Las Vegas Weekly

March 4, 2010 · 12:41 PM

World Magic Seminar’s all-star lineup pays tribute to Siegfried & Roy

By Robin Leach

Lance Burton, Teller, Siegfried Fischbacher, Roy Horn, Penn Jillette and Criss Angel.

Photo: Kirvin Doak Communications

Every year since 1978, magic legends Siegfried & Roy have sponsored the World Magic Seminar, now in its 33rd year. They’ve used the annual meeting to inspire young magicians from around the world to follow in their footsteps. Siegfried & Roy also sponsor the College of Magic, a nonprofit performing arts training center in Cape Town, and seven students traveled from South Africa to attend the seminar here at The Orleans.

The World Magic Seminar is an opportunity for growth and education for magicians of all ages and ranges of skill, and Siegfried & Roy have urged on the young participants to excellence in performance, originality and technique, creating a wellspring of magical education in our desert entertainment capital.

The closing ceremony was yesterday, and the biggest names in magic paid tribute to the German-born illusionists who have made Las Vegas home. They included Criss Angel, Penn & Teller, Lance Burton and Darren Romeo. Lance, who has played an integral part in the World Magic Seminar for many years, read a proclamation from Gov. Jim Gibbons declaring March 3, 2010, as Siegfried & Roy Day. Penn & Teller upped the ante by reading a proclamation from the City of Las Vegas stating March 2010 as Siegfried & Roy Month as issued by Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Mindfreak and Believe magician Criss shared with the crowd how Siegfried & Roy have inspired him since he was a youngster. David Copperfield, who was unable to attend, sent kind words and sentiments to the legendary duo that were read aloud at the ceremony.

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.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

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Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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