We arrived in Las Vegas yesterday, early enough to get into a hotel and get some work done. David and I desperately needed a haircut (it’s been more than a month) so we sought out a local hair stylist and she worked us into her schedule…but I’m never comfortable getting a haircut on the road. Jody has been taking care of my hair for more than 10 years and she does a great job!
I was awakened this morning by the ringing of my cell phone. Kylie received a call EARLY from a reporter in Houma, LA seeking an interview sometime today due to a fast-approaching deadline. I came down to the hotel lobby and Kylie placed the call so I could do the interview this morning before the day got crazy.
We were out around 10:30am and heading over to Ilfeld Auditorium. It was a bit of a challenge to get into the loading dock because it’s at the back of a parking lot. While the police had secured the area for us, while they were gone, people decided it wasn’t important and that they had the right to park there. Well, that parking lot was jammed! After about 20 minutes of precise twists and turns with a 65 foot truck and trailer, we were finally at the dock – and no vehicle or person was injured in the process. The first “magic trick” of the day!
Load in and set up went very fast. Evan, Kerry, and Neil were excellent workers, making the day enjoyable. It’s a beautiful space built in the early 1900’s, recently renovated and technically adequate – great lighting and sound systems.
This is an early show too, starting at 7pm. Early shows come rushing at us like a freight train but, today, was very different. We even had some time to sit down and eat before the show.
The audience started showing up around 6:20pm. The parking lot was like a city street – cars pulling in and moving around trying to find a place to park. Dozens of people were making their way to the box office. While the show was slated to start at 7pm, at 6:55pm there were so many people buying tickets that they were out the doors, down the sidewalk, and into the street. We held the show for about 10 minutes but everyone still didn’t make it in in time for the first illusion. Next time, we’ll have to make sure they open the doors earlier or start the show at 7:15pm!
The show moved along quickly. We tried out a new show order tonight. Because it was a week night and families didn’t want their children out too late, the show was abbreviated and without an intermission. We had a great mix of college students and community adults with some families mingled in among the crowd. Their reactions were verbal and audible. We could hear the gasps from the stage – the oohs and the aahs. The Brick Wall got an amazing response! And the finale brought the audience to their feet. It was a great audience tonight – as they always are here in Las Vegas!
We are spending the night at the Historic Plaza Hotel. This is one of the many historic buildings in Las Vegas…and it’s haunted!
Wednesday morning starts with an 8am interview with KWYK for our Friday performance in Farmington, NM. I’m excited about this residency because we’ll be working with the therapists at San Juan Regional Rehabilitation Hospital on Thursday afternoon with the Healing of Magic program. After the interview, we’re off on the seven hour drive to Farmington! Who would have thought it could take that long to get across one state!
Good night!
PS – remember to keep Blacksburg and the Virginia Tech community in your thoughts and prayers. This is a town that’s not far from where we live – a beautiful town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’m sure the tragedy of the recent shootings there hasn’t completely been felt. Pray for the students and families of those who have died and those who have been injured.