Ayala-Tanya - Blog

Interview by Wayne Kawamoto, About.com Guide to Magic & Illusion

Joaquin Ayala Talks About Las Vegas Magic

Monday May 31, 2010

With the all of the changes and closures to the Las Vegas magic scene, Joaquin Ayala provides some timely and insightful opinions. Ayala is the first magician featured in this series who has actually spoken with Lance Burton since he announced that his show will close this year.

What is the state of Las Vegas magic? Is the magic in Las Vegas changed?,

Yes, it has definitely changed...
In my opinion, the popularity of magic these days is low. People would rather see a great concert, Broadway play or Cirque Du Soleil type show. Acts in review shows are gone and even review shows are gone from the strip. It feels so different. We are living in a different period of Las Vegas entertainment and it's not the same.
People are tired of the old magic shows. Nowadays, magic is predictable. You pull a box or a cage or cover a big scaffolding with a big curtain and people start commenting and sometimes even screaming before the effect happens...a girl! A tiger! An airplane! I have been in the audience or backstage when people do that.
So, this means that the old presentations don't work anymore. Audiences can see the effects coming and the element of surprise is gone. They wish to see something different but it is not...just a prop or a piece of furniture (perfect description of one of my props by Otto Wesley) - a big piece of cloth in front of a big piece of black art and PUFF! magic happens! It's sooooo predictable.
The future is in doing a new approach to our art: new ways to communicate with the audience and not relaying the magic effect. It's the style, the personality and the passionate performer on stage. That's the key! I hope someone does it soon!

Any thoughts on Lance Burton's next projects/gigs?
He is one of those guys with style, great charm and outstanding personality. These kinds of guys are born with that talent. Sorry, but you cannot buy this in the drugstore. You are born with it and Lance is the perfect example.
Lance hasn't said yet what he is going to do after his contract at the Monte Carlo is over, but during a conversation that I had with him a few weeks ago, he gave me the impression that he would like to retire, enjoy life with his family of magical friends and travel the world. He deserves that as he is an icon. And besides being one of the great performers of our time, he is a wonderful, humble, considerate and giving person...
I want to be like him...