The inaugual “Vegas Unfiltered Wrap-up” is upon us. Brace yourselves…
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Within the laughter, tears and tragedy were moments of amazement and joy. Whatever you sought, there was something for you to relish and moments to make you cringe. Nothing will let you forget 2017 – the Year in Las Vegas.
Best New Major Show – David Goldrake IMAGINARIUM
Small-scale magic shows come and go all the time, yet the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard has been home to two large-scale headliners (David Copperfield and Criss Angel) for several years. Jan Rouven was doing pretty well as the third member of their triad until a nasty scandal sent him behind bars.
Enter David Goldrake, the mysterious muscleman from Luxembourg as heir apparent to Rouven’s crown. His IMAGINARIUM is epic, poetic, classical magic with high-tech dazzle and a solid multi-talented cast (read my full review here).
Let’s hope Goldrake’s mastery can overcome the curse that is Tropicana‘s long-troubled showroom. Skip the mediocre Mindfreak Live at Luxor (in its merciful final year) and give this one your entertainment dollars.
Honorable Mention – Miss Behave Gameshow at Bally’s
Worst New Major Show – Magic Mike Live
What do you get when you build a show around a male stripper movie, then throw out the movie and keep the dancers in their clothes? That’s the cash-grab fiasco now playing at Hard Rock Hotel. I’ve nothing positive to say about Magic Mike Live…but if you’re still curious, you can read my detailed review here. Or you can save yourself some time and just check out this pic below.
Movie superstar Channing Tatum hung his name on this bait-and-switch mess but you won’t see him anywhere in it. Not even in the posters. The world’s first male revue that mocks male revues (and men in general) with utter contempt, Magic Mike Live is a big fat turkey that deserves to have its head chopped off.
Dishonorable Mention – Black Magic Live at Embassy Night Club
You’ll want to look away from the disastrous Black Magic Live…
Photos: Sammasseur, David Goldrake IMAGINARIUM
VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak 
If David Goldrake is still working Vegas the next time I am in town, I’m going to check it out. Thanks for the review/recommendation.
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Agree with your assessment of magic mike.
Whike not a male review sex tips has the delicious Chris Hodgson in various shades of undress.
Watching him perform is always a joy.
And he embraces his gay male fans.
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