Acts’ shine after ‘Talent’ may fade rather fast

Be warned, Scott Brothers. "America's Got Talent" is a harsh mistress.

The synchronized dancers were the only Las Vegas act to go any distance on the NBC talent show this year, possibly because they were the only local variety act that hadn't yet been on the show.

Reality TV has become vital. "Peepshow" was saved by Holly Madison's "Holly's World" and now is said to be looking to Coco Austin ("Ice Loves Coco" ) for a second lease on life. "Dancing with the Stars" resuscitated the Tropicana showroom, and "American Idol" helped Taylor Hicks get steady work in Bally's lounge.

But "America's Got Talent Live," opening Wednesday, has so far snubbed Robert and Michael Scott. Should they wait by the phone? Or should they move on? Using Andy Warhol's famous "15 minutes of fame" barometer, let's break down this wicked lady's history.

■ More than 15 minutes:

Second season winner Terry Fator is the only winner to break big, with his ongoing show at The Mirage.

Flamingo magician Nathan Burton's first-season bump is a gift that keeps on giving; he even pulled off a "Talent" cameo this year. Magician Murray also scored his own show at the Tropicana, though it may be "Pawn Stars" keeping him there.

■ Less than 15 minutes:

"Talent" has a way of saying "Your money's on the dresser baby!" to local variety acts. Fire-breather Antonio Restivo is back in "Tournament of Kings" after trying to "Ignite" on his own. Promising Goth magician Dan Sperry is back at Fright Dome.

It was "Vegas! The Show" for the Sandow Trio acrobats and divorce for Mario & Jenny (Ferreira); Jenny Romas is now part of "iCandy Burlesque." Zuma Zuma zoomed to Circus Circus.

Comedian Geechy Guy's worthy "Dirty Joke Show" is homeless, while Grandma Lee improbably milked "Talent" a couple of years longer than anyone should have cared.

■ Clock still running:

Magician Seth Grabel still has untapped potential; he opens Thursday at the Clarion. Rival magician Michael Turco holds on at the Saxe Theater. Recycled Percussion struck out on its own, then moved back in with "Talent" at the Palazzo. Mosaic's a capella singing is better than any break it had in town.

But the mistress was cruelest to Michael Grimm, who won the whole million-dollar enchilada, only to circle back to Green Valley Ranch Resort. He's too good to be finished, though.

Anyway, 'tis better to have loved and lost, right? Bet V Theater dog wrangler Gregory Popovich wishes it was his critters on "Talent" this year, instead of those now working the Palazzo.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.