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Greetings, readers!
 THIS IS THE beginning of a series of articles that will be required reading, guaranteed to make you smile, and filled with tons of fun information and stories and…
Just what this column is exactly cannot really be discussed now. I am, after all, in the ultra-secret art of magic business, and as such, I have secrets. Lots of secrets. It's the stock in trade for us magi. Without secrets, where would magicians be? Passing out those little cards on The Strip to tourists? Or shining shoes on Fremont Street? Neither a pleasant thought.
Keeping the theme of this column a secret seems appropriate, then. Each time you read a new installment, it will be sort of like peeling away another layer of the onion, which reveals yet another layer. So, I guess this column is actually like an onion, not the smelly, eye-watering kind, the sweet ones from Georgia. Except, I'm not from Georgia. And not necessarily sweet.
What does that leaves us with? A mysterious column, theme unknown at this time (or at least secret, meaning, I know what the theme is, I'm just not telling) written by a magician, who promises one thing only; an entertaining read.
Naturally, I will focus on the Magic World of Las Vegas, with juicy bits and pieces from some of the magicians who live and work and play here in the desert; and if I uncover any dirt, I promise to include that, too. Because, I know how you are! You love the behind the scenes stuff, don't you? I know. That's part of the magician thing, too. We can read minds when necessary.
In future installments, we will feature news, views, and occasional interviews with shakers and movers from the entertainment community, including—but not limited to—some of the superstar magicians who grace our stages and mess with our minds.
In case you are wondering who the heck I am, and even if you aren't, a quick bit of background for you. In the coming months, you will get to know me better, but for now, here are the vitals.
 My name is Steve…and I am a magic nut. I am also a writer (television shows, commercials, documentaries, and various columns, both online and in print) a director (commercials, TV shows and industrial films) and most importantly, a dad.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, I grew up there, and when I was six years old I became interested in magic, like many kids at that age, except I was one of those weird ones that never lost my fascination for magic, which grew into a passion, and finally, an obsession…began performing magic at the age of ten and never stopped. I starred in my own TV show back in Boston ("Magical Mystery Tour"), then left the snow of New England to move to Los Angeles, first to appear on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, then to begin a run of appearances at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood (this year will be my 33rd consecutive year of shows when I play there from Nov. 5th through 12th).
 I moved here with my wife, Jan (a motivational speaker and success coach) about 5 years ago, and we love our newly adopted home town.
Previously, I appeared as an opening act for a number of headliners, including Tom Jones, Tony Orlando, Bob Hope, Rodney Dangerfield and Don Rickles, then as a headliner at Caesars Magical Empire in Caesars Palace for six years, and have been appearing in my own show, "Xtreme Close-up Magic" in various hotels here, first at the Orleans, then the Flamingo, and most recently the soon-to-vanish Imperial Palace.
In the late '90s, I worked as a television production executive at ABC and Fox, finding talent and writing comedy bits for late night television. I was responsible for putting many actors on television for the first time, including both Drew Carey and Tim Allen. I am blessed with many very special friends in the world of show business, many of whom you will be hearing about in this and future columns.
 Local magic happenings…Gary Darwin, master magician, historian, and namesake of the ultra-secret Darwin Magic Society here in Vegas, recently had an extended engagement at a local hospital for surgery related to a long-neglected diabetes condition. I spoke to Gary a few hours ago, his spirits are up, he's doing fine, and expects to make a full recovery…he told me he misses the club. Well, Gary, the club misses you, too, so get well soon.
Rick Thomas is looking for a new home for his successful show. His tigers are picky; they won't work in just any showroom. Lately, they have been filling the legendary Stardust showroom not 2, but 3 times a day, doing record-breaking business with shows at 2 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm. Seems Rick is challenging David Copperfield (now over at the MGM Grand) over the title "hardest working magician in the business."
There is no truth to the rumor that Rick actually sleeps at the hotel with his exotic cats.
 The Stardust showroom closes next month, at the end of October, in preparation for the hotel closing and the upcoming implosion to make way for the new hotel Eschelon. Rick is not worried, however, as he has four offers from other casinos to mull over, and folks over at Boyd Gaming, Rick's current employer, have stated they would like to keep Rick in the family, which means he could end up in another one of their properties. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, Rick is heading to Hollywood, California to appear at the Kodak Theatre, home of the Oscars, in a star-studded fiftieth edition of "It's Magic" the long running production staged every year by Milt Larsen. It will be the first time so many of the world's top magicians will be appearing together on one show. Among the stars, Seinfeld's Jason Alexander serves as emcee, with Lance Burton, Mac King, Jeff McBride, James Dimmere, Kevin James and Rick Thomas leading the line-up.
I'll be there, seated in one of them private boxes overlooking the action, and I'll have a full report in my next edition.
 HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
Milt Larsen (creator of the Magic Castle and Caesars Magical Empire), is responsible for putting more magicians on the map than any other person. Most of those who work in Las Vegas acknowledge the importance of Milt in their careers. Personally, I recall the night I performed at the Magic Castle and the Tonight Show talent booker was there, and hired me.
The city of Hollywood, California honored Milt, along with his late brother, Bill last Friday with a star on the Hollywood Walk on Fame for their remarkable contributions to Hollywood through their live productions and the Magic Castle. Bravo, Milt! We are all very proud to call you a friend.
MASTER ILLUSIONIST STEVE WYRICK
Remember Steve Wyrick? Of course you do. First he blew into town at the now defunct Lady Luck, in the temporary showroom (tent) in the parking lot. He scored well with his show there, and soon the Sahara came calling, and they actually built a custom showroom just for his massive show, including the Hummer, an airplane and sixteen baby elephants.
 After a successful run there, Wyrick moved into another Strip hotel, this time the Aladdin, where he performed until the hotel closed the theatre to make way for the all-new Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino, which the Aladdin is now being transformed into. Robert Earle, the CEO of Planet Hollywood signed a long-term deal with Wyrick which will bring his all new show, "Real Magic," to the new hotel in a still-under-construction space to be known as the Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex.
Jan and I had dinner with SW last week, and Jan was grilling him for specifics, but you know how we magicians can be…he is not ready to release a lot of those details yet, but says he's almost ready. Costs seem to constantly increase, but that's the price of creativity these days. One thing I will say, Steve is going all out, with a first-class facility in every way. No cutting corners for this guy. It will be an amazing theatre and entertainment complex. There's the showroom, a fancy 500-seat theatre custom built to Steve's exacting specifications, plus an ultra-lounge called Triq, which will, I predict, soon become the place to be seen. The price tag has soared past the $30 million cost and it's still climbing.
I know a lot more than I can say, as he has sworn us to secrecy and I am sure he has my phone tapped and people following me. As a matter of fact, I see a van parked outside my house, with two guys sitting in it right this minute. That's okay, they don't scare me. I have friends with tigers.
 Here's an exclusive sneak peak—the first time a camera has been allowed inside the construction zone. Steve allowed Jan to snap a few like this one, taken from the foot of the stage, looking out at the audience. Seats and carpet and lights all coming in a couple of weeks. He promised we can shoot more photos as it gets closer to his opening, which at this time, is set for the first week of November.
 Mac King has announced that he is now under contract for another five years with Harrah's, where he has been knocking people senseless every afternoon on the Strip. I guess that means they like him. Bravo, Mac…and if you haven't seen him lately, you must do so. Great magic and great laughs. And he makes it all look so easy. I'll have an interview and show review with Mac very soon.
MOVIE MAGIC
As a writer and director, I have always been fascinated with movies. As a member of the Academy and Screen Actor's Guild, I get to see movies for free, which is a huge saving for me, as I see almost every movie that is released, the good, the bad, and the horrible. In each installment, I'll give you my one-line thoughts on the most recent ones I've seen, to save you from wasting your time and money on the bad ones.
This week, four movies, one you can skip, and 3 you have to see.
The Illusionist—naturally I loved it, even though parts are a bit hard to believe, it's a magnificent picture, shot well, a gorgeous period movie with outstanding performances by Ed Norton and Paul Giamotti, and some very cool magic sequences. Great script.
Snakes on a Plane—come on, what do you really expect from a movie by this name? Made me want to cancel my upcoming flights.
Hollywoodland—great performances, true story, a fun ride, but many will be disappointed that there are no real conclusions at the end. Did Superman shoot himself or not? We never know. Only negative for me was the casting of Ben Affleck in the frustrated George Reeves role. Reeves was a one-note actor, many say (I don't agree) and here we have Ben Affleck (truly as one-note actor) playing him badly. Shows you how bad an actor he really is. I guess he should stick to writing.
Invincible—Mark Wahlberg shines in the feel-good true story about an ordinary guy from a small Pennsylvania town ends up playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Ladies take note: you will love this picture, it's not just another sports film. Promise.
FINALLY
 It's not magic, but another new, magical show is coming to Las Vegas. Produced by legendary showman and creator of "Legends in Concert" and "Blues Brothers Revival" (among many others) and written and directed by yours truly. In my next column I will reveal the name and details of this all-new show that is destined to have the whole town talking…right now, though, it's all still a secret.
Until then, feel free to send your comments. Go ahead, I can take it.
Magically yours,
Steve Dacri
www.SteveDacri.com
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