Knowing what I know about magic, and having seen as many magicians as I have seen, I must say I am very surprised at the number and strength of Copperfield's negative reviews. If David Copperfield -- who has won 21 Emmy Awards, sold more tickets than any other solo performer in history, appears on postage stamps in six different countries, and was named "Magician of the Millennium" by the Society of American Magicians -- has scores of angry, negative reviews, what chance does any other entertainer stand? I hate to disappoint those of you who had higher expectations, but as far as stage magic goes, Copperfield is as good as it gets. If you want to get any closer to real miracles, you'll need to consult with a religious leader, not an entertainer. Indeed, what chance does any mere mortal stand with this new generation of precious consumers, steeped in movies and video games, who think there is something wrong with a well-executed illusion simply because it is somehow distinguishable from a real miracle? In a historical moment dominated by anti-intellectual infants who risk nothing, offer nothing, and criticize everything, it truly is a miracle that Copperfield's vision of fusing magic with cinematic storytelling still speaks to as many people as it does. I'm reminded of something the Irish poet, Brendan Behan, once said: "Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it's done, they've seen it done every day, but they're unable to do it themselves." Criticizing others who have accomplished a great deal more than we ever would or could costs us nothing - but it fills a certain emptiness. It feels good to appoint oneself the breezy arbiter of someone else's hard work and trailblazing vision. It makes one feel somehow accomplished, but minus the risk and effort exacted upon the likes of David Copperfield. *** I saw Copperfield's show at the MGM grand during the summer of 2014. I will tell you this: Watching Copperfield live was exactly like watching Copperfield on television. The music and the visuals were absolutely perfect. The show was amazing, and essentially what millions of people in Copperfield's television audiences have come to expect. The live show does not include any of the "big closers" that characterize Copperfield's television specials (i.e. walking through the Great Wall of China, vanishing the Statue of Liberty, etc.), but it should be obvious why the logistics of such illusions would not fit into a standard Vegas theater. My one criticism for Mr. Copperfield is the same as many others, but minus the extreme vitriol: It seemed his heart was not entirely in the performance. He seemed to be "calling it in." He rushed through his lines and his choreography, and I will admit that the bit about his dead father came across as rather cynical. None of this was fatal to the show. Give the man a break. He does the same show every single day of the week for months on end. He has stresses and worries most of us cannot imagine, because everything that happens in that theater rests ultimately on him. Whether you get the "on" version of Copperfield or the "off" version probably depends upon his mood, the energy of the audience, and many other variables, but in any case there is no doubt you will get more than your money's worth -- assuming you are a reasonable person. I highly recommend Copperfield's performance to anybody visiting Las Vegas. In my opinion, it might even be worth a special trip. read more

Attending David Copperfield's show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas filled me with anticipation, having been a lifelong fan of his magical prowess. The experience, however, was a mixed affair that left me with much to ponder. On the bright side, Copperfield's performance included some spectacular tricks and classic illusions that truly boggled the mind. These moments were the highlights of the evening, showcasing his undeniable skill and leaving me marveling at the possibilities of magic. These instances reminded me why Copperfield has been a revered name in the realm of illusion and magic. However, the show took an unexpected turn for me. It veered more towards a cinematic narrative, complete with a script that seemed to dilute the essence of the magic that I, and likely many others, came to witness. The story, albeit sentimental and universally relatable, often felt like an interruption, slowing down the momentum of the show. As someone who came with the expectation of being whisked away by a series of awe-inspiring illusions, this narrative focus was somewhat disappointing. The message and storyline, while meaningful, might have been better suited for a different medium, such as a documentary or a biographical book on Copperfield's life. This would allow fans who are interested in the magician's personal journey and insights to explore them without detracting from the magic that is expected from his live performances. While the show had its moments of wonder that left me scratching my head in amazement, the overall experience felt overshadowed by a narrative that didn't quite belong on the magic stage. As much as I appreciated the attempt to add depth to the performance, I found myself yearning for more of the captivating illusions that David Copperfield is famed for. For those looking for a magic show that sticks closely to the art of illusion, this performance might not meet your expectations. However, if you're open to a blend of story and magic, you might find a different kind of appreciation for what Copperfield is trying to convey. read more

Just saw the show in Vegas at the MGM. The door was open about half an hour before the show. Me and my brother had a plenty of time to remember over a drink...When we were kids, how we used to fight over a spot in front of our TV, to be a part of David's "Touch Your Television Screen" illusion during one of his TV specials. We used to spend hours talking about "How did he fly"? Tried to come up with a theory, where did the Statue of Liberty disappear? HOW? When I was a kid my family couldn't afford a lot of things. I made up my mind that one day, I will do everything I want. I created a list of things I HAVE TO DO in my life. I was just a kid so one of the things was: Riding a roller coaster with Michael Jackson:) (Still, I want to do it!) I also had David Copperfield's show on my list. I just thought of that list when I was sitting in the Hollywood Theatre a few days ago. I was very excited and a little nervous at the same time. He was my childhood hero and I always wanted it to be that way. The show started and he appeared out of nowhere on a motorbike. It took me only a few seconds to realize that he's still the cool guy, who can conquer impossible. I was relieved. He was very funny and energetic. I relaxed and let him take us on a magical journey. Not only was I watching the show but also my brother's face full of wonder when a car appeared on stage...I am talking a real car... and that was just mind-boggling! During the show David selects random audience members to participate in the show. As athletic as I am I couldn't catch a frisbee, it went over our heads:( One guy caught it and David was asking him funny questions...we were laughing until my stomach ached! If David ever decides to do stand-up comedy, I am going to see it! There was an illusion with a massive industrial fan. We were sitting close to the stage and saw David walking right through it! How? I don't know. All I know is that I won't be trying that at home:) Can't wait to see the show again! read more

I had an unforgettable night at David Copperfield's magic show. Here are a few highlights from the experience: Audience Participation The show thrives on audience involvement, and Copperfield makes everyone feel like a part of the spectacle. Lots of interactive moments kept the energy high and the suspense building throughout the performance. The Illusions The pinnacle of the evening was the car appearing on stage--absolutely unbelievable. The precision and scale of the illusion left the entire audience gasping. Copperfield's stagecraft, lighting, and music choices all contributed to a seamless flow between acts, making each illusion feel intimate despite the grandeur. The Kiss Cam Moment I even found myself on the kiss cam--talk about an unexpected perk! That playful slice of the show added a fun, human touch to the night. Support Staff The show is backed by incredibly professional and supportive staff. From the moment you arrive, the experience feels polished and well-organized. The team handled every detail with courtesy and efficiency, which complemented the magic on stage perfectly. Overall Impression An absolutely amazing experience that blends mind-bending illusions with high-energy participation. If you love large-scale magic, grand stagecraft, and a touch of humor, this show is a must-see. Pros Stunning, large-scale illusions (car appearance is a must-see) High level of audience participation Polished, friendly, and professional staff Engaging pacing and production values Cons (if any) It's a live magic show, so some surprises require a degree of suspension of disbelief. If you're skeptical, you'll still be impressed, but some moments are best surrendered to the experience. If you have a chance to catch the show, I'd definitely recommend it. Copperfield delivers a masterclass in contemporary magic that's both entertaining and awe-inspiring. read more

My husband and I planned for a full year to go to Vegas and celebrate our 25th anniversary at David Copperfield's show. Words cannot express the love and true magic that was given wholeheartedly, by Mr. Copperfield. His show was outstanding and spectacular; infact, he asked my husband and myself to be participants in two magic events on stage. I love magic and never want to know how any magical feat is done. He performed 5 feet from us, which was nothing short of miraculous. Literally, blew our minds. When we returned to our seats from the stage after being participants for 15 minutes, The surrounding people where we sat... asked us directly, if we are part of the show because we were shocked at how amazing these feats of magic were completed. We vehemently, told people we were from Pittsburgh, PA and had nothing to do with the show with the exception of being asked to participate. It was amazing and we suggest everybody go to his show to see the love that is shared by Mr. Copperfield and the audience. Don't take for granted those such, as he...who shares in this lifetime... the joy, wonder and love of magic that we all get to have, while he is still on the planet with us. Infact, you don't want to be the one that says, "I wish I could've gone." You want to be the one that says, " I'm so glad I did! I won't divulge the unbelievable moments of magic that he performed for that; as the magic in itself, IS the mystery and curiosity of the wonderful Mr. David Copperfield. We can only thank his parents for having him to share with us this lifetime an unbelievable journey to believe in magic, as we have and continue to do. His show IS A MUST! Don't lose out on the moment, go see him! Thank you. Mia and Dan 12/26/2021. read more

From the moment the curtains lifted, it was clear that David Copperfield's magic show would not be an ordinary one. His charismatic persona immediately captured the audience, his warm humor lightened the atmosphere, and his enchanting storytelling techniques enhanced the overall magic experience. In a dazzling display of illusion and wonder, Copperfield presented classic magic tricks that felt reinvigorated and refreshed, while introducing groundbreaking new illusions that left the audience gasping in awe. One could clearly see the decades of mastery in his effortless control of the stage, captivating the audience with his every word and movement. The production quality was top-notch. Lighting, sound effects, and the masterful use of props served to amplify the magic and imbue the stage with a sense of unreality. But the real wonder was Copperfield himself, weaving an intricate web of illusion and reality that left spectators guessing long after the performance ended. The engagement was not limited to the stage alone, as Copperfield cleverly involved the audience in several tricks, creating an intimate atmosphere that is rare in shows of such a large scale. You didn't just watch the show; you were part of it. In conclusion, David Copperfield's magic show was a great and very engaging spectacle. It is an extraordinary blend of narrative, illusion, and pure showmanship that should not be missed. It transcends the conventional magic show, elevating it to the realm of performance art. Whether you're a magic aficionado or a casual theater-goer, this show will astound and entertain you. Copperfield is not just a magician - he is a storyteller, a performer, and above all, a true master of his craft. read more

All of my life I have watched David Copperfield...sitting close to the TV as he dazzled his audiences with his magic. I longed to see him in person. As luck would have it, he would be in Vegas when I am there. Let's get tickets....omg, front row. Can it be..finally, I get to see my childhood hero LIVE??? Heavy sigh. First off....MGM. How about giving the Hollywood theater a facelift? What a tacky, run down theater. It is lounge style seating, and they pack you in so close, that if there were an emergency , you certainly couldn't get out without breaking a kneecap off. Don't and I mean don't get front row seats or any seat resembling front row. It kills everything. Davy....its time to hang up your rabbit. My dreams are dashed. Its like when you are told there is no Santa. He isn't a magician. It is truly ILLUSION. My mistake. His minions are in the audience pre show asking you to give you a standing ovation (he loves that), or the set up people in the audience, though he swears he has never met them before (he hasn't, but his minions did). From the moment he took the stage, the eye rolling was unbearable, as was his lecherous looks as the handpicked beauties (totally random though.....uh huh, pull my finger) walked off the stage. .God forbid if any (or all) had cleavage. It was disgusting. Davy just isn't into it anymore. The better part of valor here would be to bow out gracefully and let us remember you as you were (as we were reminded in a video segment during the show). He is self-indulgent and tired. I paid $100 bucks to see this show. Money that would've been better spent giving it away to someone who really needed it. read more

Man its a shame just how far David has let himself as well as the quality of his shows go. Not only has his shows become old & repetitive, but obvious as well, which is really sad because he used to put on grade-a shows back in his prime. I've seen his grandfather lottery trick before, where the first time I saw it I actually fell for the whole license plate bit being a "special part just for tonight's show", involving his grandfather's license plates. Then I saw the same exact sequence AGAIN, with the license plates AGAIN. He gets random people to pick lottery numbers, & they miraculously match his grandfather's old license plates. But seeing it again with the license plates that were supposed to be "just for tonight's show" a few years back, than again when I saw him last week, its obvious that he uses the so called "license plates" in EVERY show, so they obviously punch new plates as the numbers are called out, or force the numbers, or use stooges so that they match the license plates, IF indeed they are supposed to be the same plates. Its bad enough seeing the same show more than once, but when it gives the illusion away, that makes it even worse. The same thing happened when he made an "audience member" teleport to Perth Australia, only to see the SAME audience member teleport a year later. Not even any attempt to dress his stooge in different clothing or have a different story line. Bottom line, he's just gotten lazy & just coasts through his now hour & 10 minute show thats half live magic/half video. I will surely miss the OLD David Copperfield. read more

I have been a fan of DC since I was 16 and I was able to see him live (and of course anxiously awaited the annual television specials). Over the years I have seen him live in a really large venues and perform some very large effects. The Hollywood theater is much smaller-- but I thought it was great- a true intimate environment. We sat on the front row and could not believe a magician allows anyone to sit that close! The illusions were literally done inches from our fingertips. I read the other reviews commenting on the use of video in the show. This is common practice with many acts- Cher does this (at a much greater liberty, I might add, to allow for set and costume changes). He (DC) used video years ago in his touring show as well..this is a 4min video that allows a set change. It did not take away from our experience at all. DC is a living legend in magic...plain and simple. When I tell my kids about this, it will be equivalent of meeting Houdini...that's how big he is in this art. If you are a fan of magic, you cannot put a price tag on this. As for the show- yes, many of the illusions are the same that you have seen on television. Still amazing, still entertaining. The lottery/car trick, however, has never been performed on TV and is, IMO, one of the best he has ever done. Being fans of magic, we have seen the other magicians in town and had a lot of fun. But if you are here for a few days and have to chose one, this is the one to go to. read more

If you only have the chance to see one good magic show in Vegas, I can recommend sveral, that is several other than DAVID COPPERFIELD. Lance Burton has a good 2 hour show loaded with great mgaic. Mac King is hilarious at Saharah's. Penn & Tellar were awesome. But Copperfield? NOT! The show itself started about 20 minutes late, & if that werent bad enough, there were video screens of all of the ego-maniac's awards, accomplishments, bla bla bla. Me & my husband had front row seats, & before the show started, his staff came to us basically told us to give to give David a standing ovation, & we'd be able to shake his hand. Big whoop! & once the show started, what do we get? Another video, about 10 minutes long, before he actually comes out on stage. Even during the show, he kept having to "que" the audience to clap. & about 30 minutes in, we get ANOTHER video of him doing a lavish rope escape. After that ANOTHER video, this time about his grandfather. All the show was pretty much videos, & him killing time wandering the audience for volunteers. That & maybe 3 illusions with some small stuff in-between, & it was all over in an hour. I just wish I wouldve read the reviews before waisting $160. Just glad I got them at half price. read more