After one near-eviction, followed by a lengthy reprieve, magician Dirk Arthur and his big cats got the heave-ho from the Tropicana Las Vegas. Where’s tiger-loving illusionist to go? In Arthur’s case, it’s to the Strip’s biggest litter box, O’Shea’s Casino, armpit of the giant that is Harrah’s Entertainment. Arthur opens there on Sept. 13, under the auspices of the late Danny Gans‘ production partner, Chip Lightman. Performing twice nightly, Arthur promises a constantly changing rotation of at least a half-dozen different species of feline, including leopards and a liger. “I’m thrilled to introduce … some new tricks, including a gun with an audience member and another illusion with the seductive black panther. And I promise the cats will be at their best performance level; that’s why feeding time is after the show,” Arthur announced.
Now, you know I love cats. Still, the thought of being within 10 feet of these hungry big boys disturbs my sangfroid just a bit. Note to self: Don’t wear catnip-scented cologne that night.
Fun fact (courtesy of the American Gaming Association): 48% of gamblers surveyed spend $100 or less per casino visit.
