When Sam Wills first showed his, uh, face to the world on NBC’s reality competition show America’s Got Talent, it was a little more than awkward at first. He came out, duct tape covering his mouth, looking like he’d come straight out of a Tim Burton movie, staring wide-eyed at the judges and unable (or maybe unwilling?) to tell them anything about himself. But then “Endless Love” began to play, and a star was truly born. Wills, now known to millions as Tape Face, produced two oven mitts, one on each hand, serving as puppets that sang to each other (one Diana Ross, one Lionel Richie). As they sang, the mitts came closer together, culminating in a kiss that appeared to truly embarrass Tape Face.
What made the moment so amazing wasn’t so much the clever way Tape Face used the mitts—it was his body language, communicating so much with eye rolls, double-takes and furtive glances. It was a reminder to a generation that audiences used to get their laughs from silent movies—you don’t need words to be uproariously funny.
Sims, a New Zealand native, did not win that season of AGT (the winner gets a million dollars and a headlining show in Las Vegas), but it scarcely mattered. His popularity was undeniable, and it wasn’t long before he got his own show on the Las Vegas Strip—his own theater called The House of Tape at Harrah’s. His was one of the first shows to return following the shutdown of Las Vegas, but because safety procedures are in full effect—reduced audience size, at least 6 feet of space between audience members and wearing masks—Tape Face is now performing in a larger venue, the Harrah’s Showroom.
And that’s not all that’s different—now Tape Face talks at the beginning of the show. Well, technically, it’s Wills, who hosts a short Q&A with the audience before performing the routines that made him famous. And during those routines, Tape Face will have a narrator, commenting on the action.
But not to worry—comedy is comedy, whether it’s played before 10,000 people or 10. And besides, one of the things that always made Tape Face’s shows so great is his connection with the audience. Most who have seen his show would agree: This show would not work as well with a massive crowd. At its heart, Tape Face feels like something you could easily reenact in your living room, surrounded by friends and family.
The antics of Tape Face appeal to all ages, so definitely bring the kids. Another element that makes this show feel so universal is that Tape Face’s props are all things you have around your house: balloons, staple guns, toilet seats, plungers, tape measures, flashlights, coats, and much more. The fun lies in the anticipation you feel, wondering how Tape Face is going to use his chosen implement. When you do get the payoff, your reaction will range from a pleasant smile to a hearty laugh, but you’ll always be anxiously awaiting the next gag. And that’s definitely the first rule of show business: Always leave them wanting more.
Harrah’s, call for information. 702.777.2782
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