If you have not experienced Piff the Magic Dragon and his adorable sidekick Mr. Piffles, then it may be time. As luck would have it, you can make plans to see him live at the Gallo Center for the Arts on Feb. 24 in Modesto for the Lucky Dragon Tour 2019. There are two shows scheduled, with one at 1 p.m. for all ages and a 5 p.m. show that is PG13. 

Originally, Piff the Magic Dragon was a finalist on “America’s Got Talent” season 10 and most recently competed on “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” edition this past January as his tour kicked off. The show brings fans of all ages a mixture of wit, sarcasm and magic. The popularity and fame from his appearance on Season 10 assisted Piff in securing a residency in Las Vegas at the Flamingo Casino. He broke audience records last summer at the Flamingo, which led to an extension of his residency through 2019. 

“I realized early on that I wasn’t cut out for the regular 9 to 5,” stated Piff. “Piff the Accounting Dragon just doesn’t have the same ring to it.”

With many accolades like the Best Comedian in the Best of Las Vegas awards and being nominated for Casino Comedian of the Year along with Bill Engvall and Sebastian Maniscalco, Piff is on the road to fame and fortune. He was also on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” which is a show where they are in the audience and watch aspiring magicians as they try to duplicate their tricks. 

The one-of-a-kind comedy magic show has entertained thousands of people at sold out shows at some of the most iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe, the O2, and the Sydney Opera House.

“The pockets,” Piff expressed about his favorite part of his character. “Dragons have 27 pockets.”

Piff is from the United Kingdom and explained that “all dragons are from South East London.” He currently resides in Las Vegas where he added that the desert was a perfect place for a cold blooded reptile like himself. 

How did he become a dragon, you might ask? Piff explained, “I went to a costume party, and when I got there (I went as a dragon because my sister had a dragon outfit under her bed—I asked no more questions and neither should you). When I turned up, no one was in costume; it was just me. I said to my friend, ‘What are you doing?’ And she was like, ‘Well, we thought it was childish.’ And I was like, ‘Really? Really, you think this is childish?’ So, I was drinking red wine in the corner being very grumpy, and my other friend said, ‘You should do this in your act. You could be Puff the Magic Dragon.’ I said, ‘Wait! I could be Piff the Magic Dragon. You might have heard of my older brother ... Steve.’”

Some of his influences along the way are Penn and Teller, who he expressed as heroes and mentors and most importantly his friends that he has had over the years. 

“I love it,” added Piff about performing in the States. “Turns out America loves dragons. Just look at the ‘Game of Thrones’ ratings. Makes a nice change from the UK where their patron saint is notorious dragon slayer St. George, disgusting.”

There are a few different reasons to check out Piff the Magic Dragon at the Gallo Center for the Lucky Dragon tour, like listening to a grumpy dragon telling jokes or watching a cute furry little friend doing magic tricks. Either way, smiles and laughter are sure to fill the theater. ■

IF YOU GO

When:
1 p.m. (all ages) and 5 p.m. (13 and over) Feb. 24

Where:
Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto

Tickets:
$19 to $49 and are available by calling 209-338-2100 or at galloarts.org