HEADLINER SHOWDOWN - Mat Franco vs. Piff the Magic Dragon

Round Two - Production Values

When you're plunking down cash for a Vegas show, you want spectacle. Movement, music, and theatrics are all a part of the Sin City experience. Six years into his residency, Mat Franco has yet to learn this. His set design is stripped down and monochromatic, as are the costumes he wears. There are a minimum of props, no supporting cast, and video segments are mostly of the nostalgic variety ("I was an awkward young kid with a dream"). There's not much here besides the magic to capture your attention.

Piff the Magic Dragon enters the stage from above, "flying" into a whimsical set adorned with growing trees, a dog-shooting cannon, and a giant gumball machine that spews out prizes. He's joined onstage by screaming showgirl assistant Jade Simone...and of course, Mr. Piffles, a hungry old chihuahua who is the real star of the show. There are jokes, stunts, amusing video segues, and plenty of color Plus, the headliner is a grown man in a dragon costume. Enough said. 

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Winner - Piff the Magic Dragon