Like magic, Thomas and tigers are back at the Tropicana
From www.lvj.com
BY Mike Weatherford
Nov 17, 2011
It's full circle for magician Rick Thomas, who plans a holiday run at the Tropicana Dec. 9-31.
Thomas is the latest in what has become a surge of Christmas shows to the Strip, all of them late to either close a deal or to announce their plans.
I have written more than Thomas enjoys being reminded of one of the more ironic twists of Las Vegas entertainment: The magician gave up his long-running afternoon show at the Trop in 2005, amid widespread talk that the hotel would be imploded. So he moved to the Stardust. Which was imploded instead.
Thomas and his tigers have since toured the town, most recently playing the Saxe Theater, a stint that was termed temporary while the Riviera's classic showroom was being remodeled.
The Riviera has seen many improvements in recent months, but the showroom isn't among them. Thomas says investors balked at the Riviera wanting the entertainment tenant to foot the bill for expensive, long-delayed upgrades. Understandable, since you usually don't take the upholstery with you if the show closes.
The magician says he has no quarrel with the Riviera, but knows "hotel theaters come like winning the lottery. It just doesn't happen very often. You have to take that opportunity wherever a theater opens its door for you."
Thomas will offer afternoon shows at the Trop at 4 p.m., moving into the evening slot to add a performance when Recycled Percussion goes on vacation starting Dec. 26. He hopes to "continue the relationship" next year. "I know what I can do for their hotel," he says, after a seven-year run there.read more:http://www.lvrj.com/neon/like-magic-thomas-and-tigers-are-back-at-the-tropicana-134023283.html
Thomas is the latest in what has become a surge of Christmas shows to the Strip, all of them late to either close a deal or to announce their plans.
I have written more than Thomas enjoys being reminded of one of the more ironic twists of Las Vegas entertainment: The magician gave up his long-running afternoon show at the Trop in 2005, amid widespread talk that the hotel would be imploded. So he moved to the Stardust. Which was imploded instead.
Thomas and his tigers have since toured the town, most recently playing the Saxe Theater, a stint that was termed temporary while the Riviera's classic showroom was being remodeled.
The Riviera has seen many improvements in recent months, but the showroom isn't among them. Thomas says investors balked at the Riviera wanting the entertainment tenant to foot the bill for expensive, long-delayed upgrades. Understandable, since you usually don't take the upholstery with you if the show closes.
The magician says he has no quarrel with the Riviera, but knows "hotel theaters come like winning the lottery. It just doesn't happen very often. You have to take that opportunity wherever a theater opens its door for you."
Thomas will offer afternoon shows at the Trop at 4 p.m., moving into the evening slot to add a performance when Recycled Percussion goes on vacation starting Dec. 26. He hopes to "continue the relationship" next year. "I know what I can do for their hotel," he says, after a seven-year run there.read more:http://www.lvrj.com/neon/like-magic-thomas-and-tigers-are-back-at-the-tropicana-134023283.html
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