Peter ReveenMiss the Reveen tribute?
'Should have been there'
by Mel Kientz
December 7, 2009

It was a dark, cold and stormy night in Las Vegas, Nevada, but the neon lights were glowing bright. The city hasn’t seen a drop of rain since God was a little boy and people were bundled-up looking like they were getting into the holiday spirit. Earlier in the evening, the members of The Fantasma Ring 257 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians had put the finishing touches on the stage that would frame a special and deserving tribute to magic’s own Peter Reveen – a true gift to the magic community.
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The tribute was scheduled on a Monday evening, a usual night off for the working entertainers, and a couple of hundred masters of prestidigitation and experts in the art of legerdemain and hocus pocus assembled at the Orleans Hotel to take part in the festivities.  

The pre-show cocktail gathering had the usual business cards being exchanged and conversations outlining what projects were in development. There were also a number of people relating stories regarding the man of the evening and how he has touched so many lives in the magic entertainment business.

After a slide show outlining the accomplishments of Reveen the Impossiblist (including a subtle prod for Peter to run for the state office in 2010), Ring President John McClenahan welcomed all to this sixth annual Ring 257 Magic Legend Tribute Show. With the help of Joey King, presentations were made with proclamations from Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, a clever award from the Masonic Invisible Lodge and a special certificate from Jack White, the International President of the I.B.M. 

Roger Dreyer, patron saint of the I.B.M. organization and CEO of Fantasma Magic in New York City, got the formal show off and running with the introduction of Fielding West as Master of Ceremonies. The evening show line-up of talent included Lance Burton, The Great Tomsoni & Co., Anthony Rais, Mike Bent, Jon Stetson, The Amazing Johnathan, Scarlett and a new act from David & Dania. A special appearance by Jeff Hobson performing as The Impossibilist himself brought the storm outside to the stage inside at the Orleans as only Mr. Hobson can do. I would give a better review of the show itself, however as the saying goes, whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. You should have been there.

In all, it was a great evening for Peter and those assembled were all glad to be there to celebrate his life in the magical arts! I wonder who will be selected for next year's edition.

Close-up magic was provided by Adam Whlie and Nathan Gibson
Sound and music by Greg Steele
Stage Manager was Lupe Neilsen
The Printed Program was by Bradley Roberts of Linkl.com
with many thanks to the members of I.B.M. Ring 257