Lim stumped Penn & Teller both times he appeared on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.”

LIMITLESS POTENTIAL

Magician Shin Lim Continues to Wow Audiences with New Las Vegas Residency

By HEATHER TURK / PHOTOS COURESY OF “SHIN LIM: LIMITLESS”

Las Vegas has long been synonymous with some of the world’s greatest magicians, including magic icons like Siegfried & Roy, Criss Angel and Penn & Teller. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that when The Mirage announced its closure earlier this year to transition into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas in 2027, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas was quick to sign the property’s headlining magician—rising star Shin Lim—to a five-year residency inside its newly renovated venue, The Palazzo Theatre.

The only person to win “America’s Got Talent” twice, Lim has been one of the Entertainment Capital of the World’s most talked about stars since his show “Limitless” debuted at The Mirage in 2019. Known for his “carefully self-choreographed routines,” the Canadian-born, American-raised, Asian-Pacific magician has truly redefined how close-up magic is presented. Chic Compass caught up with the 33-year-old magician shortly before he debuted an updated version of “Limitless” at The Venetian Resort in October to talk about the move, his act and where he would be if a life-changing carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis at the age of 20 didn’t force the one-time aspiring pianist to choose between continuing to study piano at Lee University in Tennessee or pursuing a career in magic.

Chic Compass: First off, everyone here at Chic Compass is so excited about your new show at The Venetian Resort. How did the gig come about?

Shin Lim: I was so sad when I was notified that The Mirage was closing down, as it had been my home since 2019. However, shortly after, The Venetian Resort approached me and gave me an opportunity to become a resident of their very prestigious Palazzo Theatre. I’m still in disbelief that I’m being given such a beautiful place to perform every day.

Chic Compass: How far in advance were you notified of The Mirage’s eventual closure? Were you thinking of touring or performing somewhere else once you knew your time at The Mirage was ending, or did you know you wanted to stay here in Las Vegas?

Shin Lim: I was notified of The Mirage’s closure a day before it was announced at the Hard Rock town hall meeting. It was a shocking day for everyone, and it took me about a month to process what happened. I had toured before getting The Mirage residency, and it took too much of a toll on my body and also my crew. I also really hate flying.

Chic Compass: What is it about Las Vegas that made you decide to continue to perform here?

Shin Lim: Las Vegas has a special place in my heart. I came here for the first time when I was 18 with my mom and we got to see the most spectacular shows—Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo and then “KÀ” by Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand. I can still remember the “wow“ feeling that the city of Las Vegas gave me. It is such a magical, mysterious place. A city of luck, dreams, fun—I can’t see a better place for a resident magician.

Chic Compass: Las Vegas has a history of grand magic shows, with headliners like Siegfried & Roy and David Copperfield. When you first came to Las Vegas, were you worried about focusing primarily on close-up magic versus more large-scale illusions? Or did you feel like your show would fill a void?

Shin Lim: Some of the greatest magicians, like Lance Burton, David Copperfield, David Blaine and Penn & Teller, have all performed in Las Vegas and had successful runs here. It was such an honor to be able to perform on the same Strip that they have—I couldn’t say no to the opportunity. In terms of close-up versus stage magic, I did worry a little bit at first, mainly because of how the audience would see my magic in a 1,300-seat theater. But the moment we opened our first show, my sleight of hand was projected on the large screen, and I heard the audience’s gasps. I knew it worked, and I could only improve from here on. I never really intended to fill a void for magic in Las Vegas. I focus on sleight of hand because it’s the cheapest form of magic—just $2 for a deck of cards. Illusions can go up to millions of dollars. Sleight of hand is also difficult to master, and I’ve always enjoyed a challenge.

Chic Compass: How is The Venetian Resort production different for those who previously saw your show “Limitless” at The Mirage?

Shin Lim: The Palazzo Theatre is much larger than The Mirage Theatre. The show still has all the sleight-of-hand aspects that audiences at The Mirage loved, but at the new venue, it feels different—bigger and with more of a “wow“ factor. The Palazzo Theatre has a massive screen, almost IMAX size. The show is very cinematic, and it almost feels like you’re watching a movie about a magician, but in real time with very genuine audience participation.

Chic Compass: Is there anything you couldn’t do at The Mirage that you can now do at The Venetian Resort that you’re excited about?

Shin Lim: Yes, bigger tricks.

Chic Compass: How old were you when you first got interested in sleight of hand?

Shin Lim: I was 16 when my older brother showed me my first card trick. He didn’t teach it to me. Instead, he told me to go on YouTube and learn it. So, I did, and that’s when the obsession began.

Chic Compass: I know you were studying piano originally. If you didn’t decide to focus on a career in magic instead after your carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis, where did you see yourself in the future as a pianist?

Shin Lim: I’m not sure, but if I had to imagine the best-case scenario for a piano career, it would be Lang Lang.

Chic Compass: Obviously, you’re a very talented sleight-of-hand artist, but sadly, as I’m sure you would agree, there are plenty of talented people out there who never get a chance to have their own show in Las Vegas. How much do you credit competing on “America’s Got Talent” with where you are today?

Shin Lim: I credit “America’s Got Talent” for giving me that path to Las Vegas. If it weren’t for Simon Cowell’s show, I never would’ve gotten that spotlight with the American public. Also, MGM—who owned The Mirage at the time—wouldn’t have taken notice of me.

Chic Compass: What made you want to audition for “America’s Got Talent?”

Shin Lim: I’ve watched “America’s Got Talent” since its first season. The whole production and the different featured acts entertained me. So, I guess in the back of my head, I always wanted to join, but it wasn’t until I saw Mat Franco win Season 9 that I decided to join.

Chic Compass: I saw online that David Blaine’s early TV specials inspired you. I know he has had a couple of different residencies in town over the past few years. Have you gotten a chance to see them?

Shin Lim: Yes! I have seen Blaine’s show at Resorts World Las Vegas and when he moved to Wynn Las Vegas. Blaine became super famous when I first got into magic. His TV specials inspired me to focus on card magic. He made card magic cool, and I have him to thank for that.

Chic Compass: It’s probably hard when you have your own show at night, but do you check out other magic shows in town to see what other magicians are doing?

Shin Lim: Yes, I watch other magic shows to get inspired. They do some amazing things, and it’s also good to support those in the same community.

Chic Compass: Longtime Las Vegas headliners Penn & Teller played a role in your early TV exposure, with you having appeared on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” twice. Did they give you any advice about having a show in Las Vegas when you first came here?

Shin Lim: Yes, it was an amazing jump-start to my career, and I have so much to thank them for. In terms of advice, they may have given me some wise words, but as my wife and many of my friends will tell you, I can never remember dates, times, names or events that occur.

Chic Compass: You’re inspiring a lot of up-and-coming magicians yourself these days. What advice would you give them that you have learned during your journey to becoming a Las Vegas headliner?

Shin Lim: I always tell this to any young magician—be yourself. Whether it’s for a residency or performing at a birthday event, as long as your performance character is a heightened version of you and only you, then you’ll stand out from the rest. Everybody is unique in their own way, so don’t waste your time duplicating a persona you saw on TV or live. Just be you.

Chic Compass: Since this issue will come out around the holidays, what are you the most thankful for as you reflect on your career thus far?

Shin Lim: I’m so grateful to do what I love as a job. Every time I get onstage, I try to perform like it’s the last time I’ll get to.

Chic Compass: With so many shows for people to see in the Entertainment Capital of the World, why should readers go to The Venetian Resort to see “Limitless” this holiday season?

Shin Lim: If you want to see a family show that entertains people ages 5 to 95, bring them along. It’s rare to have entertainment that the whole family can enjoy, and I look forward to doing that this holiday season.

Shin Lim’s “Limitless” performs Thursday through Monday at 7:30 p.m. inside The Palazzo Theatre. During the holiday season, show times may vary. Visit www.shinlimmagic.com for current ticketing information.