shows are available now at mastersofillusionvegas.com or by phone at 702-777-2782. brock.radke@gmgvegas.com / 702-948-7811 / @brockradke