Piff the Magic Dragon has been a major part of the entertainment scene at the historic Flamingo Las Vegas since 2015, when he started to perform in the intimate Bugsy’s Cabaret space. In recent years, he’s expanded his comedy and magic production with bigger tricks, bigger laughs and a larger cast, and found a new home in the more spacious Flamingo Showroom. And now he’s unleashed Reptile Dysfunction, a riotous comedy special fans and followers can watch for free on YouTube, which features all we’ve come to expect from Piff and more—including a special guest appearance by another Strip entertainer.
Did you enjoy the experience of putting together this comedy special?
It was like making a film, shooting scenes we knew would fit with the show and cutting some things and reshooting others. In the end, we had so much material to choose from that it was difficult to cut some of our favorite pieces. But there was never a deadline to put it out. We wanted to get it all nicely finished and ready to be seen, and I think it’s different from the usual comedy specials.
It seems like the perfect transition from the previous version of the show in the smaller cabaret room at Flamingo, into the big showroom where you’re performing these days.
It feels like we were able to show a lot of the material we did in that (smaller) room, and now when people watch the special and then come to see the show, they’ll get an all new experience.
There’s a whole lot of Las Vegas in the special, beyond what you’ve done at Flamingo.
Yeah, we shot the show (parts) in the old theater, but we also wanted to take it outside to the Strip, show some of the tricks we’ve done on the High Roller (Observation Wheel) and other places around Las Vegas. It’s great being part of the scene here and being able to show what we love about Vegas.
What was it like reuniting with your friend Penn Jillette, who portrays your dad, Pop the Magic Dragon?
Penn is great to work with. You give him a line and he’ll deliver it five different ways. And he definitely goes crazy with the character. It’s a very different Penn than what you usually see.
You’re always working on new tricks to add to the show. Is there anything you’ve been developing that you’re particularly excited to launch?
Mr. Piffles is doing a trick where he is (producing) any drink named by someone in the audience. It’s based on a very old trick where you have a tea kettle and a spectator asks for a specific drink and you pour out of the kettle, only instead of that, you have a dog, and instead of the spout, well, you can work the rest out.
Flamingo, 13+, 702.777.2782
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
