I waited patiently for weeks until front row seats for Penn & Teller became available (as a local, I don’t have to take 17th row seats … I can sit back and wait for the good ones on Tuesday nights).

It is very hard to review a Penn & Teller show, because you already either really like them, or you already really hate them. There is little ambiguity with these magicians/comedians/whatever the hell they are.

I happen to like Penn & Teller. So is it reasonable for a fan before the show, to review the actual show?

No.

But fuck you, I’m going to anyway.

I’ve been a fan of P&T since the Letterman days. I’ve always enjoyed the TV specials, and the “Bullshit” series on Showtime. (I will be kind and not mention the movie appearances)

As for the Rio show:

It’s a very, very, very “different” show than you are used to in Las Vegas. It’s equal part comedy, magic, and cynical rants. Penn actually goes out of his way to offend the audience on topics such as politics and religion. Cool! This is my kind of show.

There is nothing, nay NOTHING, more amusing on the planet than seeing some flag-waving church-going propane salesman from Des Moines looking really annoyed after paying $75 to have his values insulted. Seriously, I would pay twice as much just to see their expressions.

Penn also pokes fun at the other acts in Vegas (Quote: Lance Burton master magician my ass!) which is also very rare, and funny as hell.

But the show really is not about insulting people. It is just a couple of talented dudes doing incredible stuff, while giving you their honest opinion about things without trying to dumb it down for middle-America.

I really think this show is best suited for the 100 IQ and above crowd (luckily, they let me in anyway).

The show starts with some fun being poked at Vegas shows in general with P&T doing a parody of a typical magic show. And after the opening magic trick (which was really good), they show you how it’s done … which in my opinion, was far more interesting than the trick itself.

If you want to believe in “magic” don’t see this show, as P&T will tell you that it doesn’t exist, even as they do unexplainable things right before your very eyes.

Penn is, well … Penn. The loud and boisterous guy who shouts at you while he does his part of the tricks. Teller is Teller … the silent obvious-genius who does amazing, and in some cases downright beautiful illusions. Polar opposite people, striking the perfect balance between a man on the chaotic edge, and a mellow man with self-control.

They have an unofficial third partner in Mike Jones, a Jazz pianist that makes periodic appearances as well, and is a great addition to the show.

You keep thinking that at some point Penn is going to snap and run out and kick the ass of a random audience member just for fun, while Teller gives roses to a lady in the front row. Odd? Yes, but that is what makes the show unique, and a must-see.

There is also a fair amount of crowd participation. You never know what they will ask you to do.

The illusions are amazing. They run the gambit: dangerous (bear traps, knives, and guns), mind reading, and unexplainable tricks like Teller trimming a bouquet of flowers with no tools.

Some are funny, some are just amazing.

The final trick is one that I will never be able to figure out … and they do not disclose how it is done. I will not spoil the show by telling you what it is, but it seems both dangerous and impossible.

There are also some special little surprises when attending this show.

About a half hour before the show starts, Mike Jones (pianist extraordinaire) starts playing while the audience is being seated. An upright bass player joins him. A very adept bass player at that. If you look closely, you can see that the bass player is Penn. These two do a quick set as the crowd files in, but Penn does not announce that it is him … you have to notice yourself, or you would never know it. Mike is also the pre-show narrator and has some funny lines.

After the show, all three members of the show meet you at the exit for autographs, handshakes, or a quick photo. These are genuine people without an ounce of pretense. That’s not terribly common in this town, but P&T seem to have not let success go completely to their head.

Mike is first up, and is happy to sign autographs and chat for a few moments. He graciously accepted my compliment about his musicianship and signed my ticket.

Next up, Teller … and get this, Teller speaks to you. That’s right, he gladly signs your autograph, while making small talk. I don’t think the “class act” aspect of Teller is an act. He comes off as a purely classy dude. He even remembered where I was sitting and said “You had quite a good seat”. Despite the chaos of the whole show, he remembered where I sat? That’s cool in my book.

Then you get to the big guy. Penn stands at the exit, greets you with a smile, and will give you 10 seconds to dialog however you want. I talked with him for a little longer than most people, and he did not rush me. He’s incredibly nice. As I was leaving, he said “Thanks for coming Boss!”.

People who appreciate their fans? Is it possible?

It is, and you get the feeling that P&T do indeed appreciate their fans.

For people like me, who are not offended by very many things, and see the humor and sarcasm in everything … this show is a must see.

Even if you just like good illusions, this show is a must see.

If you have a stick up your ass and the IQ of a public school teacher, then don’t take my front row seat.

I plan to go back in a month or so and see it again.

One of the most original & entertaining shows in Vegas, and worth every penny.