Las Vegas Weekly

July 23, 2009 · 10:54 AM

Photo Gallery: Two shows premiere on the Strip: Rick Thomas and Charo

By Robin Leach

Rick Thomas and Samson.

Photo: Preferred Public Relations

Master illusionist Rick Thomas, who has amazed audiences around the world, has returned home to Las Vegas and a new venue at the Sahara on the Strip. Latin cuchi-cuchi bombshell Charo has simultaneously taken up residence less than a quarter-mile away at the Riviera showroom, with her classical Segovia guitar work thrilling audiences nightly.

Rick’s new show combines the beauty of magic, the complexity of working with regal animals and the elegance of dance. He has performed on the Strip for more than 10 years headlining at the Tropicana and Stardust. He won the title Illusionist of the World last year and took off on a world tour. Now he’s returned home and landed at the Sahara on the stage where such legends as The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. performed.

For The Magic & Tigers of Rick Thomas, he returns to familiar illusions that he made famous but also debuts several illusions to shock and amaze audiences. Rick also brings back his beautiful Bengal tigers, staples of his career.

“I am happy to perform in Las Vegas again after being on a world tour,” Rick said. “I found a new home for my show at the Sahara Hotel & Casino in a more intimate theater where audience members will be closer to the action onstage. I am bringing back the Bengal tigers and my wonderful assistants, adding dancing elements to the production for the first time.”

Photo: Preferred Public Relations

Charo is shooting up the Strip.

For 40 years, Las Vegas and Charo have had a mutual love affair since she first appeared on the Strip in a variety show with Jim Nabors. Although my friend presents herself as a zany, energetic, flirtatious sex symbol, she is in fact a classically trained guitarist.

It’s difficult to ignore her bountiful bust line and beehive, but it’s also tough to ignore her world-class skills on the guitar. She might jiggle better than any Hollywood reality show starlet, but she studied and trained with phenomenal teachers, including the world’s greatest guitarist Andres Segovia from her homeland of Spain. She’ll proudly tell you she graduated with honors.

Charo gets to show those skills in the new Riviera show, and she’s choreographed the dances for one of the best male flamenco dancers to showcase the fancy footwork to go with her music. She says her show is different than anything she’s ever done before.

Photo: Jackie Brett

Charo, Robin Leach and Tony Sacca.

“I wanted to bring something unique to Las Vegas. I went back to my roots of the music. We combine hot hits from the Billboard International chart so people can dance in the theater. (Her “Don’t Fight, Dance” record against bullfighting is a Top 20 dance hit on Billboard International). Then I celebrate the music of my own soul -- and I think the guitar and the flamenco is really spectacular.”

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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