Cont: Penn & Teller/Magic Discussion

Started this to avoid Hijacking the other thread.

Quote: Nareed

Good for you. I sat rather far away and it was great. Sitting close you might wind up on stage, too :)

Some advice, if they still have poeple signing the envelope before the show, go up and sign. And if they ask for volunteers with knowledge of bullets and guns, raise your hand. Maybe you can draw "WovCon" on the bullet or the cartridge before the trick (if you're so inclined, of course).

Oh, and since you stay in vegas a long time (2 weeks if I recall rightly), I'd advise you to try one of the discount ticket places. There's one at Bill's, but the lines get long early. I think there's another one in the mall next to the MGM.

I have already booked. Seats AA 5&6 Thanks for the advice. Might have to brush up on some gun knowledge so I am not cheating them. If there is any signing to be done, I am always up for it as a rock star wannabe. As for volunteering, new and interesting ways of making an idiot of myself are always welcome.

I do have some knowledge of how magic tricks are sometimes done, having watched nearly all the Breaking The Magicians Code progammes, as well as lvoing it myself. I have actually been practicing some tricks to show off at WoVCon (not that I like being centre of attention :P)

The tickets cost me $220.90 for the two. About £147. I dont mind paying that, for a once in a lifetime experience and the knowledge I have the best seats in the house.

I am wondering about where to eat. So far, the Carnical World buffet for lunch, and dinner at the Rio Seafood Buffet is looking like a winner. The All Buffet Pass even with the Seafood Surcharge comes in at $60, so $120 for two people to eat all day is pretty good.

Quote: Croupier

Might have to brush up on some gun knowledge so I am not cheating them.

They'll just ask you to confirm the bullet is placed in the gun. I could have done that, and my knowledge of small arms is slight.

Quote:

If there is any signing to be done, I am always up for it as a rock star wannabe. As for volunteering, new and interesting ways of making an idiot of myself are always welcome.

For performers with a HUGE attitude, P&T treat their on-stage subjects pretty decently.

BTW I forgot to mention this: be sure to catch them outside the theater after the show. Both of them will sign autographs. I got Teller's scrawl on my ticket. And Teller does talk off-stage.

Quote:

I do have some knowledge of how magic tricks are sometimes done, having watched nearly all the Breaking The Magicians Code progammes, as well as lvoing it myself. I have actually been practicing some tricks to show off at WoVCon (not that I like being centre of attention :P)

Cool! I love magic tricks. I've a theoretical knowledge of how the more common tricks are performed, and can figure out others. But that's not the point. it's the skill displayed in performing them. I look forward to yours.

Quote:

I am wondering about where to eat. So far, the Carnical World buffet for lunch, and dinner at the Rio Seafood Buffet is looking like a winner. The All Buffet Pass even with the Seafood Surcharge comes in at $60, so $120 for two people to eat all day is pretty good.

Oh, I'd no idea they've included the seafood buffet in the 24 hour pass. I suppose it dropped in attendance as more people got the pass. It makes no difference to me, of course, but it's a good deal. There are other options at the Rio, but none I've tried. I have tried the Carnival World buffet and I do heartily recommend it.

Just make sure to note the time the buffets close.

Spoiler Alert:

I'm not telling how it's done (because I don't know), but I'll tell you what the gun/bullet trick is:



Assuming it's the same finale that they were doing about 12 years ago when I saw them...

They ask for a volunteer that knows something about guns. At the show I was at, it happened to be a policeman.

The volunteer is asked to initial a bullet and watch as the bullet is placed in the gun. Then Penn shoots the gun at Teller, thru a pane of glass on a stand, and Teller catches it in his teeth. The volunteer is then asked to verify that it's the same bullet.


I have a feeling that the only reason they ask for someone who knows guns is so that the person understands the difference between the slug and the shell.

Quote: Nareed

They'll just ask you to confirm the bullet is placed in the gun. I could have done that, and my knowledge of small arms is slight.

That I can do. Just out of curiosity, revolver or semi auto, or bigger.

Quote: Nareed

For performers with a HUGE attitude, P&T treat their on-stage subjects pretty decently.

BTW I forgot to mention this: be sure to catch them outside the theater after the show. Both of them will sign autographs. I got Teller's scrawl on my ticket. And Teller does talk off-stage.

From what I have seen, I like the way they treat people. I just dont mind people having a little fun with me is all. Banter is great for the soul. I was hoping they still did the signings. As part of the expensive seats, you get a souvenir brochure, which I am hoping to have signed.

Quote: Nareed

Cool! I love magic tricks. I've a theoretical knowledge of how the more common tricks are performed, and can figure out others. But that's not the point. it's the skill displayed in performing them. I look forward to yours.

Mostly card tricks. Still need to get the smoothness down.

Quote: Nareed

Oh, I'd no idea they've included the seafood buffet in the 24 hour pass. I suppose it dropped in attendance as more people got the pass. It makes no difference to me, of course, but it's a good deal. There are other options at the Rio, but none I've tried. I have tried the Carnival World buffet and I do heartily recommend it.

Just make sure to note the time the buffets close.

Its not included as standard, but can be added for $15pp. And pretty much all Caesars buffets close at 10pm these days. Good for a nice early pre show dinner.

Quote: Croupier

That I can do. Just out of curiosity, revolver or semi auto, or bigger.

As I remember, it was just a basic hand gun / revolver.

Penn & Teller came to Louisville well over a decade ago, and I saw them perform the bullet catch trick live, as well as one where Teller "dies" in a tank of water. They had an intermission during the show where they did some meet and greet in the lobby area. Later in the act, they mentioned how while conversing, they listened to people in the background, who said things like "How did they do that?" and "It's all fake," etc. They are professional social engineers, and are always "on".

I came across this page that has an explanation of how Penn and Teller MIGHT do the bullet catch trick. True or not, it's a fairly short and interesting read.

I have a book by them, How To Play With Your Food, which offers insight on how some of their tricks are done (including one done on the David Letterman show involving a watch and dead fish), and how to do some of your own, plus the all important Parsley Game. Haven't read any of their other books, anyone have any recommendations?

"Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends", their first book, was fun. Be sure to buy it new as it comes with props.

Quote: Croupier

I am wondering about where to eat. So far, the Carnical World buffet for lunch, and dinner at the Rio Seafood Buffet is looking like a winner. The All Buffet Pass even with the Seafood Surcharge comes in at $60, so $120 for two people to eat all day is pretty good.

Generally speaking, I've found the restaurants at Rio to be unassuming places that serve pretty good food at prices that are better than fair by Vegas standards. Decent pub food (burgers, wings, beer) can be had at either McFadden's or the All-American Bar & Grill. I'd recommend AABG if that sort of a meal appeals to you. AABG also has a back room which is more upscale (prime rib and such, I think) but I've only ever eaten in the front sports bar room. On my last visit I went to Buzio's for seafood. IIRC, the piece of fish was acceptable, but the side order of Mac & Cheese was phenomenal. I've eaten at the Carnival buffet many times, and don't appreciate it as much as most people seem to. On my last visit the line always looked like it was 2 hours long because of the all-day pass. There's no way it would be worth the wait for me. I've never eaten at the seafood buffet. I've heard it used to be awesome, but its been downgraded to average since Harrah's took over.

I highly recommend a visit to the Voodoo Lounge after sunset but before the nightclub cover charge and dress code kicks in. Have a cocktail and enjoy the spectacular view.

Quote: PapaChubby

Generally speaking, I've found the restaurants at Rio to be unassuming places that serve pretty good food at prices that are better than fair by Vegas standards. Decent pub food (burgers, wings, beer) can be had at either McFadden's or the All-American Bar & Grill. I'd recommend AABG if that sort of a meal appeals to you. AABG also has a back room which is more upscale (prime rib and such, I think) but I've only ever eaten in the front sports bar room. On my last visit I went to Buzio's for seafood. IIRC, the piece of fish was acceptable, but the side order of Mac & Cheese was phenomenal. I've eaten at the Carnival buffet many times, and don't appreciate it as much as most people seem to. On my last visit the line always looked like it was 2 hours long because of the all-day pass. There's no way it would be worth the wait for me. I've never eaten at the seafood buffet. I've heard it used to be awesome, but its been downgraded to average since Harrah's took over.

I highly recommend a visit to the Voodoo Lounge after sunset but before the nightclub cover charge and dress code kicks in. Have a cocktail and enjoy the spectacular view.

Thanks for the reccomendations. I have been to the VooDoo Lounge one one of my visits, after being given VIP Passes by a taxi driver. It was early, so we got in without our passes even being checked, and got seated on the balcony. We had one drink each, and at $24 for two Gin & Tonics, we didnt stick around long. Although the Fishbowl cocktails did intruige me. The view was spectacular.

I do have to say that I was excited to see Penn & Teller a couple years back but was not happy after seeing the show. I was really expecting to enjoy the show but did not. And in all honesty it didn't really have anything to do with the performance as it had probably everything to do with our seats. We sat up in the back of the room in the balcony. I think it made the show almost completely unenjoyable.

During my last trip there I have recommended to people who have shown an interest in the show to not sit in the balcony but to sit up close. I would like to see the show again and up close myself.

I also think it's cool that they come out afterwards to meet everyone and take pics with the audience.

Quote: HotBlonde

I do have to say that I was excited to see Penn & Teller a couple years back but was not happy after seeing the show. I was really expecting to enjoy the show but did not. And in all honesty it didn't really have anything to do with the performance as it had probably everything to do with our seats. We sat up in the back of the room in the balcony. I think it made the show almost completely unenjoyable.

I sat on the balcony but near the bottom. The show was fine from there. I had no trouble following all the action, even the close-up bit (it helps they put a monitor for that part).

Bad seats can ruin anything, shows, sporting events, even movies.

Quote: PapaChubby

I highly recommend a visit to the Voodoo Lounge after sunset but before the nightclub cover charge and dress code kicks in. Have a cocktail and enjoy the spectacular view.

Agreed ! Last summer, they were handing out passes in the casino for free admission before 10:00 pm. It's a great view from the large outside viewing areas,
and a lot quieter too if you intend to carry on a conversation.

ps:

Also saw P&T several years ago. I liked the show, but I don't think my wife cared for it as much.

We had free tickets from one of the most interesting "comps" I had ever gotten. On my previous
trip, I donated blood at the Tuscany casino and the United Blood Services ( or something like
that ) sent me 2 vouchers in the mail.

Quote: JohnnyQ

ps:

Also saw P&T several years ago. I liked the show, but I don't think my wife cared for it as much.

I've heard that a lot. They are a rather unusual act, equal parts magicians and comedy team. And they're highly opinionated in controversial topics.

About the last, the day I saw them I overheard lots of people on the way out talking about psychics. It seems many in the audience did not care for the psychic debunking part of the show.

Quote: Nareed

... Bad seats can ruin anything, shows, sporting events, even movies.

The trick can be in determining (in advance) whether the seats you are purchasing are really good or bad -- sitting toward the back is not necessarily a bad thing at some shows.

I have decided that the best seats at Jubilee (at Bally's) are the front row of the back section. If you sit in the front section, you miss all of the action on the catwalk, and seats way up front will have you snapping your head back and forth trying to catch the action to the sides. On the other hand, if the only thing you are interested in is a really close view of a bouncing nipple, then it's the front row for you, but with that interest you probably should be looking for a different kind of venue anyway.

I have watched "O" from both premium seats and balcony seats in rarefied air. The high balcony seats do have a shortage of knee room, but they are quite a bit better for watching much of that particular show, rather than sitting low and looking straight up.

However, this thread is about Penn and Teller's show, and I agree that closer is generally better in this case. I have seen it twice and enjoyed it both times.

Quote: Doc

The trick can be in determining (in advance) whether the seats you are purchasing are really good or bad -- sitting toward the back is not necessarily a bad thing at some shows.

The best way is to see the show and find out. Since that can cost a lot, the next best thing is to talk to someone who's seen the show, then come reviews. And naturally it varies with the kind of show. I was satisfied with where I sat for P&T, but would have liked to sit closer; just not so much to pay the difference.

My wife and I saw Penn & Teller a couple years ago at the Rio. Worst show I've ever seen in Vegas. Boring and boring. Penn talked too much, to make up for Teller never talking. The magic was predictable and put me to sleep. I thought the thing would never end. Some lady left her purse on her seat and I picked it up and handed it to Penn afterwards and I was going to comment on his bland show, but the dude is 6' 7" tall and he so towered over me I couldn't say a word.

Yeah, cos Penn's going to punch you out for saying you disliked his show?

Come on Bob, I know you have more balls than that.