Michael Turco’s Wonder

As part of my Christmas gift, Melissa treated me to see magician / illusionist Michael Turco at Bally’s Palace Theatre. I was literally mind-fucked by the performance. With front row seats to boot, we had the perfect seats to see everything up close, but we still haven’t a clue as to how he did anything. We went walking around the Tropicana and had dinner at Cuba Libre in utter amazement.

Turco pulled off a lot of classics, such as escaping from a canvas straight jacket tied on by random audience members, levitating one of his girl dancing aides, and pulling disappearing acts in which he would end up from the front of the stage to the back of the theatre in just a few moments.

Allowing random audience members on stage was what made his illusions even more impressive. For example, he brought up three kids on the stage and successfully guessed a teacher’s name, favorite vacation destination, and serial number on a dollar bill.

I’d also like to add that the funky decorated Chelsea Hotel has some great inexpensive rooms ($60!), delicious attached diner, and great customer service, although our heater made a lot of moaning noises and had to be turned off.

The only downer of the trip was Melissa getting  a flat tire while looking for a parking spot. Abrupt u-turns on unknown roads with sharp steep curbs are dangerous, people. Be careful out there!