One for the Magic History Books
Historians of magic face a rare challenge. Their job is the separate the truth of what actually occurred from the myths created by time, misinformation, confusion and outright falsehood.
Today, the trend continues towards serious scholarship in the history of magic utilizing references and increased source materials. But it must be remembered that while historian's search with increased determination to separate fact from fiction, they should not discard the myths created by the performers. These myths may not be the story of the performers; rather they are the history of the characters the actors play and a part of the mystique that is magic.
In years to come, when historians write about Siegfried & Roy, they'll write about how the Magicians of the Century put magic on the map in Las Vegas. They tell about a single date — February 1, 1990 — that their full impact on the city's entertainment scene would be realized. The elaborate production featuring large-scale illusions and world-class staging in a theatrical setting at The Mirage upped the ante for shows that would follow.
An argument can be made that minus Siegfried & Roy's success, there would be no Mystere or O, not forgetting the resident and touring magic shows and acts that have transformed Las Vegas into the magic capital of the world.
When writing about Siegfried & Roy, the myths, misinformation, confusion and outright falsehood would be eliminated and replaced with facts and an unbelievable story of the American dream.
"It's all very comfortable now," laughs Siegfried, "but you can never be too comfortable. When we are onstage we have to — and do — give everything…you just can't walk through it. You have to work at it to create energy no matter how you might feel. You want everyone in the audience to become involved and take them on a trip of non-reality."
Siegfried & Roy's show has always catered to audiences of all ages, with the stars appearing in glittering attire, floating through rings in the air, riding Royal White Tigers against starry backdrops and creating illusions of flying across the stage.
Creatures that could be straight from Star Wars or a medieval sorcerer's convention cavort against backdrops of volcanoes and dazzling lighting effects. Phalanxes of infantry in extra-terrestrial uniforms march in unison to the blaring crescendo of Wagnerian-influenced music. All is illusion. All is magic. And, all is marvelous.
"We never stop dreaming and we're never satisfied," adds Roy. "Magic is out life and the lives have been magic."
