Q:
My wife and I will be be visiting Las Vegas in April, along with our daughter, son-in-law, and their two young children (ages 4 and 5). We would like to know if there are any magic shows that they could go to, and that they would be allowed in, at that young of an age?
A:
Yes! While Las Vegas shifted away from its misguided and short-lived attempt to brand itself as the family-friendly destination many years ago, that's not to say that families with young kids aren't welcome and with two new massive water parks under construction, there will soon be some really cool (literally) options for having daytime fun with your kids once again -- something locals have been pining for since the demise of our beloved Wet n' Wild.
Magic acts have been a staple form of entertainment here for a long time, but many of the popular shows are of the "alt" variety that's strictly adult-only (mock bloodshed, sexual material, unsavory language, and so on), or else the repartee might be too subtle for little ones to appreciate. We figure what you're looking for is something fun and visual, rather than cerebral, in a small intimate showroom, so the kids don't feel too far removed from the action and the whole experience is more relaxed than an expensive evening performance in a huge venue. We also assume that a matinee performance would be preferable, and with ticket prices that won't break the bank, just in case they hate it and you have to leave.
If that about encapsulates your needs, then we have two suggestions:
- Mac King's Comedy Magic Show has been performing at Harrah's for as long as we can recall, but it never gets stale. While he's highly talented close-up magician much admired by his peers, what sets King's very family-friendly act apart is his quirky sense of humor and his original material that features effects involving live goldfish, Fig Newtons, and a yellow raincoat he claims is a magic cloak of invisibility. Some of his repartee might be too sophisticated for children as young as yours to appreciate, but we figure there's enough visual comedy (not least his terrible suits) to keep them amused. While the official ticket price is $42.95, coupons are readily available, usually from the Total Rewards players club booth or the concierge, that effectively reduce it to $9.95 (you need to purchase a drink at the bar, but it doesn't have to be alcoholic). If you can't find the coupon, ask the box office where they’re being distributed. The show performs Tuesday to Saturday at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. in the Comedy Cabaret showroom at Harrah's.
- Laughternoon with Adam London stars a comedy-magician who's obsessed with rubber ducks and whose impressive sleight-of-hand skills are matched by his sense of humor. Mac King was London's long-time mentor and he cut his teeth working in Mac's Comedy Magic show for six years prior going solo, so he's a pro. While we haven't seen the show yet, we've read great reviews, plus the very helpful young lady we spoke with at the box office assured us that it's hilarious and totally suitable for children your grandkids' age. Adam London performs at 4 p.m. daily at the D downtown and while he's currently away and being filled-in for by Jason Andrew, he's back as of Monday, March 18, so he'll be here in time for your trip. Tickets are listed as starting at $27.40, inclusive of tax and fees, but in reality you just ask for a coupon at the box office and get 'em for 10 bucks (which works out at around $15, all inclusive).
Have fun!
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