David Copperfield is a famous magician who has been performing for over 40 years. His signature show combines illusions and storytelling to create an unforgettable experience. But how long does the David Copperfield show actually last? Here is a quick overview of the typical length of a David Copperfield performance.
The Standard David Copperfield Show
Most of David Copperfield’s shows last around 90 minutes to 2 hours. This includes a 15-20 minute intermission halfway through the performance. So the total stage time is approximately 75-100 minutes. However, there are some variations:
- At his Las Vegas theater at the MGM Grand, the show runs 75 minutes with no intermission.
- For larger venues like arenas, the show may be expanded to 2.5 hours with an intermission.
- For television specials and other events, the show length can vary.
So while 90 minutes to 2 hours is typical, the exact duration depends on the specific venue and format. The good news is that you’ll get a full live magic show experience regardless of whether it’s a 75 minute theater version or a 2.5 hour arena spectacular.
Content of the David Copperfield Show
So what type of illusions and stories fill those 90+ minutes? Here’s an overview of the major segments and acts you’ll see at a David Copperfield show:
- Introductory illusions – David often opens with smaller sleight-of-hand tricks and illusions with audience participants. These help introduce David and warm up the crowd.
- Flying illusion – One of David’s signature tricks is making himself fly over the audience. He’ll soar over the crowd in a dramatic illusion lasting 2-3 minutes.
- Personal stories – The show features several stories from David’s life, career highlights, and perspectives on magic. These help create an emotional arc.
- Large-scale illusions – The show features several big set-piece illusions, including making large objects appear, vanish, float, or transform. These last 5-10 minutes each.
- Audience participation – David incorporates several audience members into illusions on stage, making them levitate, disappear, etc.
- Grand finale – David’s shows build up to an extravagant finale illusion incorporating many of the show’s elements. This final act lasts 10-15 minutes.
The show balances these types of acts, mixing short vignettes with longer centerpiece illusions. While the exact order varies, these core elements make up the David Copperfield show experience.
Notable Illusions in David Copperfield Shows
David Copperfield has created over 60 original grand illusions for his shows. Here are some of the most famous and remarkable:
- Flying – As mentioned, David’s flying illusion is a signature of his shows, allowing him to “fly” freely over the audience.
- Portal – This illusion involves David walking through a spinning portal and emerging in a different location.
- Vanishing the Statue of Liberty – For a 1983 TV special David made the Statue of Liberty seem to disappear completely.
- Walking through the Great Wall of China – A famous illusion where David appeared to walk through the Great Wall.
- Death saw – David lies down on a table while a buzzsaw blade passes right through his body.
These are just a few examples of the spectacles that fill the 90-120 minutes of a David Copperfield performance. It’s these unbelievable magical acts that make the show so entertaining and worth the ticket price.
Benefits of Seeing David Copperfield Live
Why is seeing David Copperfield perform live so much better than simply watching video clips online? Here are some key benefits:
- Being part of the magic – When you’re there in person, you become part of the experience as David interacts with the audience during his illusions.
- Appreciating the scale – It’s hard to grasp the magnitude of his larger illusions until you have the full arena perspective.
- Witnessing the misdirection – Seeing sleight of hand and other techniques live allows you to better appreciate the skill involved.
- Feeling the spectacle – The music, lighting, and production value of a live show takes the magic to the next level.
- Sensing the energy – The electricity of a live crowd enhances the anticipation, reactions, and overall excitement.
While videos can provide a sample, nothing compares to being right there as David weaves an unforgettable magical experience over 90-120 minutes. The live show is truly the best way to appreciate his signature grand illusions and storytelling showmanship.
Getting David Copperfield Show Tickets
Ready to experience David Copperfield live on stage? Here are some tips for getting show tickets:
- In Las Vegas, he performs year-round at the David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
- He also tours extensively across the United States and worldwide. Visit his official website for tour dates and venues.
- For Las Vegas shows, booking in advance online will guarantee you get good seats at a desired date/time.
- For tours, tickets will go on sale when the shows are announced. Buying early helps get better seats before they sell out.
- An average ticket price is $50-150 depending on seat location, although larger production shows can be over $200 per seat.
With some advance planning, you can pick up tickets directly through authorized sellers like Ticketmaster. This ensures you get legitimate seats at fair prices.
Must See for Magic Fans
A David Copperfield live show is a top attraction for magic enthusiasts and anyone who loves incredible illusions and entertainment. The 90-120 minute show flies by in the blink of an eye, with amazing tricks and storytelling throughout. For a one-of-a-kind magic experience, be sure to get tickets to see David Copperfield on tour or in Las Vegas.
David Copperfield Show Length FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the duration of David Copperfield’s shows:
Question | Answer |
---|---|
How long is David Copperfield’s show in Vegas? | 75 minutes with no intermission at his Las Vegas MGM Grand theater. |
What is the total run time including intermission? | Around 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on the venue. |
How long does it take to perform all his illusions? | He has over 60 original illusions, only a portion of which are performed at any given show. |
Does he ever do short 30 or 60 minute shows? | Occasionally for corporate or private events, but his typical solo shows are 75-120 minutes. |
How much time do the biggest illusions take? | His largest grand illusions like flying or making large objects appear can take 5-15 minutes each. |
Conclusion
David Copperfield’s signature magic and illusion show is an iconic live entertainment experience. The typical length ranges from 75-120 minutes depending on the venue, including 15-20 minutes for an intermission. This allows audiences to witness David’s greatest grand illusions along with intimate sleight-of-hand tricks and personal storytelling. For fans of magic, it’s a must-see show that will create memories to last a lifetime in just an evening’s time.