Interview: Mat Franco of MAT FRANCO – MAGIC REINVENTED at Mat Franco Theater At The LINQ Hotel & Casino
By: Debbie Hall Oct. 18, 2018
When magician Mat Franco won NBC's America's Got Talent, he was given the opportunity to headline his own show in Vegas. Recently he celebrated the third anniversary of Matt Franco -Magic Reinvented Nightly performed in the Mat Franco Theater at The LINQ Hotel & Casino. Whether up close and personal or on stage, Mat amazes and delights audiences of all ages. He recently spoke with BroadwayWorld.com about this milestone in his life and continuing as a headliner on the Las Vegas Strip.
BroadwayWorld.com: How does it feel to headline a show on the Vegas Strip for three years?
Mat Franco: It's hard to put into words. Being the new face of magic in Las Vegas is so unimaginable to me that it doesn't always feel real. I still feel like the same kid growing up in Rhode Island. My goal has always been to make people smile, laugh and feel inspired. In a way, I'm still just doing what I've always done. The appreciation I receive from my audiences gives validation to my work, which motivates me always to keep striving.
BW: How has the show changed since you debuted in Vegas?
Mat Franco: It's hard to measure the changes in something when you see or work on it every day. I consider it a privilege to work tirelessly on the show, updating everything from music choices, lighting sequences, set list changes and much more. Most of these enhancements happen gradually over time. The one thing that doesn't change is the way I hope the show makes the audience feel. The vibe of the show is organic to who I am as a person, so it's imperative for that to remain constant!
BW: How have you changed in the past three years?
Mat Franco: I like to think I'm the same person I was back then, but with a bit more experience in life and performance. My mom always said that I am an old soul. So really, I'm just counting down the days until I can get a senior discount at my favorite restaurants.
BW: What is one funny story you can share from one of your performances?
Mat Franco: Just last night, as part of a magic trick, I asked a gentleman from the audience to open a package of ramen noodles. Having done this many times before, I know that this is not a difficult task to give someone. After he struggled with the package for maybe 30 seconds, he turned to me with an honest, vulnerable look on his face and said, "My wife usually helps with this stuff." The laugh from the audience was uproarious. So, I called his lovely wife to the stage, and with her help, we were able to finish the routine, but it created a moment that will never be duplicated ever again!
BW: Are you planning any new projects?
Mat Franco: I've got another new illusion of large-scale going into the show in the near future. I'm just now in the process of sorting through different music choices, working on some futuristic animation elements, and hoping to bring it to life in the way that my mind envisions it. Seeing things go from concept to reality is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.
Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly performs Thursday to Friday at 7 p.m. with an additional 9:30 p.m. performance on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday (Dark Wednesday and Thursday). Tickets can be purchased online at MatFranco.com, by calling 702-777-2782 or in person at The LINQ Theater box office.
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