Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Steve Wyrick sued by performers after shutting theater

Updated Friday, Dec. 11, 2009 | 6:16 p.m.

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Steve Wyrick.

Illusionist Steve Wyrick was sued Friday by entertainers at his Steve Wyrick Theater demanding to be paid — one day after sources say he closed the theater and magical show at the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort on the Las Vegas strip.

National Concerts LLC filed suit Friday in Clark County District Court against Wyrick Magical Productions and Wyrick, charging they failed to turn over all the required net ticket revenue for one of the last groups to perform at the theater before the closure: the 1950s/1960s-style production of the Platters, Cornell Gunter’s Coasters and the Marvelettes.

The suit alleged breach of contract and conversion and demands an accounting of revenue and expenses for the show.

"Wyrick Magical Productions was failing to timely and properly bill ticket brokers for the tickets they had sold, was failing to collect all funds that were due for ticket sales, and had failed to properly account for all revenue and expenses at weekly settlement meetings," the lawsuit charged.

The suit says Wyrick Magical Productions has acknowledged it should have paid at least $23,000 at the Dec. 1 weekly settlement, "but Wyrick Magical Productions has admitted to National Concerts that it does not have the funds to pay the undisputed portion of the settlement."

Calls to Wyrick’s office Friday were not returned and the Miracle Mile Shops had no comment on the situation.

The closure came as little surprise, as lawsuits filed earlier this year against Wyrick over unpaid bills indicated business wasn’t good for Wyrick and the performers who contracted to use his stage.

One suit was filed in March by the Marketing Factor LLC, alleging unpaid advertising bills.

Another was filed last month over a cross-marketing deal by fellow Miracle Mile tenant Hawaiian Tropic Zone.

Wyrick’s $34 million theater, seating 500 people, opened in early 2007 – right before the recession reduced visitation to Las Vegas and activity at Planet Hollywood.

Acts that failed to take hold at the theater include vocalist Martin Nievera, ventriloquist Ronn Lucas and longtime Elvis impressionist Trent Carlini.

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