Magic of Paris

Fresh from a well-documented seven-year stint in “Crazy Horse Paris”, Stephane Vanel returned to the stage in 2011 with his own unique recipe for continued success. The latest addition to Paris Hotel Resort's rotational deck of glitzy spectaculars, Magic of Paris promises “a European-inspired approach to the art of illusion”, plus a choice selection of premier talents that include Siegfried impersonator and master marionette Anthony Rais.

With the overbearing presence of death-defying acts seemingly inescapable along the Strip, Magic of Paris could just be the breath of fresh air Sin City has been waiting for. Former French “Fun TV” host Stephane Vanel splits no hairs about his approach to illusion and magic, which include flawless sleight-of-hand and more traditional in-box disappearing acts. It must be said this is not an adults-only show; in fact, reviewers describe the matinée runner as a cross between Christmas panto and Lance Burton in character.

Stylistically, Magic In Paris bears all the markings of a family-friendly afternoon of entertainment. Master puppeteer Anthony Rais is one of the few clean-cut, comedy impressionists you'll find on the Strip. Renowned for his iconic puppet character Italian “Tantalino”, Rais manipulates his marionettes to do all manner of hilarious on-stage stunts and songs, to which he encourages the audience to sing along. Surprisingly lifelike, ditsy pooch “Sweetie” extends this fantastical set of make believe by interacting with kids in the audience and even dancing along with the controversial “midget show” just before the interval.

Despite its relatively childish draw, Magic of Paris rarely rests on it laurels when it comes to pace and excitement. Parisian dancer Audrey Remy-Liotier fills the void with beautifully choreographed soft burlesque and a ballerina scene that involves several of Rais' lifelike marionettes. Archaic, yet beautiful, this gentle blend of fantasy, magic and make-believe harks to a time of innocence and stage craft rarely seen in a city so revered for entertainment!