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Unique 'Magic Empire' One Of Vegas' Best
Dinner, Magic Impress
LAS VEGAS -- It's hard to put Caesars Magical Empire into a neat little classification. Is it dinner theater? A magic show? Comedy club? Theme park? Yes to all of those and a lot more, including the most important classification -- one of the best entertainment attractions in all of Las Vegas. The "magic" part of the Magical Empire starts early, as the folks who wrangle the crowds into groups of 24 distract you from the longish wait in line with some up-close magic tricks and levity. Each group is then led into a chamber, where a slightly hokey script and some special effects unveil the dining catacombs. A Roman guard escorts your group to a private dining room where the real fun begins. Since each room is small, you get to be right up in the action provided by your very own wizard, a serving wench, and ... well, whatever the male version of a serving wench is, I suppose. Our cast featured Octavius as the ring-leader and Maximus and Minimus as his backups. Although the performers are different in each dining room, this is the second time I've visited the Empire, and I was thoroughly entertained by both groups. Special props here have to go to Octavius (a.k.a Lloyd), who kept the evening moving with some sleight-of-hand magic and a lot of jovially caustic off-the-cuff humor. This guy was sharp and quick-witted as he bantered with our group with a sort of British, Charles Nelson Reilly glee that was a thrill to watch and listen to. One of my fellow diners worked for Monsanto, the big chemical company, and Octavius' one-liners about testing on rabbits probably would've driven PETA members to the exits, but I was laughing so hard I could barely eat my dinner. Oh yeah, there's dinner. You start with a simple but respectable salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, and a basket of bread. For the main course you have a choice of a beef tenderloin, which looks deceptively small, but was filling and quite good for mass-produced food -- juicy and well-prepared, smothered in onion rings and a tangy sauce), chicken, fish, a vegetarian plate, and chicken tenders or pizza for the kids. A variety of veggies accompany. Dessert consisted of not one, but three different sweets – a carrot cake, a piece of cheesecake, and a chocolate fudge cake – that on their own were very small but taken as a group were substantial. Wine, water, and iced tea flowed freely and other beverages were available upon request. Granted, nothing served here will be threatening Emeril or Wolfgang's careers anytime soon, but it was all quite good, hearty, and more than satisfying. The service was impeccable and perfectly timed, allowing me to finish each course just in time for the next without feeling rushed. Our glasses were never less than half-full the entire meal. After dinner, your group is led to the Sanctum Secorum, a large cave-like room where you join other dining groups for a short light, laser, and pyrotechnic show that introduces you to the various features of the Magical Empire. This includes a small theater for up-close magic tricks (cards, ropes, disappearing coins, and the like) and a slightly larger theater for more elaborate illusions. The performers in these rooms vary, but as with my first visit years ago, they book only the best magicians and illusionists, and the people we saw left us scratching our heads in wonder and amazement. There are also two bars adjacent to the main room, one of which features Invisabella, a ghostly piano that will play pretty much anything you ask it to. Just walk up and name a song and the keys start twinkling immediately, with faithful renditions of your favorites. It's a hoot and it shouldn't be missed. At first glance, the $75 ticket prices seem a little steep, but when you factor in all that you get -- a three-course meal including wine, dinner entertainment, two additional magic shows, the bar entertainment, and the light show -- it seems like not only a bargain but a steal. Compare this price for a three-hour experience with dinner to the $121 you pay for the 90 minutes of "O" across the street at Bellagio. I'm not making judgments here about which one is better, but in sheer bang-for-your-buck terms, Caesars Magical Empire wins hands down. But if you're really worried about cost and aren't hungry, you can do just the magic show during the day or evening without dinner for only $26.50. I think you're missing out on the full experience if you do so, but either way this is one of the best of Las Vegas in my opinion. Grade: A+
Caesars Magical Empire
This Week's TriviaQ. On July 2, 1973, the Holiday Casino opened. Over the years the hotel changed names and designs. What is it known as today? ANSWER The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.com
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