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The Kats Report: Inside the gala, part 4: The spirit of Siegfried & Roy
Sat, Feb 28, 2009 (11:46 p.m.)
Siegfried & Roy, reunited with the big cat Montecore.
Curtis Dahl Photography
Update: Confirmed the big cat appearing onstage was indeed Montecore, who was involved in the incident that nearly killed Roy in October 2003.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the spirit of Siegfried & Roy has arrived," a voice intones, followed by piano and an orchestra arrangement. Horn is onstage in a black hood, white shirt and mask. He opens a silver lid atop a box, and flames pour out. He closes it, reopens, and Siegfried emerges, to applause.
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A stage platform is rolled out, and at the left is a caged white tiger. Siegfried drapes the cage with white cloth, then moves to the middle of the set and is also concealed in white. Roy pulls a rope to display a tiger in his place and Siegfried inhabiting the first cage. Roy's voice is heard over the speakers, he is talking of dreams. The tiger is led from its cage by Siegfried and lays near both performers, who pull off their masks.
The tiger is uncaged and off the leash. The crowd stands and cheers. Roy is still moving unaided. Siegfried waves, and the curtain closes.
About eight minutes in length, more than a year in the making, more than five years since Roy's life-threatening injuries. The spirit of Siegfried & Roy has left the building, the voice says. And there is your moment in Vegas history.
Siegfried & Roy agreed 10 months ago to use Montecore to give the big cat its own send-off; Montecore's involvement was kept a secret shortly before show time. Roy entrusted Siegfried with most of the planning of tonight's show.
Stars Support Siegfried and Roy
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Facebook"This was our best show," Siegfried told Robin Leach backstage after the show. "It brought back all the memories of the thousands of shows we've performed before. We are exhilarated. There were no nerves, just the emotion and the excitement of tonight."
Several members of Siegfriend & Roy's international fan club were backstage, swept up in the emotion of the moment.
"As for the next chapter, tomorrow is another story," Siegfried said.
Inspired by the beautiful villages of Europe, the AAA Five Diamond Bellagio overlooks a Mediterranean-blue, 8 ½-acre lake, where fountains perform a magnificent aquatic ballet choreographed to music and lights.
Within Bellagio are award-winning dining experiences including two AAA Five Diamond restaurants, Julian Serrano's Picasso and Le Cirque from the renowned Maccioni family.
Bellagio is home to an impressive collection of luxury retailers including Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Breguet, Prada, Fred Leighton, Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Hermès and OMEGA.
A world-class art gallery, the exquisite Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the stunning “O” by Cirque du Soleil, a luxurious spa and salon, dynamic nightlife at The Bank, Hyde Bellagio and Lily Bar & Lounge and an elegant casino all add to the extraordinary Bellagio experience.
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