Lance Burton is moving.
He is not leaving appropriately named Lance Burton Theater at The Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino.
Nay, the Master Magician celebrated his 25th year in Vegas with construction on a beautiful home overlooking Vegas and surrounding venues.
Mr. Burton's stability and commitment is unique among entertainers.
He lived in his current abode for the last 20 of the 25 years he has been performing in town.
His incredible magic show at the Monte Carlo has been satisfying capacity crowds with new and classic effects for the last eleven years.
Johnny Carson called Mr. Burton's opening manipulation routine "the best 12 minutes in magic."
We agree.
However, we occasionally wonder why or how he keeps going. Surely no one could blame him for coasting at this point in his career.
He signed the longest contract ever given to any performer in Las Vegas star-studded history. He seems relatively comfortable with his income and place in magic society. He received the Kellar Master Magician's Mantle from Lee Grabel in 1994.
Each time we watch his live performance, his willingness to add or change proven material strikes us as unusual. Most performers stick with what works and once they discover "what works," they hang to the routine with all of their might. This approach may bring comfort but its inflexibility to audience demands can curtail what could otherwise be a long career.

We understand he takes months to prepare the introduction of a new effect. There are those who would rest on their laurels, or other things.
In that way, Mr. Burton is a magician's magician. He has the skills, the charm, the dedication, and still the ambition to perform every day in what most of us would consider a dream job. But even a dream job can get repetitive -- right? So how has he kept it fresh?
As we type and considering the time difference between Michigan and Nevada (3:00 am EST / Midnight PST), there are couples joining into and fleeing from their married lives.
In a city where nothing is permanent; critics or demolition experts destroy performers and casinos in spectacular fashion, Mr. Burton succeeds and then finds ways to surpass his previous success.
According to Robin Leach, Mr. Burton's new home will be finished in about three months. The manor will include "interior designing and building that comes complete with a theater that can be used for television, movies and performing, and two garages -- one on the lower level of the three-level home and another on the second level, which is the main floor."
Surely he could have built an even larger home -- perhaps a palace -- or moved from his home of 20 years before now. But we imagine he views his work, wealth, and celebrity as something to be saved for those in need. His work on behalf of national charities as well as local causes demonstrate a keen sense of the responsiblity that comes with success.
Mr. Leach also reports Variety listed the top ten magicians of all-time. Mr. Burton came in ninth, just behind Siegfried & Roy. Harry Houdini still holds the top position.
Mr. Leach quotes Genii editor and publisher Richard Kaufman's reflection on Mr. Burton's place in history. "To become a superstar, you need a combination of inherent charisma, the desire to work harder than anyone else who's ever lived, ability in your field and financial capital."
We note Mr. Kaufman does not say a superstar can "coast" once the status is achieved.
Magic is so fortunate to have a representative with Mr. Burton's class, ability, and determination.
We are lucky to live during an era when we can watch Mr. Burton perform -- repeatedly and without guilt.

Check out Lance Burton's website here.
You can read Robin Leach's column on Mr. Buton's 25 Anniversary here.

- Provided by InsideMagic