Las Vegas Weekly

March 1, 2009 · 8 AM

Photo Gallery: Gala and 20/20 with Siegfried & Roy … and Montecore!

By Robin Leach

Siegfried & Roy reunited with the big cat Montecore.

Photo: Curtis Dahl Photography

Back in 2003, Roy Horn's favorite tiger made worldwide headlines when the illusionist was injured and the 43-year-long Siegfried & Roy magic career came to an unexpected end.

Last night, that tiger, Montecore, was the star of their reunion farewell show at the Keep Memory Alive "Power of Love" gala at the Bellagio. This is the first officially released photo of the tiger who "stole the show."

Meantime, ABC 20/20’s one-hour Siegfried & Roy special Return to Magic will be broadcast next Friday night (March 7) at 9 p.m. Anchor Elizabeth Vargas interviewed the two magicians over a 10-day shooting schedule in Las Vegas and also was given a tour of their warehouse of magic tricks.

Elizabeth also received an advance look at S&R’s “Moment of Magic” rehearsals the illusionists successfully presented last night with Montecore at the Bellagio gala. Click HERE for The Kats Report’s rundown of last night’s special event.

ABC producers told me: “The broadcast is one of the most inspirational stories we’ve ever reported. It is a very emotional hour of television and at the same time very uplifting. It will give viewers an opportunity to see Siegfried & Roy as they have never been seen before. It will be very moving, and we give wonderful coverage to your new Keep Memory Alive building downtown.”

Nearly all photography of Siegfried & Roy’s performance was restricted solely to ABC, and Vegas DeLuxe will feature those photos here next week. Meantime, enjoy my gala and backstage photos shot on my digital camera and sneak peek 20/20 photos provided by ABC!

Share This