Before The Mac King Comedy Magic Show even begins, something wonderful happens: An announcer invites you to participate in the kids’ singalong “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Sure, there’s bound to be plenty of eye-rolling at this request (maybe by you yourself), but once that jaunty music starts playing, you just cannot help yourself—you’re clapping your hands, stomping your feet and shouting “Hurray!” along with everyone else. The best part? It instantly puts you in a better mood. The cares of the world fade away, and suddenly you’re a kid again, smiling and excited for what’s to come.

That feeling will continue unabated throughout King’s set. The Kentucky-born-and-raised magician instantly connects with his audiences through down-home humor and a self-effacing nature—no one is quicker to acknowledge that a joke didn’t work than King, which in itself is pretty hilarious. And King’s choice of garb—that checkered suit that seems just a bit too big for him—is now as iconic as his long-running show, long one of the best family shows in Las Vegas.

King is so endearing, in fact, that you momentarily forget you’re at his show to see some magic—you’d rather just have a conversation with the guy while sitting on a porch, drinking some sweet tea. But when the magic does come, it’s very organic to King’s persona—there’s no pomp, no circumstance, no razzle, no dazzle. In fact, the illusions are oftentimes so subtle that you may not immediately realize you’ve just seen the most amazing thing ever. But when it hits you, don’t be surprised to find your jaw on the floor. (King’s immense talent has been praised by many in the magic community, including Penn Jillette, who has often called him one of the best magicians he’s ever seen.)

And there’s plenty of audience participation in King’s show as well, highlighted by several great bits:

• Using a “cloak of invisibility” (no Harry Potter jokes, please), King helps a couple move some playing cards around the stage—and each other;

• Using four envelopes and a bit of fire, King finds a novel way to use a volunteer’s $100 bill;

• A young volunteer is asked to help King set up his camping tent. At one show I attended, my great-niece was brought onstage. Her reaction to the “great reveal”—utter shock, followed by the biggest smile ever—remains one of my fondest memories as a Las Vegan.

Other props are used to huge effect, particularly a goldfish that seems to literally appear out of thin air, a guinea pig that pops up in the most unusual of places (you’ll see!) and … Fig Newtons. We won’t tell you where King makes these things appear from, but trust us … if he gives you one, do not eat it.

By the time King’s show is over, it’s hard to say what you’ll miss more on the walk back to your room—the illusions or the laughs.

Excalibur, 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster

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