Las Vegas Weekly

December 1, 2008 · 10:06 AM

Top illusionists to salute Magician of the Year Marvyn Roy at The Orleans

By Robin Leach

A promotional photo of Mr. Electric.

Photo: Houdini.com

Today’s top magicians salute one of their greatest tonight in an all-star tribute at The Orleans. Strip entertainer Jeff Hobson will emcee the night of many magicians, including our hometown Magic magazine publisher Stan Allen, who will perform in the homage to Marvyn and Carol Roy produced by my pal Roger Dreyer and Fantasma Ring 257 -- that’s the Las Vegas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

In honoring Marvyn Roy as Magician of the Year, cutting-edge Vegas-based magician Jeff McBride will lead performers Jorge Blass, Luna Shimada and David & Dania, along with close-up magicians Paul Draper and Scott Hitchcock.

Photo: Yourmagic.com

Jeff McBride.

Marvyn Roy was nicknamed “Mr. Electric” because of the amazing illusions he performed using light bulbs -- in one illusion, he produced Carol inside a magnum-sized one! Not only did legendary Ed Sullivan book them three times in one year to perform, but he also took them to Russia as part of a cultural exchange program.

For 30 years, Mr. Electric appeared in shows all over the world and in numerous Vegas Strip revues. Marvyn opened the American edition of the famed Lido show from Paris at the Stardust Hotel here.

He was known for constantly developing new, spectacular effects for his act, including the Milk in the Light Bulb, the 1,000- and 5,000-watt bulbs, the light bulbs from the mouth and a jewel act known as the Diamond Illusionist.

Last year, legendary magician John Calvert was honored as Magician of the Year, and among the great lineup of magicians paying tribute were Siegfried & Roy, who are expected again this evening. Incidentally, while on the subject of magic, Las Vegas prince of prestidigitation Justin Kredible returns to the syndicated Rachael Ray talk show today for a tongue-in-cheek illusion with NBA legend Magic Johnson.

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