Penn & Teller, though, managed to turn their edgy brand of comedy-infused magic into a 12-year run (and counting) at The Rio, outselling all other magic men in town and garnering them seven wins as Las Vegas Magicians of the Year.
Of course, most of us don't live in Vegas, but we've gotten to know Penn Gillette and his diminutive silent partner Raymond Teller through their decades in the public eye, through Broadway shows, TV appearances on David Letterman and assorted talk shows and their long-running Showtime show Bullshit!, on which they dispelled conspiracies and "common knowledge" about everything from alien abduction and PETA to the war on drugs and astrology.
Live performance remains the cornerstone of Penn & Teller's career, and the duo is coming to Spokane May 13 for a show at Northern Quest Resort & Casino. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 8:30 am, and cost $65, $75 or $95.
Here's a look at some of Penn & Teller's style:
