FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
http://www.varietysn.org/
Lance Burton’s “Billy Topit Master Magician” World Movie Premiere
September 24th at Brenden Theaters in The Palms.
Event and Limited Release to Benefit Local Charities with
Red Carpet starting at 4 P.M. and Curtain Speech at 5:30 P.M.
LAS VEGAS (July 13th, 2015) – Produced and Directed by Lance Burton with screenplay by Lance and Michael Goudeau, “Billy Topit Master Magician” is not a biography of Lance Burton’s life but a fictional character in a fictional setting that happens to be set in Lance’s adopted hometown of Las Vegas. “The one thing Billy and I share in common is this, we both love magic and we both love Las Vegas. I guess that is two things actually” stated Lance.
The independent comedy took over five years from idea to theatrical release and has been Lance’s labor of love since retiring his stage show in 2010 at the Monte Carlo Resort. The inspiration for the movie harkens back to Lance’s childhood. “When I was a kid I saw Bill Bixby in a TV series called “The Magician.” I loved that show. Through the years there have been many films and TV shows with magician characters and some were quite good. I just felt that I could bring something to the table that was genuine. Something based in reality. I didn’t want to do the stereotypical mysterious magician character. That’s why Billy Topit is a struggling magician, even though he is very skilled.”
Lance has a long history in the television and movie industry from his appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson to starring in his own network TV specials to being Magic Consultant on the blockbuster movie “Oz the Great and Powerful,” starring James Franco. “I was fortunate enough to receive lessons from Lance Burton… and I got to have him as my private teacher for weeks, which was great. I look at myself on the stage and there are certain flourishes where I carry myself that definitely come from Lance, who is just a great guy and a great teacher and great magician,” stated Franco in an interview for “Oz.”
The cast of “Billy Topit Master Magician” is full of many of Lance’s friends, most of which are magicians, jugglers, comedians, as well as actors. Louie Anderson, Mac King, Robin Leach, as well as, Criss Angel all make cameo appearances. “When my dear friend Lance asked me to make a cameo in his movie (Billy Topit Master Magician), I was honored. When I heard my scene was a twisted nightmare – I thought perfect – I’m right at home,” said Criss Angel.
While there might be a nightmare scene in the movie Lance went on to say, “This is a family friendly movie that I hope will connect with people all over the world. It is a love letter to Las Vegas. When I am no longer around, I hope Billy Topit will still be inspiring people to visit our city. I am also honored to be able to donate all of the funds raised by the World Premiere and Limited Engagement run at Brenden Theaters to three charities close to my heart, Variety The Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Shriners and Nevada SPCA. I hope to spread a little magic around the world with “Billy Topit Master Magician” and here at home.”
For tickets to the World Premiere of Billy Topit Master Magician
Tickets $25 available at VarietySN.org
Red Carpet arrivals at 4 P.M.
Curtain speech and welcome by Lance Burton & cast at 5:30 P.M.
Movie at 6 P.M., Brenden Theaters at The Palms Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Full Cast Listing:
Billy Topit LANCE BURTON
Gabriella JOELLE RIGHETTI
Frank MICHAEL HOLLY
Mike MICHAEL GOUDEAU
Ronn & Otto RUSS MERLIN
Russ TOMMIE LAING
Doris PAMELA HAYES
Tony DeLeo RORY JOHNSTON
Pauley WILL SILVA
Joey CHRIS DeMEO
Carmi DeLeo JOHNNY THOMPSON
George Joseph MICHAEL ROME
Security Guard LOUIE ANDERSON
Mayor FIELDING WEST
Sheriff GEORGE JOSEPH
Anton PAUL VIGIL
Singer GABRIELLA VERSACE
Guitar Player JIMI BRENT
Bellman MAC KING
Variety, The Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada:
Variety, The Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada, (a 501 (c) 3 organization) works locally, nationally and globally to help children attain their full potential by granting practical equipment, programs and experiences that help children overcome whatever obstacles they face and live life to the fullest. All children are special, however, the core purpose of the Variety – the Children’s Charity is to connect people and companies to children who are less fortunate; children who live and grow up with serious illness, a disability or disadvantage. These are extra special children; children who require an extraordinary kind of help and support. That help and support is you and Variety – the Children’s Charity. Variety of Southern Nevada serves special needs children in the Las Vegas Valley and has donated in excess of $7 million worth of goods, services and money to children’s programs affiliated with dozens of local agencies.
Shriners Hospitals for Children:
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 medical facilities across North America. Children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. These hospitals, are known as “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy,” are owned and operated by Shriners International, formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a Freemasonry-related organization simply known today as the Shriners. Patients must be minors under the age of 18 and are not required to have any familial affiliation with the Shriners order nor Freemasonry. The motto of all the Shriners Hospital for Children is “Love to the Rescue”. One of the main goals of Shriners hospital for children is to make sure none of their patients see a needle. They also give each child a specialized after surgery gift based on their personality. The Zelzah Shriners Temple of Las Vegas can be contacted at (702) 382-5554 or zelzahshrine.com.
Nevada SPCA:
The Nevada SPCA, a nonprofit organization, operates a no-kill animal shelter, promotes humane education, makes referrals for lower-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services, and challenges people to be the best possible guardians for the companion animals in their care. We work to achieve our adoption goals by treating each animal as an individual, with a name instead of a number. We strive to match each rescued animal with people by personality and lifestyle in order to have the best chance to find a forever home. We seek homes for the animals where they will be treated, cherished, and appreciated as members of the family. For more information go to nevadaspca.org or call (702) 873-SPCA.
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