Curtain to Fall On Tropicana’s “Band of Magicians”

By Scott Roeben, on November 15 2016
2 min read 7 comments
Las Vegas Las Vegas Shows

We knew “Band of Magicians” wouldn’t last long at Tropicana, but we didn’t think it would only last three weeks.

The doomed show, billed as featuring the “world’s first magic supergroup,” is about to do a vanishing act after becoming yet another victim of the Tropicana Curse.

Band of Magicians
In this illusion, the performers predicted what audience members would say. We predicted “Band of Magicians” would close by the end of 2016. Voila?

According to Johnny Kats at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the four members of the “Band of Magicians” cast have already been notified the show will be going dark.

We anticipate an official announcement will be forthcoming soon, including something about the show seeking another venue in Las Vegas. Because for failed Las Vegas shows, that’s the law.

While “Band of Magicians” was almost entirely forgettable, it did have strengths. The performers are technically talented magicians, and extremely likable and funny.

Band of Magicians
If “Band of Magicians” was on your bucket list, we have some bad news.

The show, though, largely featured close-up magic projected on screens. “Band of Magicians” lacked the spectacle Las Vegas visitors have come to expect from performers like David Copperfield and Criss Angel.

Penn & Teller at Rio and Mac King at Harrah’s have made the most of patter and charm, but they’ve been at this awhile, and it’s not easy.

Band of Magicians
If we wanted to watch magic on a screen, we’d buy video of a Doug Henning special on Ebay. Oh, just move on, millennials.

The economics of producing a Las Vegas show were also in effect at Tropicana. Despite “Band of Magicians” being produced on a shoestring budget, union and other costs meant the show had to sell a substantial number of tickets to survive.

We wish all the “Band of Magicians” performers well in their future endeavors, of course. No one wants to be added to our list of Las Vegas shows that have closed in 2016. “Band of Magicians” brings our running total to a jaw-dropping 25.

Band of Magicians
Given they’re young, attractive and talented, we suspect they’ll land on their feet. Bastards.

We’re thinking 25 closed Las Vegas shows in a year is plenty. We need a moment to catch our breath.

In Vegas, though, only the strong survive. “The Purge” means stronger shows, with solid marketing, have a better shot at the limited pool of show-goers. It’s painful to see the herd thinned, but the survivors have a better chance of success.

What’s worked in the past in Vegas—played-out magic, cheesy lounge acts and topless revues—seem to be fading away. Big name residencies are killing it. We can’t wait to see what’s next.