The magician closing his Las Vegas Strip residency is opening his trophy case.
David Goldrake has been honored with the Merlin Award as Magician of the Year by the International Magicians Society. He is set to end his run at The Magicians Room at the Linq Promenade on Aug. 23.
In a statement, the magic man said, “Growing up in Luxembourg, I could never have imagined that magic would one day allow me to travel the world, adapt to every audience, and share the impossible, whether with thousands of people in a theater or in the intimacy of a small room.”
Goldrake was honored at an event Thursday night, a day after the conclusion of the Magic Live convention at The Orleans.
The Merlin Award “recognizes excellence in performance, originality, and innovation within the world of magic,” according to the organization. Such famed magic luminaries as Siegfried and Roy, Penn and Teller, David Copperfield, Shin Lim, Jeff McBride and Criss Angel have won the Merlin. Angel has also won it twice.
Goldrake celebrated his 25th year in magic in 2025. The 52-year-old stage performer also claimed a Merlin as Best European Illusionist in 2015. He opened at the Tropicana Theater in June 2017, headlining through September 2018.
Goldrake announced in July he would be shutting down his Magicians Room show. “We had a great platform to to perform a smaller, more intimate show, as opposed to what I had at the Tropicana,” he said in an interview on July 28.
The twice-honored Merlin awardee says he is launching a new theatrical production, details to be (as they say in magic) revealed.
‘Apple’ hits 2K
“Mad Apple” notched its 2,000th show at New York-New York on Saturday. Cirque du Soleil’s replacement for “Zumanity” in the same theater opened on May 26, 2022. We applaud the variety of acts, the rotation of comics and show’s commitment to live music.
Alice chimes in
The real Alice Cooper weighed in on a recent TikTok post from the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel in downtown Las Vegas.
“This couple went full rock & roll for their big day and we are HERE for it,” reads the chapel’s post. Kalin Ivanov, the chapel’s lead (and only) Cooper character, sings “Poison” for the unidentified couple.
The actual Cooper posted on the feed, “No notes.” We take it to mean, no production notes, or an endorsement.
Viva Las Vegas President Melody Willis-Williams said in an email message, “I’m sorry…has a ROCK LEGEND ever showed up in your comments? That’s a new level, even for Viva Las Vegas Weddings! We’ve been doing these unique and theatrical-style weddings for over 20 years! This is a LEGEND commenting on what only can be a truly Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel style of wedding! One of a kind … Just like Alice Cooper.”
She’s excited.
Over the past year Ivanov has immersed himself in the Cooper role (full makeup, top hat, cane topped by silver skull, etc.). The chapel performer also sings “School’s Out.” His other characters include Beetlejuice, Billy Idol, Grim Reaper, The Impressive Clergyman, Freddy Krueger and many others.
Nate’s dates
Wynn Las Vegas favorite and Grammy Award-winning and Emmy-nominated comic Nate Bargatze has announced his return to the Encore Theater. His all-new (better than kinda new) shows run Dec. 9-12. Two shows are set for Dec. 12, at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.
All shows are lined up with the National Finals Rodeo. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Bargatze is the No. 1-earning comedian in the world, according to Pollstar, and in 2025 set a record for the highest one-year gross by a comedy performer in history with $77.5 million from his “Big Dumb Eyes” tour. He made his debut at the Encore Theater in November 2019.
Heard’s journey
Bucky Heard, a man who never loses that lovin’ feeling, debuts at Myron’s at The Smith Center at 7 p.m. Thursday. The show is “Unchained Melody,” featuring favorites from Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, the Eagles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Doobie Brothers, Journey and (naturally) The Righteous Brothers.
Heard can cover the vocal range and all styles, and is one of two individuals I know who is righteous and also Righteous. The other is the rock legend Bill Medley. If he is in the room, look out. Go to thesmithecenter.com for intel.
Cool Hang Alert
The Groove Culture Band, led by percussion great Pepe Jimenez, is back at Echo Taste and Sound at 1301 S. Main St. from 7-10 p.m. Wednesday. These players are masters of the “folkloric funk,” and a super hang in the club founded by chef Natalie Young and entrepreneur Tom McAllister. You will not be disappointed in the music, the vibe or the fare. Go to Echotastesound.com for intel.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.