Nathan Burton Comedy Magic at the Flamingo

Abracadabra afternoon magic

By Caroline Fontein

Treat yourself to an afternoon of stunning illusions, exquisite showgirls and laugh-out-loud comedy at Nathan Burton Comedy Magic at the Flamingo.

Burton, who has been featured on NBC’s “World’s Greatest Magic” and “America’s Got Talent,” started performing on the Strip with “Showgirls of Magic” before moving to “V- The Ultimate Variety Show,” first at the Venetian and then Planet Hollywood.

In 2005, he was the only featured magician in E! Entertainment’s “The Entertainer,” starring Wayne Newton. Later that same year he captivated audiences worldwide with his self-contrived "Ultimate Las Vegas Showgirl Challenge" where he spent seven nights inside a sealed box with seven showgirls.

As his show starts, this same box appears on stage with Burton inside of it. He steps out and explains that his favorite part of that trick was the showgirls before making four of them magically appear.

Burton uses an array of funny props, paired with his quick-witted comedy in his spectacular afternoon revue that caters to all ages. His set by Andy Walmsley, who has also designed sets for "American Idol," and "America's Got Talent," along with dynamic lighting and contemporary music make each new illusion more electrifying than the next.

The show also features Michael Holley a comedic juggler who performed in "Folies Beregere" at Tropicana and Russ Merlin, an entertainer with his own brand of comedy who has performed in "V-The Ultimate Variety Show" in the V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.

Many of Burton's illusions are based on narratives from his childhood. He explains that he was always looking for a more efficient way to toilet paper houses with his friends before unveiling a high-powered toilet paper sprayer.

Next, he manages to put a full-grown man in a toilet bowl and make him disappear. His upbeat and lovable personality engages the audience with each new trick.

He brings out a large sketch pad with an illustration on it that he makes come to life as a real life bowling ball falls from the pages. It’s simple, yet equally as amazing as some of his more elaborate illusions.

After Burton recalls some of his favorite childhood toys, a life-size Barbie doll box is rolled out on stage. With the wave of a hand, he makes a real life Barbie appear in the box. Then he brings out a gigantic blow dryer and makes Barbie levitate while being blown in the wind.

Throughout the show, Burton selects members from the audience to help him on stage. For one of these instances, he does a prediction segment where he lets a lucky male participant pick a showgirl and describe his dream date with her. Afterwards, Burton astounds the audience as he reveals his ability to predict the future.

Burton’s casual and comical style, along with his string of awe-inspiring illusions, create a fun and exhilarating afternoon show that the whole family can enjoy.