Tuesday, October 08, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Once again the death knell has sounded for Caesars Magical Empire, the themed attraction that has cheated the hangman at least once before.

Perhaps that's why Brian Dixon, who runs the lion's share of the attraction as an independent contractor for the hotel, remains optimistic even in the face of a Nov. 30 closing notice from the hotel.

"I think there's still hope," Dixon says. He's hoping he can convince hotel officials that his Dixon Entertainment Arts can save $8 million a year "without affecting the (ticket) price or quality of the show."

The unusual attraction opened in June of 1996, offering a theme-parkish spin on Hollywood's Magic Castle. Patrons are entertained by "wizards" as they dine in small chambers, then watch magic shows in two small theaters.

"We have in mind to use that space for another attraction that will contribute to our ongoing efforts to raise the entertainment profile of Caesars Palace," says Park Place Entertainment spokeswoman Deborah Munch.

Details of the new project are being withheld until the deal is finalized, she said.

The attraction labored for more than a year with the understanding that it would be replaced by a branch of Los Angeles' Conga Room nightclub. That deal fell through in April 2001. But Gloria Estefan, one of its celebrity investors, has been seen touring the space since then.

"Any show that has had a six-year run has nothing to be ashamed of," Munch says. But the company is seeking "a greater return on investment for our shareholders."

Dixon's company staffs the attraction's performing servers and environmental entertainers, while the hotel books the theater headliners and runs the kitchen.

"There's so much value in the place," Dixon says, citing the customer loyalty that generates 60 percent repeat business. ...

The cast of "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding" at the Rio recently squared off against the show's producers, voting for representation by the Actor's Equity union.

Cast members voted in favor of collective bargaining in a recent "card count." If the producers don't acknowledge the action, the card count results will be filed with the National Labor Relations Board to call an election within 45 days.

"I think we're going to see a coming together, probably in the next week," says Tracy Jordan, the union's Las Vegas liaison.

The cast members' list of concerns include "some real safe and sanitary issues" with the show's makeshift dressing room, which is unreasonably hot in the summer and cold in the winter, Jordan says.

An actor who initiated talks with the union claims he was fired in retaliation. Co-producer Raphael Berko has since called that "a misunderstanding" and says the actor has been offered his job back with back pay.

The producers rent their warehouse space -- built for the failed De La Guarda -- from the Rio; hotel employees (members of Culinary Local 226) are only involved in the food service part of the interactive dinner show.

The producers expressed concerns about whether the show could absorb the added costs of an Equity contract and remain open. "We're a little show in a big place. We say we look like a big show on the outside," Berko says.

Jordan says Equity is willing to negotiate a customized contract with the shared goal of keeping the show profitable. "Our job is to find a happy balance for everyone," Jordan says. "We're very conscious of what it takes to do business in this town." ...

The days are numbered for E.T. dancing to a Michael Jackson song. "Sourire" has submitted an Oct. 23 closing notice to the Showroom at The Venetian. Producers have indicated they hope to stay in town. ...

Just in time for Halloween: "Shock" plans to offer a localized version of the Jim Rose Circus, with comedy magician Robert Strong and gruesome specialty acts such as glass eating.

Former "Splash" star Robert Allen and hypnotist Scott Lewis are producing the revue that opens Oct. 28 for a month of Mondays in a 10 p.m. slot at the Riviera's Le Bistro Theatre. ...

Dan Rodriguez is changing more than the show when he takes over the small lounge at the Bourbon Street.

"We've been busy painting over there," says the producer of "The Soul of Magic," starring the husband-and-wife team of Victor and Diamond (Cephas).

The show reopens Oct. 15, moving over from a recently closed venue at the New Frontier, bringing with it lights and a sound system purchased from New Frontier promoter Peter Vent.

Rodriguez also will oversee the room on behalf of the hotel -- he describes the deal as a "co-op" with shared marketing and expenses -- and plans to add two more shows.

Oct. 25 brings hypnotist Robert Kennzington in a 10:30 p.m. time slot. Next month, Rodriguez hopes to launch Paull Casas as "The Voice of Vegas." Casas is a longtime friend of Rodriguez and moved west with him when the producer first came from Colorado last May to open the short-lived "Salsations" at the Fiesta.

Mike Weatherford's entertainment column appears Sundays and Tuesdays.