Friday, May 02, 2003 Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Copperfield brings illusions to MGM Grand

Magician and illusionist David Copperfield returns to MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, with his latest stage production show, "An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion."

Performing Thursday through May 21, show times are 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. nightly, with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at MGM Grand ticketing outlets, by phone at 891-7777 or online at www.mgmgrand.com.

Tickets for the 7:30 and 10 p.m. performances are $97, while 3 p.m. matinee shows are $79.90.

Copperfield is touting "An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion" as his most spectacular stage show ever.

During each performance, Copperfield transports himself from the stage to a deserted island on the other side of the planet. Because the concept is so hard to believe, it is important for Copperfield to take proof during his journey. Items are collected from audience members: clothing, mementos and signed and dated Polaroid photographs of the audience. In addition to the selected items, a lucky audience member is chosen to join him for the journey. Together, they vanish on a platform suspended over the heads of the audience. Within seconds, travel is complete and they are seen on a live satellite uplink at their chosen destination. They are wearing the items of clothes, carrying the personal mementos and holding the signed photograph.

Also, the illusionist attmpets to walk through a solid steel wall -- passing his entire body from one side of the steel to the other, and Copperfield flirts with danger as he channels his energy through a scorpion in a sleight-of-hand trick.

Copperfield's astounding encore for the evening is a groundbreaking illusion where 13 members of the audience, chosen at random, vanish in a fiery blast. Some reappear miles away while some don't come back at all. From beginning to end, Copperfield's "An Intimate Evening Of Grand Illusion" offers audience members a mind-boggling, spellbinding experience that will keep them on the edge of their seats.