On Wednesday, the Clark County Board of Commissioners approved a magic show by Jay Owenhouse, set to operate in a climate-controlled tent on the proposed site of the SkyVue Las Vegas Ferris wheel. The site has been inactive since 2011.
Owenhouse, a well-known escape artist who has appeared on the TV shows “Master of Illusion” and “Magic on the Edge,” had originally proposed a tented show with three tigers in 2020, but the plan was ultimately abandoned when the land went into foreclosure.
Last month, Owenhouse submitted a letter to the county outlining his current show, which features his four children—John, Peter, Julian, and Christina—working on stage and backstage. A footnote noted that no live animals would be used in the show.
Though the start date for the show hasn’t been specified, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) offered their opinion on the development.
“This exhibitor had to recognize that today’s public doesn’t want to see tigers or any other wild animals confined and exploited for shows,” said Debbie Metzler, Director of Captive Animal Welfare. “PETA is celebrating his decision to give an animal-free performance while urging him to retire the tigers he’s still holding captive to a reputable sanctuary, where they could live in peace and never be forced to perform again.”
Another renowned magician who works with big cats, Dirk Arthur, had his show canceled by Notoriety Live at Fremont Street’s Neonopolis before it opened in August 2022.
On Wednesday, the Clark County Board of Commissioners gave their stamp of approval to a magic show by renowned escape artist Jay Owenhouse. Located at the intended site of the SkyVue Las Vegas Ferris wheel, the show will take place in a climate-controlled tent and will feature Owenhouse’s four children. No live animals will be used in the performance.
In response to the news, PETA Director of Captive Animal Welfare Debbie Metzler said, “This exhibitor had to recognize that today’s public doesn’t want to see tigers or any other wild animals confined and exploited for shows. PETA is celebrating his decision to give an animal-free performance while urging him to retire the tigers he’s still holding captive to a reputable sanctuary, where they could live in peace and never be forced to perform again.”
The development comes on the heels of Dirk Arthur’s show at Neonopolis being called off prior to its August 2022 opening.
