Good morning from the cold desert. It's sunny and cold, we can see a bit of snow in the mountains that surround our valley here, and all of the hotels have been transformed into winter wonderlands of snow, ice and glitter as only Vegas can do. Being from New England, the contrast between the two parts of the country couldn’t be more dramatic.  I don’t miss the snow or the cold, and besides, I love all of the great holiday displays and stuff going on here in Vegas, so many sights to see at this time of year, in between all the other sights, like the green felt of the tables and the chink-a-chink of the machines.

There really is a a transformation that goes on here that many of us locals seem to overlook.  For me, I find that even though its not like the great winters of the Northeast that I remember so fondly back in Boston and Worcester and Vermont, if you use your imagination, you can actually be transported to the holiday winter time even here in the middle of the desert.

The Strip...

We had friends in from London this week.  As much as we try to avoid the strip, you HAVE to take those out of towners down there at least once, right?  I made 3 stops, then left them on their own for their very own shopping and gambling frenzy, and met up with them later in the hospital where they invariably always end up from sheer exhaustion and over-stimulation.  The three stops went something like this.

The Bellagio: This is my favorite spot, and my wife, Jan visits it at least once a week to breathe the fresh air and smell the fresh plants in the Conservatory. The giant Christmas tree (an impressive 35 footer), is lit, the decorations are up, and they'll stay up through January 6. This year's display has an edible theme, featuring a "cranberry bog" comprising more than 100,000 cranberries (I counted them), not to mention six reindeer made of real pecans, which someone tried to eat. There are twinkling lights and dancing fountains, sparkling stars and vibrant poinsettias and other colorful flowers and happy plants.  And at least 200 Oriental tourists, whom we followed on over to...

Caesars Palace: The casino has discontinued its traditional Strip-side holiday ice rink, which is a shame, because it was such great fun to stand and watch people crashing into each other and listening to the sounds of bones crashing and children screaming.  But they still have this giant tree' which is lit with 9,675 individual lights, and another one million lights are up around the property. Most hotels have displays but none as elaborate as this or the Bellagio.  Fun to walk through, then into the Forum Shops, if you dare.  We did, but I was able to get everyone out quickly when I told them that Paris Hilton was closing the place down for the day so she could shop in private.

Next it was over to Wynn, the newest hotel that my friends had not yet seen: Lights and decorations are up around the property, but the main focal point of this year's Christmas is obviously the Esplanade shopping mall, which has been transformed into a "Wynn-ter Wonderland." Store windows displays remind me of Manhattan, where ever department store tries to outdo the next with elaborate, exciting displays.  This being Vegas, the Wynn-dows are filled with mannequins attired in "enchanted holiday apparel," set against frosted backdrops evoking an enchanted, money-grabbing forest of retail therapy.

After a few adult beverages, we carted the gang off to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for a little rock and roll Christmas cheer.  The front of the casino has been transformed into the "Hard Rockafella Center," which includes a public ice skating area.  We strolled through the lobby and the casino, grabbed a meal in Simon’s Kitchen (said hello to Simon), and we were off to the Rio to see their "Holiday in the Sky" a Christmas-themed version of the free Masquerade in the Sky show, which continues through Christmas day.

I personally hate the fact that so many places put up holiday lights and Christmas trees around Halloween.  I try to ignore them until December, then I enjoy checking them out, as I was getting the chance to do with my Londoners. 

We next headed for Lake Las Vegas.   While Caesars no longer has its ice rink, Monte Lago Village has taken up the tradition with its giant floating skating rink, which opened November 17 this year and will operate through January 15. At It's Rockerfeller Center-sized and can accommodate up to 60 skaters at a time, floating on the lake while skating, how cool is that? The floating rink is open to the public daily, so we strapped on some skates and zipped around until a really hefty man dressed like Santa crashed into me and knocked himself unconscious.  I figured that was the sign to go.  We slipped into the  Gingerbread House Gallery, a display of 35 gingerbread houses in MonteLago Village.  All was fine until we were thrown out when one of my friends was caught eating bits of the displays.

On the way back from Lake Las Vegas, we stopped in Henderson.  For the 6th year in a row, Sunset Park hosts the "Gift of Lights" -- millions of them, illuminating 300 animated and twinkling light displays in a drive-through setting of festive tunnels haunted caves, with surprise visits from Santa, Rudolph, Michael Jackson, and many others. Anderson Dairy was manning the Hot Cocoa Corner, with proceeds going to the Boy Scouts, of which I am one (an Eagle Scout is for life). T We had a few cups, then I loaded my mostly-drunk visitors into the limo and we headed for the real jungle...downtown:

They wanted to see the  Fremont Street Experience.   It's a holiday wonderland down there, mixed together with the homeless and the street vendors, it's like no other place on earth.

The next day, I loaded them into my car and dropped them at the airport 4 hours early, as they wanted to play the machines in the terminal and get rid of any extra money they still had left.

HOLIDAYSHOWSUCCESS

		Las Vegas Entertainment Ambassador Tony Sacca presented his 21st annual Christmas Special, Merry Christmas Las Vegas, with all the proceeds going to The Youth Foundation for the Performing Arts, helping children become the stars of tomorrow. We joined the sold out crowd at the Stratosphere, in the beautiful Showroom that is home to the long-running afternoon show "Viva Las Vegas" and the evening show, "American Superstars". I have performed in this showroom quite a few times myself; it is perfect for audience interaction, as it is small, and has two giant video screens on the sides of the stage to showcase sleight-of-hand magic.
Steve Dacri with Tony Sacca and Vegas legal eagle Ed Coleman
Tony does this every year; he actually produces the live show and the television special that is taped for later airing in 300 or so markets across America. He has created a wonderful tradition, and his tireless efforts are to be commended. Tony's mom, whom we sat with, was beaming throughout the show, watching her son sing and keep the show running smooth, not an easy task. The showroom was decorated like a winter wonderland, and with 8 cameras rolling, the show got under way with a formidable talent line-up, including the Las Vegas Tenors, of which Bill Fayne of Clint Holmes fame is one, followed by the Phantom himself from the Las Vegas Phantom of the Opera over at the Venetian, belting out Christmas fare. The Rat Pack is Back tribute show with Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean running through a few holiday-type numbers, and Tony Sacca himself singing a few holiday favorites, backed by a cracker-jack band, most of whom have been with this special show for all of the previous 20 editions. The highlight of the show, Sonny Turner, the amazing voice of the Platters, sang a holiday song, followed by the remarkable Platters hit, "Only You", which brought the crowd to its feet in a loud and long standing ovation. How can he still sing such a demanding and recognizable song today, and still sound exactly as he did on the record? I am told that he is in the process of getting back together with the rest of the surviving members of the original Platters, including my long-time pal Herb Reed, to perform and record all of their hits again. What a treat that would be. I have the inside track on those negotiations, so I will keep you posted. The show also included a stirring set by songstress Diane Diaz, who performs regularly at the Bellagio, with a holiday favorite and an original number. You can catch her in the Fontana Lounge in the Bellagio, where she is starting her ninth year. Also on the bill was Vegas-based doo-wop group, Doo Wop Dot Com, adding their unique touch to the sounds of Christmas. The show ended with an appearance by one of the many, many, many Elvis impersonators here in town, who did a wonderful Christmas song while gyrating and bumping and grinding in his gold sequined jacket and extra large-sized pants. Sure is tough impersonating a legend, especially when you really don't look like the original. Well, okay, he sort of looked like Elvis, if you squinted and looked sideways sometimes. He sounded like Elvis, but the likeness ended there. Only a very few celebrity impersonators have the whole package (looks and sound), which is why they are such high demand and always busy. After the show in a private party in Tony's palatial suite, guests and entertainers mingled and nibbled on Italian food; cold cuts, breads, calzone, lasagna, meatballs and sausage, all spread out courtesy of Montessano's Restaurant. Tony was clearly thrilled with the turnout and relieved that this monumental event was finally over. Now the editing process begins before the show can hit the airways, but that should be fairly routine, as the cameras seemed to adequately catch all of the action and crowd reactions, and it's now a matter of piecing the whole thing together. Bravo to you, Tony Sacca, once again, for your efforts.

STEVEWYRICKGOESBACKTOWORK

Finally, after delays that spread out over an entire year (he was originally scheduled to open his new show at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood last December), the opening of his new show looks to be happening for sure (we think), the new date is coming fast, it's December 15th, and I will be there, cheering him on and enjoying the new theatre in the $35 million Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex. Construction delays have kept this thing from opening on time, which is to be understood. It is a huge complex, built from the ground up, involving many floors, lots of stairs, elevators and planning, none of which is easy to predict and coordinate.

Steve has patiently watched and waited, practicing his tricks and routines, and scoping out the scene as the joint slowly became a reality. He is very excited and proud of the place, and I can honestly say that the magic world has never seen anything quite this elaborate for a single magic act.

Will his show live up to the hype and anticipation? We shall see. I know he has a lot riding on this, not just his reputation, but his pocketbook. Although the money came from a few well-heeled investors, he has a lot to lose if this show doesn't start out as a hit right out of the box.

Today he mentioned to me that he is still not sure of that opening date, as construction delays and permits and every other possible challenge seems to crop up continuously, creating a lot of late night meetings, overtime workers and frustration for him. He is understandably anxious to get back on that stage, and says that by the end of the week he should have a good idea of a definite opening night. He did say that the show will be in "previews" for a few weeks, with discounted tickets while they work out the kinks of the show and the new theatre.

Complimenting Steve Wyrick's "Real Magic" show will be an afternoon show by ventriloquist Ron Lucas, who is bringing his show from the Rio over to this new theatre, hoping the crowds will materialize.

MAGICCASTLEONTV

Magic Castle After Dark (Premiere) (A&E) Saturday 12/16/06 at11AM ET/PT (following a Biography of Houdini that airs at 10AM.)

Magic Castle After Dark is a half-hour live to tape special featuring some incredible magicians from the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. It's like Evening at the Improv was for comedians BUT for magicians. It's a pretty cool show. It focuses on the intimate magic of the Castle and its half hour vanishes like magic. Some of the Performers on the show include Nathan Gibson, Jon Armstrong, Andrew Goldenhersh, Chris Hart, Joel Ward, Shoot Ogawa and Gregory Wilson.

Executive producers are Jude Prest, Dale Hindman and Milt Larsen.The Magic Castle after Dark show is earmarked as a series, but, of course, ONLY if the numbers reflect well enough for the network to sign off on it.

MAGICCASTLECLOSEUPGALLERY

Twenty-five. That was the number I had posted in my dressing room backstage at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. That was the number of performances I was set to do over a seven day engagement that market my first time back in that showroom in many years. With my Las Vegas show running, it has been difficult for me to slip out of town for more than a few days at a time, so I had to pass on invites to perform there until now. At left: You never know who will show up at Steve's Magic Castle gigs. My last week-long performance at the Magic Castle (aside from many private parties and events I would fly in for) was almost 4 years ago. I was in the Parlour of Prestidigitation at that time, but this week was very special to me, as the Close-up Gallery was the very first room I ever performed in, back in 1973, with legendary master magicians Dai Vernon, Kuda Bux, Charlie Miller and Larry Jennings in the crowd on opening night.

This week was quite different, however, as the room has been transformed into a "safer" room, due to fire regulations that required the removal of some seats and all of the standing room.

The result is a smaller crowd, not the usual wild bunch I was fond of so many years ago. When it seemed like not another body could be squeezed into the room, I would slip through the curtains and sit at my table among the exciting people and proceed to blow their minds.

Still a fun room to work, it's just not the same. It also means, with smaller crowd capacity, that instead of performing 3 shows a night, each magician does four. I even did FIVE on one evening to accommodate all of the guests. Kind of reminded me of Caesars Magical Empire, where 5 shows a night was the norm.

It was great fun, saw many old friends, made some new ones, and had a chance to try out some new routines I have been working on for the past couple of years. That, to me, is the best part of working that room. Aside from all of the history there, and the ghosts of magicians who still hang out there, it's such a perfect showcase to present magic that cannot be presented anywhere else. The conditions are ideal, there are no bad sight lines, and every seat is within a few feet of the table.

JONATHANPENDRAGONUPDATE

Our dear friend Jonathan Pendragon, who with his wife, Charlotte, often appeared with me over at the now-defunct Caesars Magical Empire, experienced a freak accident in his home not long ago.. Several people have asked for information on Jonathan’s current condition, so here’s the scoop. As you may not know, Jonathan was alone in his home in California, after having just returned from an East Coast tour.  He was changing a light bulb, on a ladder, when he lost his balance, and fell on a deadly, sharp arrow, which pierced his body and his heart.  He is truly lucky to be alive.

Jonathan is doing very well and continues to amaze all his doctors not only with the speed of his recovery, but also by the fact that he survived the accident at all. Three of his vital organs were pierced and each of these individual punctures was potentially fatal. As one of his surgeons said, “He truly has a STRONG life force.” An unfortunate by-product of the surgery, though, is that he now suffers from deep vein thrombosis – deadly blood clots. He is being treated with anti-coagulants in order to prevent further clots from developing, and the condition is being monitored with blood tests on a weekly basis. However the prognosis is good and it is believed that, in time, he will make a full recovery.

He and Charlotte are spending most of the holiday period at home now, having completed their Fall tour. Jonathan performed on all the dates and, although they had to make a few temporary changes to some parts of the show, his performance was as good as ever, and they received rave reviews and standing ovations at every show on the tour.

Their Samoyed dog, Kashmere, who essentially saved Jonathan’s life by licking his face until he regained consciousness following the accident and thereby enabling him to call 911 on his cell phone, is enjoying her new-found fame. The story of her actions has been picked up by the Associated Press and appeared in many publications throughout the US, and she is also being considered for awards from Petsmart and the Milkbone Dog Biscuit Company.Read the story here.

Jonathan says, “I want to thank everyone who has sent thoughts, prayers and messages my way. The e-mails, letters, flowers and gifts have given me hope and I am happy to be a part of the greater Magic Family.”

LOCALMAGICHAPPENINGS

Gary Darwin, the man with more useless and fascinating knowledge about magic in his brain than anyone on the planet, is FINALLY home after a long stay in the hospital due to his battle with diabetes. He didn't have to pay any money for the stay, just leave a few toes and a piece of his foot in payment for the treatment. We look forward to seeing Gary at the Darwin Magic Club this week, with his new routines, the Vanishing Toes. Gary actually showed up at the Norm Nielsen Tribute last night, and he was in fine form, performing the toe vanish to loud groans.

Chris Angel has been making waves all over town, not just with the taping of his hit series, "Mind Freak", but with his late-night escapades. He's been making the rounds of all the hip night spots, often with Paris Hilton in tow, and he recently opened his magic shop at the Luxor. That is also the announced location for his very own Vegas show, which promises to be just as popular as his television series.

We will be bringing you an interview with Chris just after the holidays die down.

I keep hearing rumors concerning the Dirk Arthur show over at the Tropicana. As you may recall, Arthur suddenly found himself in demand when the Tropicana lost Rick Thomas, who had moved over to the Stardust. Rick moved because he was told that the Trop was about to become a pile of dust, and he didn't want to be there when it was imploded. So, he moved over to the Stardust, and guess what happened? The Stardust is now closed, and set for imminent implosion to make way for a brand new ultra resort, leaving Rick in the dust!

Rick will do fine, however, as Boyd Gaming decided to keep Rick around, moving him into their newly acquired property, the Orleans.

Back at the Trop, however, not wanting to lose out on all of their afternoon ticket sales for a magic show with tigers, they found the unemployed Dirk Arthur sitting around and just changed the name on their ads and put Arthur's picture in the same place where Rick Thomas' head used to be, and voila! The Trop gets back into the after magic show with tigers without even missing a beat, it seems.

Of course, the big difference is Rick Thomas is a master showman, and it is impossible to compare him to Arthur. The reviews for Rick have always been upbeat and solidly positive, as they should be. Rick is one of the best. Top of his game.

Dirk Arthur's stage personna is...well...let's just say he has lovely tigers and pretty props and leave it at that. The reviews reflect that.

Spies tell me that the Tropicana is not pleased, and will soon be making a change that will involve a vanishing act that wasn't in the cards when Arthur signed on. He may soon find himself selling pencils down on Fremont Street to support those wild cats. We shall see.

MOVIEMAGIC

This is our third installment, and judging from the response, many people STILL enjoy this new feature.

As Betty from Montpelier, Vermont wrote: "Thanks for the insights into the movies. I don't always agree with your opinions, but they are honest and heartfelt, which I enjoy immensely."

For Your Consideration - If you want to laugh, and laugh long and hard, then do not miss this fantastic film from Chris Guest and Eugene Levy. It's another in a long line of those "mockumentaries" we love so much, and it is right on the mark. Christopher Guest co-wrote the screenplay with pal Levy, and he plays the part of a director in the film as well. Guest knows this territory well, having been in the all-time greatest fake documentary film of all time, "This is Spinal Tap" for director Rob Reiner.

Casino Royale - It's Bond. James Bond, in the form of a blond and buffed agent 007, with a high-octane story, lots of action and emotion, and of course, that great Bond opening we all love so much. Daniel Craig may not look like Sean Connery or any of the other Bonds, but he sure makes up for it in his intensity and on-screen charm. Highly recommended.

Stranger than Fiction - A weird premise that works. Will Farrell is terrific in this farce, with Dustin Hoffman in a hilarious role, and Emma Thompson at the top of her game, this is a true Hollywood movie that will appeal to everyone, I believe. Not a typical Will Farrell movie; he is delightfully restrained in this comedy, and it suits him well. Pure entertainment.

EMAILOFTHEWEEK

"On your web site, I read about a new wedding show that you are producing. When will it open and how much are the tickets?" - Paul Powell, Pomona, California

I did write a new wedding show called "Celebrity Wedding Party" which I was about to open here in Las Vegas, but plans have changed, and this show will not be opening this year here. It still may open in another state, we are discussing it with several people for a 2007 open, potentially.

I have created another new show, however, which features the world's top celebrity impersonators (tribute artists, they prefer to be called), but it will not be a wedding.

I cannot reveal the title or the nature of the show, yet, as there will also be a television realty show produced at the same time as the new live show is produced. We want to preserve the surprise, and allow the viewers of this behind-the-scenes television series to follow along as we cast the show, rehearse it and prepare for the opening on the Vegas strip.

I will have more exciting details in my next installment, so stay tuned.

FINALLY We just returned from the fantastic gala Tribute to long time Vegas performer Norm Nielsen and we will have a complete report with some really cool photos (thanks to Jan) from that memorable eve at the Orleans. For now, we've run out of room. Magically yours, Steve