Mentalist’s Death Ruled Accidental

Jason Scott's Death Ruled Accidental

He was one of the original ten contestants on NBC’s Phenomenon “reality” show last year.

He performed for A-List Clients such as Steven Spielberg and Sting.  In July, Jason Scott Ogilvie better known as Jason Scott died in his Summerlin, Nevada home.

The young man’s cause of death was a mystery for months until Clark County Coroner’s Office ruled it was an accident caused by the mixing of OxyContin and alcohol.

Mr. Scott’s mother, Peggy Santana of Redding, Calif., spoke with Norm Clarke of The Las Vegas Review-Journal about the Coroner’s report and the events leading up to her son’s passing.

He had been ill after returning from a gig in Boston and joined his girlfriend for drinks the night he died.

He had about 10 beers and two pain pills, which were prescribed, his mother said. The coroner’s report found Scott had very low sodium in his system, a sign of dehydration.

“You just can’t mix alcohol and prescribed medication, especially if you are sick,” said Santana, a registered nurse. “This is just about the saddest thing I’ve ever dealt with. It’s so senseless.

“I bought him a magic kit for a Christmas present when he was 6. I don’t think he’s had another job (other than magic). He would never give in. It’s what he wanted to do.”

Mr. Scott’s success seemed almost guaranteed.  The Review-Journal notes the young performer left “a regular gig with the House of Blues to perform at the Playboy Club.”

His last performance was at a private party for Sting.

Criss Angel to Critics: Believe Me

Criss Angel Readies Believe for Vegas Opening on Halloween Night

Readies for Vegas Opening on Halloween NightDespite the critics, Criss Angel is set to open his $100 million show at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Halloween night.

Critics and preview audiences have panned the show with adjectives ranging from “unwatchable” to “unsalvageable” to “a train wreck.”

But, as Groucho Marx would ask, “who are you going to believe, Criss Angel or your lying eyes?”

Even in Vegas, $100,000,000.00 is a lot to gamble.

Criss Angel and the folks behind claim to believe in Believe and want you to disbelieve those who do not share their belief.

The Las Vegas Review Journal‘s Norm Clarke tested the limits of Believe’s supporters belief in a call with Criss Angel this week.

“Ultimately it’s up to the public, and the public has spoken,” the Mind Freak star pronounced.
Criss Angel says advance ticket sales make Believe the “number one best-selling show in Vegas.”

Yes, but what about the critics and the preview audience?

“I mean no disrespect to the Review-Journal,” he said, referring to some critical accounts of preview shows. “But it doesn’t really matter what you, the Review-Journal, Criss Angel or (director) Serge Denoncourt think.”

The public is all that matters, he said. “They’re the ones that made me the No. 1 show on television and made me the No. 1 Cirque show in Vegas.”

Unfortunately, Inside Magic’s Theatre Reviewer,  was not invited to the previews and cannot not weigh in on whom to believe.

The Review-Journal ‘s Doug Elfman found two die-hard Criss Angel fans who flew from London to attend the preview.  Their report is discouraging:

“We were hysterical about coming. We came. It was a waste of time,” Jordan Wilson said. “The magic’s not even magic.”

They complained they could see wires and stage holes used in unconvincing acts.

“Belief was not suspended once,” said Steve Moffett, who called the show a “dead end.” “They fake an accident at the beginning, and it sets the tone of the rest of the show — fake.”

“David Copperfield is better, and he’s a boring old” guy, Moffett said.

Wilson said it should be called “Criss Angel — Don’t Believe.”

Well, at least some of the critics thought the scenery was pretty. Continue reading Criss Angel to Critics: Believe Me

Why Do We Love Lance? Is that a Rhetorical Question?

Lance Burton Erects Billboard Mid-Way Between Los Angeles and Las Vegas Readable in Rearview Mirror - Classic Beyond being a great guy, a fine example and role-model for kids, a fantastic promoter of the magical arts, a supporter of adoption, and one of the few superstars of magic that ever said “hi” back to our shouts in the hotel, he is a funny, creative guy.

The man who performs what Johnny Carson once called “the finest 12 minutes in Magic,” spent some bucks for an April Fools joke.

His billboard was placed about half-way between Los Angeles and .

Why?

Because, it’s funny, that’s why. It was just a practical joke he decided to offer those leaving Las Vegas. Drivers will be able to read it in their mirrors but might be confused without the special optical help.

Does have to advertise?

Probably not.

Does he have to remind folks what show they just saw at the beautifulLance Burton Theater in the equally wonderful Monte Carlo Resort and Casino?

Nopey.

Is it a nice touch from someone who seems to rise above the commercial aspects of the high-end segment of the biz?

We think so.

Is it obnoxious to explain something with rhetorical questions?

What do you think?

Of course it is.  Sue us.  We can represent ourselves for free.

Thank you, Lance Burton for all you have done, all you do, and all you will contribute to our wonderful art.

It is one of the few performing arts in which its participants can still be young and playful at heart.

Check out Lance Burton’s website.