Las Vegas Weekly

June 16, 2009 · 8:33 AM

Lance Burton prepares for return and announcement about future

By Robin Leach

Lance Burton.

Photo: Wayne Bernath

Sometime this week after a final X-ray and medical examination, master magician Lance Burton will get the doctor’s verdict as to when he can return to perform his illusions at the Monte Carlo. Simultaneously, the 50-year-old Strip favorite says he will announce his decision as to what the future holds for him as his staggering 13-year contract with the casino expires this Saturday.

Lance underwent surgery for a broken right foot sustained when he climbed back up the stage steps after rescuing his pet parakeet Elvis that flew into the audience May 7. His missed days count as sick days, so he still has to run off the contract terms into next month.

“It’s the longest break he’s ever taken in his 27-year Vegas career,” his publicist Wayne Bernath told me. “After such a traumatic injury and being immobilized, he wants to be fully prepared for the physical practicalities that the show demands.

“Once the doctor gives a final OK, Lance wants to rehearse and make sure everything is up to his high standards before he gets back to the full show on stage. Now he’s almost ready to return to officially end his 13-year contract. We expect to announce Lance’s future plans sometime this week.”

The incredible illusionist started in Las Vegas with a nine-year-run in Folies Bergere before five years at the old Hacienda -- and now the completion of his 13 years at his very own Monte Carlo theater. I remember when I was filming my old show Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous walking with Lance in our hard hats across the then construction site of the Monte Carlo as he pointed out where his new home would be.

So sometime in the next 96 hours, expect Lance to pull more than a rabbit out of his hat when he announces a renewal, a relocation or a retirement!

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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