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NORM: Authors less than kind to Siegfried


Photo by The Associated Press

Siegfried Fischbacher receives the lion's share of criticism in a new book by Siegfried & Roy's inner circle.

Fischbacher's temper led to several incidents, including a citizen's arrest by a camera girl, according to "The Secret Life of Siegfried & Roy."

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  • Another time, he gave a black eye to cast member and friend Lynette Chappell.

    The book is an as-told-to collaboration by the German illusionists' former security staffers, Jim Mydlach, the duo's chief of security for about 20 years, and his son, Louis, along with show consultant Jim Lavery. It was written by Henrietta Tiefenthaler.

    The camera girl claimed Fischbacher became violent and shoved her to the floor.

    Retired Metro officer John Hannon told Lavery he marched Fischbacher to the jail after the camera girl made the citizen's arrest in 1978. He spent the night in jail missing the second show.

    Lavery said Chappell, his longtime girlfriend and "Evil Queen" in the show, admitted Fischbacher had hit her.

    It's no secret Fischbacher struggled with painkillers and sought help, which is mentioned in the book.

    During Roy Horn's early struggles after a tiger bit him Oct. 3, 2003, his longtime doctor quit in frustration after Fischbacher meddled with the prescribed medical regimen.

    The book is a mix of revelations, along with hijinks (an elephant handler sharing beers with the show's lead pachyderm) and details of Horn's near-death experience, with heavy borrowing of material from local reporters.

    The authors claim that the first time Horn "stood" on his own in public was a case of razzle dazzle.

    When Siegfried & Roy showed up at the Stardust in August 2004 to see "Havana Night Club," which they had co-produced, Horn arrived in his wheelchair to huge applause and, after the show, performed "one of the most brilliant illusions he ever sold to an audience," the book says.

    "In actuality, Louis Mydlach was standing close behind Roy, surreptitiously holding him up by his pants!"

    The audience might have gone home with the impression that Horn had made a miraculous recovery 10 months after the tiger incident, but from my vantage point, it was clear he hadn't stood on his own. A day later, I reported that Horn "twice rose from his wheelchair, with help from friends."

    'THE VIEW' LINEUP

    The entertainment lineup for the June 23-25 taping of "The View" at Caesars Palace was announced Thursday, along with ticket information.

    Joining Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd on Monday, June 23, at 8 a.m. (live) will be Jimmy Kimmel, who grew up in Las Vegas and whose Uncle Frank was a security guard at Caesars Palace; cast members of HBO's hit show "Entourage," Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Debi Mazur; and musical artist Rhianna.

    On Tuesday, June 24, at 8 a.m. (live): performances by "American Idol" David Cook and first runner-up David Archuleta, Danny Gans and The Chippendales. At 10:30 a.m. (taped for broadcast on Thursday, June 26): comedian Wayne Brady, "The Hills" star Heidi Montag and "Jubilee!" showgirls.

    On Wednesday, June 25, at 8 a.m. (live): Jessica Simpson and Rita Rudner. At 11 a.m. (taped for broadcast on Friday, June 27): Bette Midler and Lance Burton.

    The show will be broadcast from a stage built atop the Caesars Palace front fountains.

    Audience members must be 18 or older and must have a ticket. Ticket holders are asked to gather 90 minutes before the scheduled show start time in the Roman Plaza.

    Audience tickets are free and available online at abc.com while seating remains available. Tickets will not be available at The Colosseum box office.

    SIGHTINGS

    Country star Kenny Chesney, at Elton John's "The Red Piano" on Wednesday at The Colosseum.

    MAY I RECOMMEND ...

    The Burlesque Hall of Fame's All-Star Burlesque Weekend starts at noon today at the Palms Pool & Bungalows, with performances by 100 of the top practitioners. Events include the Classic Burlesque Bash Tribute at ghostbar at 8 p.m. and Crown the Queen at poolside on Saturday at 8 p.m.

    PUNCHLINE

    "You've just made a powerful enemy of the Pantsuit Manufacturers of America." -- from David Letterman's Top Ten Messages Left on Barack Obama's Answering Machine

    Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.



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    jim lavery wrote on June 24, 2008 07:36 PM: cg, Lavery is spelled with no t .


    Stephanie wrote on June 07, 2008 04:16 PM: HMMM,

    Drug problems? Prescription painkillers?
    Jacobs and Modaber. Drug pushers to the elite of Las Vegas.


    Wondering wrote on June 06, 2008 09:48 PM: I've lived in LV for nearly 10 years but never got to see S&R before the big disaster, just not my cup o'tea. I am always surprised at the number of rabid defenders and equally as rabid critics. I won't read the book because it seems mean-spirited, but also feel like I know as much as I ever want to about these guys.


    laura bonamo wrote on June 06, 2008 09:01 PM: Please tell me where you can get tickets to the view. I went online to abc.com and submitted a request, but it says that tickets are mailed 3 weeks in advance. Can you help me? thank you


    CG wrote on June 06, 2008 02:49 PM: someone mentioned about Norm asking Siegfried himself about the stuff in the book ... I am thinking that both S&R will not give Norm the time of day anymore.


    CG wrote on June 06, 2008 02:47 PM: How much are you getting paid to quote stuff from a trash book. Siegfried and Roy have been good to you Norm .. so how about returning the favour and showing a little respect by not commenting on the book in your column. Laverty is a drunk and you know that Norm so it is a wonder to me why you would believe that anything as being true. Mydlach's ... well there is another 12 step program. DON'T BUY THE BOOK PEOPLE !


    Disgusted In Las Vegas wrote on June 06, 2008 10:18 AM: Just when you think someone can't sink any lower....are you this desperate to fill your column? Especially when the "facts" you print are anything but!!! There are lots of folks who know the real story, and believe me, it's the "authors" - and I use that term loosely - that have the real DIRT in their past. Give it a rest!


    Player wrote on June 06, 2008 10:15 AM: Come on Elisabeth (Hasselbeck), forgot about your pine riding husband football player for just a weekend! He hasn't taken a snap in 4 years in a real game. I am a real man and I will bring you to newfound heights this weekend! Call me!!


    Linda wrote on June 06, 2008 10:15 AM: Why are you beating a dead horse - these guys can't get any response from this inaccurate, nauseating book, so are they using you????


    The Donald wrote on June 06, 2008 10:13 AM: Tiger, you are wrong. You white cousin actually bit down on his neck and actually tore an artery & muscle tissue with his teeth. Mauling is when the animal scratches and pummels you with his paws. Learn the difference Tiger!


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