Showgirls of Magic

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Lisa Cousins
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Showgirls of Magic

Postby Lisa Cousins » September 26th, 2003, 10:30 am

I have an extremely gorgeous younger cousin who is a professional dancer, and just this past week I learned that she is one of the Showgirls of Magic in the new Atlantic City production of that show. This has led to some extremely interesting family discussion! Without having seen either version of the show, I have the typical mixed feelings on the predictable "respect for magic" count, but overall, glamour and sex appeal have always been a major (although usually uncredited) draw for a magic show. I don't have a problem with putting sexy women front-and-center and allowing them to collect the applause they're owed. When I ponder how much time beautiful women have spent in a box being mutilated, it even seems overdue.

Carl Mercurio
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Carl Mercurio » September 26th, 2003, 10:56 am

My understanding is the AC show isn't topless; Vegas, naturally, is a topless show. Haven't seen either. My wife, who can't understand why anyone in their right mind would want to view porn (I must confess I hold a different viewpoint, which admittedly is rapidly being modified now that I have a daughter), once told me about how some of the Japanese execs in her company would go to a Shabu Shabu place for lunch that had totally naked waitresses. "Why would you want to eat Shabu Shabu and look at naked people!" was her disgusted reaction. Does the same hold for magic? For art in general? Where's Judge John Woosley when you need him?....Btw, some attribute the amazing popularity of the sawing a woman in half trick to the fact that women at that time were starting to assert their rights (including the right to vote) and the effect represented a repressed male desire to put them back in their place.

Guest

Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Guest » September 26th, 2003, 11:25 am

Shirts early show.

Topless late show.

(it's Vegas afterall)

:cool:

Lisa Cousins
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Lisa Cousins » September 26th, 2003, 12:13 pm

Yes. While "What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas," it seems that "What goes on in Atlantic City, is known by everyone at the office by Monday morning."

She says that the venue is much larger as well, and that they vanish a car.

Oliver Corpuz
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Oliver Corpuz » September 26th, 2003, 1:30 pm

I recently spent an 8 month stint in Las Vegas for work. After seeing just about everything there is to see in Vegas, I decided to go see the Showgirls of Magic Show. The gal at Denny & Lee's Las Vegas mentioned that the show was recently revamped. I didn't have very high expectations for the production value or magic being any good. I honestly was pleasently surprised.

The showgirls (4 of them), were stunningly beautiful, were extremely talented singers and dancers, and were able to do some difficult magic, such as the dancing cane and zombie, with surprising skill and proficiency that far surpasses many amature acts I've seen at local magic clubs. They truly had talent and weren't boring to watch.

In Vegas, both the early and late shows are topless. But the girls keep their tops on for the majority of the show and the nudity is not overly gratuitous by Vegas Standards... I'd rate the nudity a PG-13 by movie standards. (You have to go to the places on Industrial Rd. or N. Las Vegas Blvd. to see the ovetly gratuitous kind of show!).

Also, I was surprised to find the audience to be almost evenly split between men and women, with a group of senior ladies sitting next to me and enjoying the show.

In addition to the showgirl sing/dance/magic numbers, the show also features guest magicians and variety acts. The two guest acts in the show I saw were pretty funny and entertaining.

I can honestly say I've seen all the showgirl shows on the strip, and this show was the most entertaining of them all.

- Oliver

Brad Henderson
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Brad Henderson » September 26th, 2003, 2:20 pm

According to Steve "Tiny Bubbles" Daly, who has been with showgirls for years, the Vegas show is refered to as the BLue unit, and the AC show as the red. The Blue unit is topless, the red is not.

Steve is currently at the AC show. He is one of the funniest human beings I have ever met.

Go see him.

Brad

Steve Mills
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Steve Mills » September 26th, 2003, 8:36 pm

Originally posted by Oliver Corpuz:

I recently spent an 8 month stint in Las Vegas for work........

I can honestly say I've seen all the showgirl shows on the strip........

Nice work if you can get it!!

Kendrix
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Kendrix » September 28th, 2003, 3:12 pm

I think that is a big jump to compare "Topless" showgirls in Las Vegas to pornography. I have known several women who perform as such and they are totally professional. They would be shocked to compare what they do with pornography.
I would liken it more closely to "artistic" nudity. I think a lot of other folks do too. That is why it is no shock that "little old ladies" are in the audience. If this is not for you, the easiest solution is to not pay the admission and go see Cirque du Soleil. Oh, I forgot they are opening an "Adults Only" show, too.

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Wolfgang
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Wolfgang » September 28th, 2003, 3:50 pm

I have seen the showgirls show in the San Remo in Las Vegas on different occasions. It is usually a good bet if you need showtickets in a hurry. Most of the time I was able to buy tickets just at the door for tonights show. Since the showroom is small the atmosphere is pretty good even on slower nights. The magic always plays well for non magicians, (I wouldn't take my magician friends there) so it is worth the price of admission.
The nudity part (for the late show) is done in a tasteful manner and is not offensive at all.

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Wolfgang
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Wolfgang » September 28th, 2003, 3:51 pm

Oh and Lisa, if I wasn't married I sure would love to meet that georgeous cousin of yours....interested in magic / female / pretty, what a combination....... :cool:

Guest

Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Guest » October 2nd, 2003, 5:17 am

Hello All!
The Show in Vegas is in a Cabaret Room (seating is limited to 150) - the show in Atlantic City is in a very large theater (seating is 2,000) - the shows are simular, the difference is the Vegas Show features 4 women, the Atlantic City Show features 6 women. Some of the tricks in AC are larger, some of the tricks in Vegas are smaller, many of the same illusions are in both!

I THANK Kendrix for pointing out the "Artistic" side of the show... the Women in the Show are far from anything you would expect to see in anything Porn related... (andhe was right, they WOULD be offended to hear them being compared to such!)

Over the years, I have chuckled to myself, listening to the remarks of Magicians who give their "review" of the show. Many times, I find out they have never even SEEN the show, they are just expressing their opinion of this mainly male art form we lovelingly call "Magic". Many times, I will invite them to come see the show - and their opinions do change, somewhat...

Personally, I have been with the show in it's many forms on and off over the last eight years. I no longer like to see a man do the Zombie or the Dancing Cane - The women present it with such grace and style, that it now looks clumsy and awkward in the hands of a male magician (then again, many of the guys I see trying to perform these effects don't give it the rehearsal time these talented dancers have)

It's to bad Oliver feels he could not bring "magicians" to see the Show. I
think "magicians" should see as many presentations of this art form as they can! Just like visiting an Art Mueseum, there will be some artwork you may like, and others you don't! Thank God for "Diversity", huh?

I do invite everyone to come see either one of the shows (Vegas ~ Indefintatly / Atlantic City ~ Thru November 27th) - I am sure you will see SOMETHING you will enjoy!
PS BOTH 8PM and 10:30 PM shows in Vegas are now Topless.

Guest

Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Guest » October 2nd, 2003, 5:20 am

Opps, Sorry Oliver, I meant Wolfgang Wollet...

Oliver Corpuz
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Oliver Corpuz » October 2nd, 2003, 7:16 am

Tiny Bubbles,

You were in the show I saw in Las Vegas. Your act made me laugh so hard I almost had an "accident". I agree with Brad, you truly are one of the funniest persons on the planet and your act is something I'll never forget!

Again, I think the Showgirls of Magic is a very entertaining show. I've told friends (both magicians and non-magicians) back here in Chicago to go see it.

- Oliver

Guest

Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Guest » October 2nd, 2003, 3:44 pm

Oliver;
THANK YOU! Your kind words are deeply appreciated (and Brad's, too!)
;o)
I am not trying to bang the drum to loud for the show - It's just another successful MAgic Show playing to the public (as is many other Shows on the Strip, in Amusement Parks, and other Tourist Areas all over the world....)

I used to produce Park Shows in the Wisconsin Dells - Did you ever make it up to the Dells? We had lots of Chicago folks up that way!
:o )
Tiny

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Richard Kaufman » October 2nd, 2003, 6:02 pm

Naked female breasts are NOT pornography. Not everyone may want to look at them in public, but that certainly doesn't classify them as pornographic (for which, by the way, there actually is a legal definition).
When I saw Lance Burton's late show at the Hacienda years ago, where the dancers were topless, it surprised me how poorly the whole topless thing fitted into his magic show. I took Brother Hamman to see the show, and he didn't know where to look first! He'd never seen naked bosoms before, so he had an excuse. I didn't have an excuse, and I ALSO found them distracting.
I mean, what are most guys going to look at: T*TS or tricks?
Carl, I guess your wife isn't going to go to the beach with you in ... well, most of the Western World outside the U.S., because the woman all go topless!
And Steve: what the heck does "Tiny Bubbles" mean?
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Steve Bryant
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Steve Bryant » October 2nd, 2003, 7:00 pm

I was there once in the 90s. I was doing The Little Egypt Gazette, and took notes on everything I saw in Las Vegas. As usual, I had a small notebook and a pen with me. Some guy saw me and said, "Hey, look, that guy's taking notes." I turned to him and said, "The announcement said no cameras. It didn't say you couldn't DRAW the girls!"

Guest

Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Guest » October 2nd, 2003, 7:39 pm

Well, gentlemen - after many long years of training, I finally taught myself to look ay women's FACES even though my eyes keep trying to wander south... perhaps that would work in this application too.

I went to see Lance at the Tropicana once and was lucky enough to be seated ringside, just left of center! Even then, I managed a good percentage of 'face time'...

Guest

Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Guest » October 2nd, 2003, 9:05 pm

Richard;
(First, let me say I am a big fan of yours! - All 502 Lbs of me!)

"Tiny Bubbles" is my stage name which I received when I went into the "Boylesque" Show in Hawaii many years ago... It was my first "Showroom Show" and I was the Co-Star of the Show. The producer had asked me to come up with another name other than the stage name I had been using for 14 years in Comedy Clubs and Night Clubs around North America.
(That name was "Bonnie Bitch" and "The Bonnie Bitch Shows")

My first night in the Hawaii Show, I met Don Ho - We spoke of my name problem and I asked him if I could use the name "Tiny Bubbles". One of his daughters has that name and he thought it would be a hoot!

I left the Hawaii Show and went back to the Wisconsin Dells to produce my own shows for my eleventh summer. Bonnie Saxe called and asked me to go into Showgirls of Magic as Tiny Bubbles.

The rest, as they say, is history!

Sorry this was so long - Thanks for asking Richard!

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Herman Koster
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Herman Koster » October 3rd, 2003, 3:07 am

I too went to see the showgirls of magic this July, while visiting Vegas. I was pleasantly surprised with the show. The ladies seemed to have a good time performing magic. I do agree with Richard that being topless doesn't really add to the show. (there's no reason for being topless, just because you can be topless) I don't have anything against it (hey, I'm Dutch!), but it is nicer to see them nicely dressed.
And Tiny, I was really laughing with your performance. Great humor! Good luck with the new show.

Guest

Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Guest » October 4th, 2003, 4:10 am

Thank You Herman for your kind words! I never know what magicians REALLY think of my work in the show... I have to admit, I wish I could do more of the "magic" I love to perform - however, the producer wants the GIRLS to do all the "magic" - I am merely an act to fill in the time while the woman change costumes and the props are reset. I agree with him, after all, the show IS called SHOWGIRLS of Magic - and work is work!
(But I STILL wish I could do some of the comedy magic I really enjoy performing!)

As for the costumes verses sans Costumes - I agree also - However, MAGICIANS are not filling those seats every night - Lay people are - and when visiting Vegas, many want to "expereince" the Vegas they have always heard about!
I bet you won't find a "Topless" magic show in IOWA!
(heehee)

Something for everyone...
I call it the "Oooo,Aaahhhhhh!" Show - The Women customers all go "OOOOooooo" while watching the magic illusions.
The Men customers,
(And Lesbians - yes, they DO come in to see the show!) all say "AAAAAAHhhhhhhh" when the girls come out topless!

Something for everyone...
Thanks again!
Tiny

Bill Mullins
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Bill Mullins » October 6th, 2003, 9:05 am

Originally posted by Herman Koster:
. I do agree with Richard that being topless doesn't really add to the show. (there's no reason for being topless, just because you can be topless)
Perhaps there is some sort of palm being used here? "Boob clip"

Or this is a different sort of Jiggle pass?

Oliver Corpuz
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Oliver Corpuz » October 6th, 2003, 9:51 am

Steve- while a kid, I vacationed in the Dells a few summers and saw a lot of the attractions there (some, multiple times). It is quite possible that I did see one of the shows you produced.

Obviously, the LV showgirls that comprise the "blue unit" are well versed in the Fitzkee Trilogy... having mastered the art of showmanship, perfected the mechanics of magic, and making efficient use of the psychology of deception. In particular, being topless is the ultimate "Magic by Misdirection."

- Oliver

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Herman Koster
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Herman Koster » October 7th, 2003, 12:45 pm

Just curious. How far can you misdirect until you lose the magic? (did they do magic? I don't know. I was looking somewhere else ;) )

Guest

Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Guest » October 7th, 2003, 11:01 pm

How far can you misdirect until you lose the magic?
You can walk an elephant on stage for some customers and fool em! (I saw Blackstone Jr. do this by having a black sheet over the elephants back, it's head and butt sticking out from the black cloth. Harry went down stage, said "watch this!" and went up stage and pulled the black cloth off of the elephant's back - WaaLaa! Elephant from nowhere! As a young man watching this,I was blown away that this simple idea FOOLED the audience!!! Three elderly magicians sat in front of me and were so confused as to how Harry did this! (For a short time, I considered myself as a bit of a magical GENIUS for seeing through this "Grand Illusion"...)

I appreciate your tounge~in~cheek question. The funny part to it all is the Producer of this show is laughing all the way to the bank, while anal retentive magicians SERIOUSLY don;t "appreciate" the Girls of Magic. They look at the magic as "poor" or (and I LOVE this one everytime I hear it...) "They are NOT real magicians"...
LOL
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
LOL

(Sorry,This really does make me laugh... hard!)

What makes a person (male OR female) a "magician"?
(I feel a new thread coming on...)
Anyone can walk into any magic shop, buy the tricks, and perform many of the tricks and illusions you see in the show (and MOST of the other shows out there working!) - What the girls in the show have that MOST of the other "guys" out there working (and some who are frustrated because they are NOT working...)don;t seem to have
is the ability to move about on stage and present the illusions with a sense of grace and conviction. Instead, you have people who buy those tricks, run home, rip open the box, play with it for an hour or so, and then off to put it into their show!

Rehearsel?
Whats that?

I am sure that one word is printed on EACH AND EVERY INSTRUCTION SHEET that comes with those highly sought after tricks, and is regularly ignored (or so it seems to me while watching them "perform") and yet, they are the very ones who bitch "how did THEY get that gig?"
(I know this for a fact, I have had many come right up to me and ask me this!)

The girls go thru amazing hours of rehearsals - the illusions are presented with class and style. (Covered or topless) - and yes, I would have to agree with most of the world that the human body is one of the most beautiful things you could see. The female form has been featured in art, dance, and many other forms of expression for centuries (art history 101)

The Showgirls of Magic show is yet just another form of expressing this artform of Magic. Thank God we DO have many different presentations of Magic! Penn & Teller do it differently than Mark Wilson, who is different from Kohl and Co., who differs from ... {The list goes on and on...}

I will admit that the girls know squat about the HISTORY of magic, or what the technical words are for the tricks and illusions they perform - and basically, they don;t care to! They are first and for most, DANCERS.
Very talented dancers.
Very talented and BEAUTIFUL dancers...

They combine what THEY know with the art of magic to create a new presentation of illusions.

How far can you misdirect until you lose the magic?

Far.

VERY far...
;)

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Herman Koster
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Re: Showgirls of Magic

Postby Herman Koster » October 8th, 2003, 5:14 am

Hi Tiny,

the question I asked, wasn't specifically asked towards the showgirls of magic show. It was just because of the post before my post, that I wondered about misdirection. I know misdirection (used properly) can, and will, add to the magic, but I was just wondering if there is something like too much misdirection, that could destroy the magic effect. (overkill??)
The reply I made, was meant as a joke towards the showgirls, because I don't think they use being topless as a misdirection. (except when suddenly two ladies appeared on stage and it took me a couple of seconds to realise they were the same ladies that were previously dressed. I hope you know what I mean, because I don't want to reveal any tricks they did) That misdirection certainly worked for me. Great trick!!!!

Maybe I should have asked this question in a seperate thread.

So to rephrase my question. Does anyone think there could be too much misdirection?


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