Mac King Comedy Magic

Notes

*Prices may be subject to additional taxes and fees.

**Show schedules may vary. Please see above link for more information.

LVA Review

(This show was reviewed in the May 2001LVA; some of the information contained in this review may no longer be accurate.)

"Mac King is a God." This testimonial, printed on the show's tickets, takes on tremendous weight when you see that the opinion is attributed to the ultra-clever magic duo of Penn & Teller. (They've never been particularly prone to dispensing kind words about others in the trade.) Indeed, penny for penny, this may be the best show in Las Vegas.

The show's name, while not overly catchy, describes it perfectly: a one-man show combining magic and comedy. Both are executed brilliantly. In fact, we're so confident that a high percentage who attend will come away happy (including kids; they are prominent in the audience), we'll devote the remainder of this review to the particulars of the deal. Even after a price increase last month, MK tickets still go at a very reasonable rack price of $16.45; this includes tax but no drinks, which are $5 per in the showroom. Rest assured that you're not a pigeon if you pay this full price, despite the fact that you'll see plenty of others with comp passes. You can get a comp too, as long as you're not already a member of Harrah's Total Rewards slot club. New sign-ups are currently given two free tickets to the show (and possibly more if you ask). You aren't considered "new" if you're already in the system after joining at one of the other Harrah's properties (including the Rio), so try to show up with at least one Harrah's virgin in your party. We were told that tickets are also distributed "occasionally and by no set schedule" in the Carnaval Court, outside on the casino's south end. Be aware that these free tickets (as well as those issued by the slot club) aren't quite free; you're required to purchase one drink. The tab comes to $5.95 after tax, and they ding you for it even before you enter the showroom at the cash register outside.

Showroom positioning is also an issue. If you get a comped ticket and show up late, you're headed for the back (don't come too late or you're likely to get shut out completely). You'll be okay if you wind up there, but due to the amount of close-up work in the show, it's better to be closer to the stage. There are two ways to enhance your seating potential. One is to buy your ticket; several seats near the front are reserved for full-pricers. The other is to show up very early, maybe an hour before showtime. And as a final failsafe, it's maitre d' seating, which means you can always resort to whipping out a fin if you aren't where you want to be. (Note: In last month's issue we erroneously listed the Mac King Show as playing at the Flamingo.)

This show was re-reviewed in the September 2007LVA; some of the information contained in this review may no longer be accurate.)

We’ve seen Mac King many times over the years; this show was in the Top Ten for a long time. We keep going back, especially with out-of-town friends in tow, for 60 minutes of comedy and magic, goofiness, belly-laughs, and afternoon-entertainment value. Except for a little ad-libbing, it’s the same show every time: the rope and card tricks, the camping adventure, the cloak of invisibility, all the props (worm, goldfish, Fig Newtons, telephone, etc.), the audience participation, and the Elvis-Liberace finale—none of it changes. We can see the gags and “surprises” coming from a mile away, yet they still crack us up, as they do the other regulars in the audience.

Bottom line: It’s one of Las Vegas’ best. The retail price has risen to $30-plus per ticket, but coupons are distributed in the Carnaval Court before showtime for $9.95 per person plus tax (around $11). With our Pocketbook of Values coupon, it’s a little more than $9 total, a small but worthwhile saving. The point is, there’s no need to pay much more than $11, which includes a drink, for this show.

For a personal look at Mac King, click here.