Quick Facts
Overview
David Copperfield has been performing at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theater since 1992 — one of the longest-running residencies in Las Vegas history. He holds the Guinness World Record as the most commercially successful magician in history, having sold more tickets than any other solo performer in the world. These are not trivial credentials. When you attend a David Copperfield show, you are watching the man who defined what large-scale magic could be for an entire generation of audiences.
My experience: I saw David Copperfield in 2022 and was genuinely surprised — I expected a nostalgia act and got a world-class magic show. The flying illusion in the second act is something I still cannot explain. I sat in the center of the theater about twelve rows back, which I would recommend as the optimal seat for the perspective tricks.
The show is structured as a greatest-hits retrospective of Copperfield's career — the illusions that made him famous on his television specials, performed live in the intimate 740-seat Hollywood Theater. The flying illusion, which Copperfield has performed in various forms since the 1990s, remains genuinely inexplicable even when you are sitting in the front row watching it happen. The large-scale disappearances — a motorcycle, a car, an audience volunteer — are executed with the kind of precision that comes from decades of refinement.
At $75 to $130 per ticket, Copperfield sits in the mid-range of Las Vegas show pricing. The question is whether the greatest-hits format, which leans heavily on nostalgia for his television work, holds up for audiences who may not have grown up watching those specials. My assessment is that it does — but with some caveats about expectations.
Our Experience
The Hollywood Theater at the MGM Grand is a genuinely intimate venue — 740 seats arranged in a traditional theater configuration. There is no bad seat in this room. Even from the rear orchestra, you are close enough to see Copperfield's expressions and appreciate the fine details of his sleight of hand. This intimacy is one of the show's great strengths: you are watching a world-class magician at close range, not a distant figure on a stadium stage.
Copperfield himself is a compelling stage presence — charismatic, self-deprecating in a calculated way, and clearly still genuinely passionate about the craft after more than four decades. His patter is polished to a high gloss; he knows exactly when to build tension and when to release it. The audience participation segments are handled with particular skill. During my visit, he selected a woman from the audience for a card trick that ended with her chosen card appearing inside a sealed bottle that he had been holding since before she arrived at the theater. The mechanics were invisible. The reaction was genuine.
The flying illusion is the centerpiece of the show and the moment that justifies the ticket price for most audiences. Copperfield flies — genuinely, visibly, inexplicably flies — above the stage and over the audience. He invites volunteers to examine him before and after. He flies through a clear acrylic box that the audience can see through from all angles. Even knowing that there must be an explanation, and even sitting in the front row trying to find it, I could not. That is the standard against which all magic should be measured.
The show's weakness is its retrospective structure. For audiences who grew up watching Copperfield's television specials in the 1980s and 1990s, seeing these illusions live is a genuinely moving experience — the fulfillment of a long-held wish. For younger audiences who come to the show without that context, some of the illusions can feel like historical artifacts rather than contemporary innovations. This is not a fatal flaw, but it is worth knowing before you book.
Pros & Cons
| ✓ Pros | ✗ Cons |
|---|---|
| World-famous magician performing signature illusions live | Show feels like a greatest-hits retrospective rather than new material |
| Intimate 740-seat Hollywood Theater — genuinely no bad seats | Less comedic and intellectually engaging than Penn & Teller |
| Flying illusion is genuinely inexplicable even from the front row | Some illusions feel dated compared to contemporary magic |
| Audience participation segments are entertaining and skillfully handled | Premium tickets are expensive relative to the production level |
| Nostalgic value for those who grew up watching his TV specials | Show schedule is limited — Thursday through Monday only |
| Conveniently located at the MGM Grand on the Strip | No post-show meet-and-greet unlike Penn & Teller |
Seating Guide
The Hollywood Theater is small enough that every seat offers a good view. The main consideration is your preference for close-up detail versus full-stage perspective. Mid Orchestra rows F–M offer the ideal balance for most audiences.
| Section | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Orchestra | $75–$90 | Full stage view. In this intimate theater, the rear is still close. Good budget option. |
| Mid Orchestra | $90–$110 | ★ Recommended. Rows F–M offer the best balance of proximity and full-stage perspective. |
| Front Orchestra | $110–$125 | Best for close-up sleight of hand. High chance of being selected as a volunteer. |
| Premium Front Row | $125–$130 | Front row. The flying illusion passes directly over you. High volunteer selection risk. |
How to Get Tickets
Buy tickets directly from the MGM Grand website or Ticketmaster. The MGM Grand box office also sells tickets in person. The show runs Thursday through Monday, with occasional additional performances during peak periods.
For discounts, Tix4Tonight kiosks sometimes carry Copperfield tickets at 15–25% off. MGM Rewards members should check for loyalty pricing — the MGM Grand is an MGM property and loyalty members occasionally access preferential rates. Unlike Penn & Teller, Copperfield tickets rarely appear at deep discounts, so Tix4Tonight availability is less reliable.
The show does not sell out as quickly as O or The Beatles LOVE, so booking 1–2 weeks in advance is generally sufficient for standard dates. Arrive 20 minutes early to find your seats and review the pre-show materials in the lobby.
Is It Worth It?
Verdict: Worth It for the Flying Illusion Alone
Yes, with the caveat that your enjoyment will be significantly enhanced by familiarity with Copperfield's television work. The flying illusion alone justifies the ticket price for most audiences. If you are choosing between Copperfield and Penn & Teller, Penn & Teller offers better value and a more intellectually engaging experience. But Copperfield offers something Penn & Teller does not: the experience of seeing a living legend perform his greatest work at close range.
Book Mid Orchestra, arrive early, and go in with the understanding that this is a retrospective rather than a cutting-edge contemporary magic show. On those terms, it delivers exactly what it promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has David Copperfield been performing in Las Vegas?
Since 1992 at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theater — one of the longest-running residencies in Las Vegas history. He holds the Guinness World Record as the most commercially successful magician in history.
Is David Copperfield suitable for children?
Yes, suitable for all ages. No adult language or disturbing content. The large-scale illusions and flying sequence are particularly impressive for children.
How much do David Copperfield tickets cost?
$75 (rear orchestra) to $130 (premium front). Mid Orchestra at $90–$110 is the recommended tier. The Hollywood Theater is intimate enough that there are genuinely no bad seats.
When does David Copperfield perform?
Thursday through Monday at the Hollywood Theater in the MGM Grand. Check the MGM Grand website or Ticketmaster for current showtimes and availability.
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