One way to put this—as Forbes magazine did—was to call this prolific prestidigitator the most commercially successful magician in history. More succinctly put: Dude’s rich—as in raking in $60 million in a 12-month period, as Forbes estimated in 2019 (which apparently helps the upkeep of the 11 islands he owns in the Bahamas). Money isn’t everything, you say—nor is the ultimate indicator of success? Toss in 21 Emmy awards, 11 Guinness World Records, a knighthood from the French government and a “Living Legend” designation from the U.S. Library of Congress.

If you’re not yet impressed, how about this—the man was the youngest inductee (at age 12) into the Society of American Magicians, and his hobbies included strolling through the Great Wall of China. And, during an appearance on America’s Got Talent, Copperfield, along with Piff the Magic Dragon, made the Statue of Liberty at New York-New York disappear.

Still not convinced of his greatness? Then seeing the magic of David Copperfield for yourself should do it. Nothing so immense as a disappearing Lady Liberty unfolds at his Vegas show, but expect an evening of invention and imagination nonetheless by the man with the matinee-idol looks.

The longtime Las Vegas headliner, easily one of the most influential magicians in the world who no doubt inspired some of the magicians who established shows on the Strip over the years, returned to his iconic showroom at MGM Grand on Nov. 6, and while social distancing guidelines will no doubt affect his show somewhat, expect all the mind-blowing magic you remember from before the COVID-19 shutdown.

Watch (then likely question your own eyes) as the renowned magic man offers his tricky stage treats. Engaged with his audience, Copperfield covers the magical waterfront, from up-close hocus-pocus to epic-scale illusions, all staged with a showman’s theatrical flourish. Expect mind-reading. Enjoy Copperfield’s embrace of technology as he turns email, Twitter and iPhones into sources of sorcery. Take in the 3D imagery. Marvel at the exotic autos and bikes that are a Copperfield signature. Then sit back, relax, and try to puzzle out—surely without success—how one of magic’s most gifted practitioners pulls off the big-ticket tricks, involving aliens, dinosaurs, and a spaceship.

And lest you think it’s all magical mechanics, Copperfield is something of a sentimental softie, telling life stories—including his entry into magic at a day camp in New Jersey and an emotional tale of letters from his late father. Making that kind of connection with an audience is just a different kind of magic.

And once you’re back on the Strip, that junior Lady Liberty across the street will still be there … we think.

MGM Grand, 702.891.7777

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