Las Vegas owes quite a debt to John van der Put, better known as the acerbic, costumed prestidigitator Piff the Magic Dragon. During 2020’s horrifically crippling shutdown of Las Vegas, he was one of the few bright lights, trying to keep everyone’s spirits up by staying active on social media with live-stream broadcasts from his home (featuring showgirl Jade Simone, who’s also in Piff’s show on the Strip). It was both an entertaining diversion from the depressing realities of the moment and a constant reminder that, while Las Vegas’ entertainment community was shuttered for months, it never really went away.

As Piff told Las Vegas Magazine shortly after returning last year, “It was difficult to stay positive. That’s what I found. Speaking to my friends from all walks of life, performers and people outside the industry, no one was doing OK. The creative part was easy because we had a two-year to-do list and finally had the time to make it happen, even though it felt slightly crazy to be working on those things. It was a bit like building Noah’s Ark. I would be, ‘The shows are coming back!’ And everyone was like, ‘Really?’ But we did it, we built the ark, and we’re ready to sail.”

Piff is back at the Flamingo, although, in keeping with the theme of the post-COVID age, nothing is the same as before. For starters, Piff is no longer in his intimate theater; he’s now performing at the much larger Flamingo Showroom (the former home of such acts as Donny & Marie, Richard Marx, Paula Abdul, Olivia Newton-John and many others). That’s because, in accordance with state mandates, he has to limit his audiences significantly. A larger space allows him to still have enough audience members to help generate the energy that makes his shows so much fun.

For those who have seen his show before, don’t worry: Piff still singles out audience members to come on stage to assist him in his illusions; but now you’ll have to stand at least 6 feet away and wear a mask. Will it change the vibe of the show? Absolutely. Will it be any less funny? We highly doubt it. With Piff at the wheel, any situation, no matter how farcical or strange, is comedy gold in his hands. (Which seems completely fitting, considering van der Put’s alter ego is constantly talking about his obsession with gold—and princesses!)

And he’s still joined by Simone and his constant compatriot, the ridiculously cute canine Mr. Piffles, who takes the whole show in amazingly relaxed stride—one wonders what it would take to really get a rise out of him, considering the trials and tribulations his master puts him through—feeding him large wedding rings, shooting him out of a cannon, and so many other brutal fates (OK, not really!). Piff was there for all of us in the darkest of times—it’s time for all of us to be there for him. So call, order a ticket, and welcome back entertainment to Las Vegas!

Flamingo, 13+, call for information. 702.777.2782 Ticketmaster

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