‘Carnival of Wonders’ makes Vegas debut
Las Vegas magic shows tend to segregate the big stage illusions from the funny guys. It wasn’t always so. “Carnival of Wonders” is a direct descendent of “Spellbound,” a variety-format revue that played Harrah’s Las Vegas in the 1990s.
Mark Kalin, who does the illusions with wife Jinger, worked with Jeff Hobson, the Paul Lynde of magic, in “Spellbound” before they teamed up to create “Carnival” in Atlantic City.
“It was one of those ‘spread your wings’ things. We knew there was an interesting chemistry there, and each one of us was able to bring something to the table,” says Kalin, who now is based in Reno.
“Carnival” is a big production show by the threadbare standards of recession-era casino entertainment. It probably wouldn’t be making its Las Vegas debut if not for the chance to play in front of the “Magic Live!” convention earlier this week.
“We get a chance to do the show a few times a year. I think our hopes would be to do something long term, but it’s a difficult market out there,” Kalin says.
Shows are at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Showroom at The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. Tickets are $22-$44; call 365-7075.
— By MIKE WEATHERFORD