Laughlin Entertainer: Cover Stories

The Riverside Resort has booked two separate acts back to back that deliver entertainment from two fronts. The first is Aaron Radatz on September 10-14, with his combination comedy/illusion show. Then, on September 16-21, Don's Celebrity Theatre is turned over to Trent Carlini who weaves a blend of magical entertainment in his stylistic and award-winning “The Dream King” tribute show to Elvis Presley. The following is a closer look at these two entertainers and the unique shows they each bring to town.

AARON RADATZ:

“MAGICAL ENTERTAINER”

The Riverside Resort has always managed to fit a magician or two onto the show calendar of Don's Celebrity Theatre. And why not?-audiences have always liked magic acts.

Years ago, they used to book the late Harry Blackstone, Jr. on a regular basis. Well, Harry lives on, in a manner of speaking, as one of his protegés comes to the Riverside Resort stage with the show, Aaron Radatz - “Magical Entertainer.”

Upon first glance of the boyish face of Radatz, it can be assumed he is new to the rabbit-out-of-a-hat world. And while he is only 31 years old, the looks and the years are deceiving. Radatz is a seasoned veteran, breaking into the business as a professional at the age of 15. He soon had a casino act when he wasn't old enough to wander the path from his hotel room to the showroom without an escort.

Over the years, Radatz became known for his intimate tricks and inventive illusions and has made a name for himself as a magician/entertainer of note. The Laughlin entertainer recently talked with Radatz about his upcoming show, his career and magic in general.

Q. Talk about the show you're bringing back this year. Any new tricks up your sleeve?

A. I'm looking forward to coming back to Laughlin. I enjoyed the audiences there last time.

While I'm keeping the popular segments in the show that I performed the last time, I'm also coming back with three new effects...so it's not exactly the same show.

I call myself a ‘magical entertainer' because I demonstrate sleight of hand, larger illusions, escape, dancing-I try to make the show multi-faceted. My rule is, if I don't find something entertaining as a viewer, I assume the audience won't either and I don't go that route. I see performers now and then who don't focus on that.

Q. Do you create your own illusions or do you take a classic and update it?

A. I do a little bit of both.

Generally, what I do is I keep a quarter of the show to some version of classic illusion-because there's always someone who hasn't seen magic live. I don't want to deny them seeing classic magic-but at the same time, larger casino audiences are exposed to a lot of entertainment, and a lot of magic shows, so I include a lot of my own signature illusions-creations they won't see anywhere else.

Q. How did your fascination with magic develop?

A. I began experimenting with magic when I was six. I received a magic set from my grandmother so I started performing for family and friends-entertaining at birthday parties and family events. It wasn't much more than a hobby until I was 14. That's when I started entertaining for hire, going out to other people's birthday parties, senior homes and schools. For the first time, I was performing in front of people who weren't family and they didn't have to be nice. That's when I started to learn the basics of performing. I did that all through my high school years. The performances just kept growing. I was working at theaters and festivals and knew I wanted to pursue it as a career.

When I was done with high school, my parents really wanted me to go to college. They would support me in whatever I wanted to do, as long as I got my degree.

At the time, I was understudying for Harry Blackstone and he explained to me that I was learning the basics of how illusions work but that I needed to understand show business-that I needed to learn the business side. That gave college a whole new direction-not just the “back-up-plan” as envisioned by my parents. I needed to learn marketing, sales, how contracts are written, the business side. So I went to school in Michigan...and worked at a local Native American casino at the same time.

Q. How did you manage to turn an ordinarily fascination with magic into a successful career at such a young age?

A. My biggest asset was having a great support group. I look back and I know I wasn't good-but I had that support group giving me the encouragement I needed to keep going.

One thing I've always stressed and strived for in my career is to work as a team. That's something I learned from David Copperfield. He always surrounds himself with terrific people. That's something I've tried to do religiously. There's no ego. If I have someone on my team who has a better idea, I take it. I don't dismiss it just because it came from someone else. That's how you bring the best product to the stage.

Q. Aren't there only so many ways you can saw a woman in half-or with technology, has that changed?

A. Technology has certainly played a roll in the advancement of magic-for example, replacing the person helping operate a particular illusion.

One new thing I'm doing in which I use new technology is a bit where I use an iphone in the show accessing the internet to locate 12 different areas within the resort and incorporate audience members and predictions.

Q. Do you work with exotic animals in your show?

A. l love animals, but I generally do not travel with them. I occasionally work with them for special events but I don't put an emphasis on animals-other magicians work with them extensively and believe they add to their show. I don't think they're necessary. As a touring act and constantly moving and then trying to move 25 cats and all, it's too hard on the animals.

Q. What's your take on the current state of the world of magic?

A. I'm thrilled that it's getting updated with people out there like Criss Angel. Anyone who's advancing the art of magic without revealing it-bringing it up to speed-is doing a positive thing. When I was growing up, all magicians wore a tuxedo. Most magicians don't know why. For me, as a kid performing magic, it didn't make sense. If a magician wants to wear a tux, if it works for him, go for it. Lance Burton is a classical Victorian kind of magician, so wearing a tux works for him. Someone else might have a style of jeans and a T-shirt.

There are several magic conventions throughout the year where you'll have everything from lectures to contests and people competing for prizes. It's refreshing to see a high interest from young people who are entering the art. There are so many tools to work with. I compare it to a band and you have your choice of instruments. The instruments you choose determine what type of music you'll make or, in our world, what type of magic you will make. The new generations can revamp the old or create their own.

The pillars of magic, the household names of magic that we're all familiar with-Copperfield, Penn and Teller, Siegfried and Roy-took the art form and made it their own. That's what the new generation has to do. And they will. There is always someone who stands out.

Q. What are the challenges/advantages of working in the intimate setting of Don's Celebrity Theatre within the Riverside?

A. Every venue has its own challenges. That's why my production manager goes over the specs of the stage before we get there. If we've been there before, we learn what works best-we take into account the space on stage and the space off the stage we have to work with, the traveling weight-all that determines what goes in the truck. It takes a lot of planning. Generally we feature seven to eight illusions into an evening show. In an audience participation show, we use effects that are not so space consuming.

Q. You have a television project in the works. How is that going?

A. It's still about the pace of a backward turtle, but it is moving. It's a labor of love, not something I'm trying to fast track. I want to do it right so when it comes to the table it makes sense. Some people get that opportunity for TV, they jump in and then regret it realizing it's not the career move they thought it would be. The negative exposure puts them back to where to the point that they're starting over.

Q. It is our understanding you do a lot of entertaining for the military, correct?

A. Yes. I began doing overseas travel in 1999. My first contract was to docile bases, nothing too dangerous-Iceland, London.

After that first tour, when they saw my interest, my contracts got more exciting. I was sent to Kuwait, Bosnia, Sarajevo, places that were actively at war or just got out of war. I was performing for just the troops there-they weren't allowed to have their families. We performed in the middle of the desert, sometimes between two patriot missile launchers in makeshift tents full of soldiers in fatigues with guns in hand in case they got called away in the middle of the show. It was a very stressful environment and very intimidating. At the same time it felt like what you were doing meant something. All those soldiers needed a distraction from where they were and what they were doing. It taught me so much about what goes into protection of our freedoms.

So now I do a lot of variations of the patriotic theme. Two weeks ago, I visited veterans hospitals. I went to their bedsides and talked to them, gave them a little magic. When my schedule won't allow me to make it overseas, I do things at different military installations stateside-entertain the families stateside who have loved ones deployed overseas. I try to keep my hands in that no matter how busy I get.

AARON RADATZ

“MAGICAL ENTERTAINER”

WED, SEPT 10 through

SUN, SEPT 14

8 p.m. in Don's Celebrity Theatre

RIVERSIDE RESORT

$30

See the Entertainment Ticket Office next to Don's Celebrity Theatre or call

702-298-2535, ext. 616; 928-763-7070, ext. 616; or 1-800-227-3849, ext. 616

TRENT CARLINI:

“THE DREAM KING”

o how does a little kid from Italy grow up to be what many consider to be the best Elvis tribute performer out there. It's a long way from Trento to Tupelo, after all.

Well, Trent Carlini made that trek-first as an across-the-seas admirer of Elvis' music and entertainer on the European stage; then as a stateside member of the famous “Legend In Concert” show in Las Vegas; and then, as star, producer and director of his own award winning show, “The Dream King.”

And he continues that trek, earning one of the biggest accolades on the way just late last year. Carlini was crowned the winner of ABC's “The Next Best Thing,” during the finale of their “Who is the Greatest Celebrity Impersonator?” reality competition in 2007. On the show, he billed himself as “Heartbreak Elvis” to separate himself from a parade of “Presleys” and took home the $100,000 grand prize.

Trent Carlini has taken the Elvis tribute show well beyond the impersonator stage. He has captured some of the magic that the original captured and opens that magic bottle every time he steps on stage. We at the Laughlin entertainer have caught his show and have experienced the eerie feeling that occurs when you watch a guy you don't think really looks all that much like Elvis, one minute, transport you to 1969 and the International Hotel in Las Vegas, the next. It's tough to explain how Carlini manages this transformation. But we've seen it and that is what makes his show a stand-out-and makes his act one that wins 100 grand on a national TV contest.

We recently talked with Carlini about his show, the award and more.

Q. We have to ask you about winning the “Next Best Thing” competition. What does it mean to you and your career?

A. That was really the first time I was able to see how much I was truly appreciated by fans across America and even the world. I won by votes that came in. Usually, there are three or four judges and audience response to determine winners in competitions. But here, I won on a major scale. That was very rewarding.

I loved being a part of the competition but it was a lot of hard work. Mornings I would fly to L.A. for filming all day, then fly back to Vegas to perform that night. I did that twice a week for three months.

And there were a lot of entertainers to go up against-a lot of very talented people. I was particularly impressed with a guy who portrayed George Bush, Lucille Ball, Little Richard, Tina Turner and Robin Williams. He was so good, I had the illusion he was actually the real characters. (ed. note: Carlini is talking about comedian Roger Kabler who, coincidentally, often appears at the River Palms Comedy Room).

Q. Are there any upcoming competitions you plan to participate in?

A. I was asked to go on “America's Got Talent” but I don't want to do competitions any more. They're very stressful-it's not my bag of donuts. I just think I'd like to concentrate on doing shows-possibly do television-maybe even film and recording and just keep it at that.

Q. You have become one of the best Elvis tribute artists out there and Vegas has nothing but good to say about you and your show. What are you doing differently? What have you done to elevate your show?

A. I am truly a perfectionist. I'm always looking to find better ways to present the show. I'm very meticulous with each era I portray (ed. note: Carlini was one of the first to present the various facets of Elvis' career in one show). The look has to be spot on.

But in addition to perfecting my own vocals and presence, I have put together a band of incredible entertainers in their own right-headed by Bob Ashland, my musical director. He's been with me over seven years.

Coming from a musician's background is a plus to the performance, so I really appreciate the talent that is with me. The show has to work on all levels-be the triple threat of capturing the charisma and movement, the vocals and a great band.

The market is getting educated about tribute shows and what's good and what's not good. The wannabe Elvis, for whatever reason, will be out there no matter what. But the public is starting to acknowledge that there are talented people out there who deserve a look.

Something that differentiates me from the wannabes is that I don't try to be Elvis. I maintain my own personality on stage. I focus on his artistic and musical career. This way fans get close to you as a person-not as Elvis. They know I'm not trying to be Elvis, but rather present a tribute-which is way beyond impersonation.

Q. Is the interest in Elvis still as strong as it ever was or do you think with each passing year it dwindles?

A. It's always growing. It never stops. Children grow up hearing Elvis because their parents, aunts or uncles are fans. They grow up to be Elvis fans. I have fans of all ages. I know of seven-year-old children who have Elvis-and even Trent Carlini -shrines in their homes.

Q. Do the women still scream as much these days as they used to?

A. Oh, yeah, it never stops.

Q. How much traveling and touring do you do?

A. Last year I couldn't travel too much because I was at the Sahara. It was difficult to tour. After my contract ended, I opted to take it easy and regroup. I'm putting together a new show in the fall and winter, then I want to just travel and see the world and relax like that.

Q. Cirque has an Elvis show coming out in Vegas, along the lines of their Beatles show. How will that effect what you do?

A. I don't know what they're going to do, but if it's anything like the Beatles show (Love), I don't think the Elvis fans will be satisfied with it. Those fans are particular about their entertainers. They like the hands-on charisma.

Audiences at a Cirque show will see a great show, but if you've seen one, you've pretty much seen them all. They all have amazing costumes, amazing productions and amazing acrobatics.

I want to think the Elvis show will be a very successful production. Obviously, people are curious and will want to see it. But our show is right across the street and it's just as beautiful, if not better.

Q. You stated how you aren't trying to be Elvis but rather give tribute to him and his music. That gives you separation from your character and allows you to get closer to your fans than he ever could.

A. That's one thing that does separate us. Being hands-on with the fans and with the people who come to the show is a big thing to me. I have a website, I'm on myspace and I'm reachable. It's very, very easy to communicate with me and I communicate as much as I can with fans. They've made me a success and I've never taken that for granted. I try to stay in touch with as many people as I can.

I've hung out with celebrities who say it's impossible to talk to 50 million people so they don't speak with any of them. But if someone needs to get a hold of you, it's important to be connected. For instance, one fan who contacted me had cancer and her child had cancer as well. Just to pick up the phone and say hi and give them a little warmth in their lives is important. Things like that are a way for me to say thank you-that's why I'm an entertainer.

Q. Do you perform non-Elvis songs but give them the Elvis treatment, like he would if he were alive today?

A. I do that with my own original songs. You can check them out on my website, thedreamking.com. For the most part, I keep it strictly to Elvis music in the show-I do add a couple of Righteous Brothers tunes, however. It works out really well.

I'm also just a funny guy on stage. I love to laugh and make people laugh. I'm always joking around.

Q. Which Elvis song gets the most response?

A. Of course, “Suspicious Minds” could be number one...but songs like “Burning Love,” “My Way” and “Viva Las Vegas” get a great deal of response, too.

Q. Ever think about doing your own thing outside the Elvis thing?

A. Funny you should ask. For many years people would say, “You're a talented guy, why don't you do your own music?” Before the Elvis work, I was already a successful artist in Europe. I chose to walk away from that to do what I do.

I do other things beside performing on stage as an Elvis tribute artist. I also do comic books for children. The character I created is Sivle (which is Elvis spelled backwards).

The first issue was the story of a Vegas idol performer who was kind of like Elvis-always helping people giving them cars, and houses. My character is like that, but he's kind of a secret agent off stage. There's a code where when he's needed, he tries to come and do the best thing to help. It's action-packed and there's good conversation. It's not just for kids, it's for grownups, too.

I've finished a new issue where Sivle discovers super powers. Since there are already Marvel and DC comics, I had to have something a little different. Sivle is a white knight, a cool character. The second issue has a lot more toys involved. There's a great deal about his background. A lot of it is tied to my life. I interject a lot of myself into the comic book. But Sivle has no family. That's where our similarities end-that's not in my case. I'm Italian. I have lots of family.

In addition to the comic books, I'm also working on a television show, which I hope will be out next season; and I'm working on a novel.

Q. Can you tell us about the show you're bringing to the Riverside Resort?

A. It's slightly different than the last time I was there. This year it will be more of me on stage and less of me going off and changing costumes. There will be new songs, and of course, a sit down session where I interact with the crowd. We may bring people on stage, and take requests if people want to hear certain songs.

I'm very excited to be coming back to Laughlin. I'll be all over that town like red paint. The weather's perfect. It's the best time to be there. I'm thankful to Roy Jernigan who's been booking me there for years. He's like a father figure to me in the entertainment business. He's always been there with advice and he's walked me through this whole business. I've known him since 1990.

TRENT CARLINI

“THE DREAM KING”

TUES, SEPT 16 through

SUN, SEPT 21

8 p.m. in Don's Celebrity Theatre

RIVERSIDE RESORT

$32

special of two-for-one tickets

for locals with ID

See the Entertainment Ticket Office next to Don's Celebrity Theatre or call

702-298-2535, ext. 616; 928-763-7070, ext. 616; or 1-800-227-3849, ext. 616