BWW Reviews: THE NAKED MAGICIANS

Promotional material tells us that at the The Naked Magicians "Magic + Strip Poker = The Naked Magicians." But, unlike the show with the same title that has played elsewhere in the world, the cast does wear clothing most of the time (thus avoiding, one imagines, some awkward moments).

The magicians are Chris James a British magician who's entertained the Queen and at the United Nations, both in the same year. Las Vegas favorite Lance Burton called him a "genius" and he is, indeed terrific.

Andrew Goldenhersh is the only magician to have been nominated for both "Close-Up Magician of the Year" and "Parlour Magician of the Year" 12 years in a row. He also created a segment of David Copperfield's current show. Here he does something with his copious hair that made the audience laugh and applaud, likely because we've sever seen such a trick before.

Jason Baney, a Las Vegas resident, completes the trio of magicians.

Also in the show is Emily Sanders, in the somewhat superfluous role of a waitress with whom the guys play strip poker I feel about her mostly the same way I felt about Penny in Absinthe: nice enough, but an unnecessary distraction. On the other hand, as this is a healthy heterosexual show, they needed a woman for their strip poker game so, for that purpose, she's just fine.

The magic is of the close-up variety and is lots of fun to watch. There are plenty of card tricks and some audience involvement. The latter is absolutely not, however, in any way embarrassing to audience members who are asked to participate and participants may be given a gift.

Originally created by magician Charles Bach in 2006, The Naked Magicians are here only through October 31, so hurry. The show is at 4 pm.

Tickets are priced at $33 dollars and $42 for VIP seats (includes autographed photo and your own close-up magic trick) and can be purchased online at http://www.nakedmagicians.com or by phone at 702-776-8888. They play for audiences 18 and over at the terrific Tommy Wind Theater, 3765 Las Vegas Blvd.

The show is plenty of fun and well worth seeing.

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