I’m just going to say it: I love Siegfried & Roy. There you go. The message board is now open for you to mock me, if the urge strikes. But I’m proud to admit that I saw the legendary, brazenly bizarre Las Vegas illusionists/wild-animal tamers perform live on two occasions way back when, and I had a ball.
So it was with some trepidation that I tuned in to last night’s 20/20 installment Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Returns, which chronicled the duo’s journey back from Roy’s 2003 tiger attack to their recent farewell performance for charity. After all, most of the story of their lives has already been detailed (met on an ocean liner, became famous showmen, had the Mirage resort built for them, got special Michael Jackson song recorded for them, ranked among the world’s highest-paid entertainers) or glossed over (that, um, unique bond of theirs) countless times in the past. And the tale of their tragedy, survival, and recovery has also been the subject of several TV specials and interviews.
How’d it turn out? The Elizabeth Vargas-hosted program on ABC did spend a lot of time rehashing (and glossing over) all of the old stuff, but it was warming to see Roy back in business (even though his insistence that Montecore, the tiger that mauled him, was actually trying to protect him is kinda confusing). Seeing Roy walk, feed the animals, and bicker once again with Siegfried was certainly worth it. As for the much-discussed final stage show that the guys put on for brain research, it was less amusing. Certainly, I’m glad S&R got to go out on their terms, but the anticlimactic program they put together was strange — dark strange, rather than the typical, bubbly S&R haha strange. The final moment, when they brought Montecore back on stage (via magic, of course!) was meant to be poignant, but it left me decidedly unsettled and wistful. Still, audience members like Teri Hatcher, Robin Leach, Rhea Perlman, and Danny DeVito all seemed to love what they saw.
Anyway, what did you think? Was the duo’s 10-minute farewell enough? Think they’ll be back again? And how about Siegfried & Roy themselves? Miss them? Always a bit too weirded out by them to give them a chance? It’s too bad: You missed out.
The show was a nice finale tribute by ABC leading up to an indulgence granted to two performers that deserve it. Siegfried and Roy and mesmerized and entertained for 40+ years. Allowing them the opportunity to provide a 10 minute slot of time to perform a simplistic trick one last time is acceptable. Coming back to perform isn’t going to happen and leaving gracefully as they did should not be sustained by the fallen curtain. Too many performers don’t know when to exit. Hopefull S&R will remain retired gracefully.
Roy is an inspiration to everyone. I am sure that there will always be “One last Show”.
I do hope so…..
Very Best of luck to both of them.
Mike Danata
I have always been fascinated by these 2 performers. I think they are awesome. Last night was a very bittersweet ending to their career. I do hope Roy recovers fully someday & they will return to what they love to do. I wish them only the best.
The magic in their bedroom never died down, so why would you think it would on stage? (:
What was the title of the music when Roy came out and lit the flame?
I’m glad they went out on their terms but they both will be sadly missed. they brought a lot of joy to a lot of lives. I hope they will be happy in what they decide to pursue.
That they used this performance to raise (a lot of) money for medical research is a testament to their characters. For that alone they should be praised.
I am so thankful that I got to see their show before the accident. I will always love them no matter what and I admire them for performing and saying goodby for the last time. The show last night brought tears to my eyes. They are and always will be the greatest!
Loved the piece. Wondered if anyone out there can identify the wonderful music that was featured? It’s a very familiar theme, very triumphal and heroic, but I can’t for the life of me remember where I’ve heard it or who composed it. I don’t think it’s Horner. Maybe Thomas Newman? It’s a piece you hear in move trailers quite often, before the movie is released and the original soundtrack is not yet completed or is not unveiled prior to actual debut of the film. Thanks for any help in identifying this melody.
Anyone who compares this last show to their shows prior to Roy’s accident, truly missed the message and the beauty of this show. The real magic on stage is that Roy is not only alive, but can actually walk again. He stands behind Siegried as the inspiration and strength, and a true testament to real magic, the ability of a human to thrive, create, and love amongst the most difficult trials.
Anyone who compares this last show to their shows prior to Roy’s accident, truly missed the message and the beauty of this show. The real magic on stage is that Roy is not only alive, but can actually walk again. He stands behind Siegried as the inspiration and strength, and a true testament to real magic, the ability of a human to thrive, create, and love amongst the most difficult trials.
Anyone who compares this last show to their shows prior to Roy’s accident, truly missed the message and the beauty of this show. The real magic on stage is that Roy is not only alive, but can actually walk again. He stands behind Siegried as the inspiration and strength, and a true testament to real magic, the ability of a human to thrive, create, and love amongst the most difficult trials.
Bye Bye now…you are pathetic, using this website to hawk your products. You should be ASHAMED!
I think that they are great and they should come back to doing their show at least once every six months till Roy is better. Then continue to do more as he gets better.
What remarkable and inspiring lives these two men led ! Not as mere performers, but if you read the stories of their humble origins and ponder the heights they reached, it is impressive indeed. Yes, they were illusionists and entertainers in of all places, LasVegas, but a strong sense of their authentic gratitude impressed my heart. Imagine their human,daily lives-before, during and now.One would be hard-pressed to speak a sentence without the words “bravery” and “endurance”. What a gift of genuine poignant beauty,to see Roy reveal his mortal imperfections onstage in an industry, a city and a country that is all consumed with the appearance of effortless perfection.Thank you gentlemen and for everything I salute you sirs.