SandCastle magic show to go ‘poof’

SandCastle Saipan LLC is pulling out from the CNMI after nearly 16 years and its Las Vegas-style magic show featuring world-famous illusionist Leon Etienne will take its final bow on March 31, 2018.

SandCastle’s magic show has made the spacious ballroom of Hyatt Regency Saipan in Garapan its home since 2002 holding two shows a night, five days a week.

Baldyga Group, LLC chair and CEO Mark Baldyga said the SandCastle magic show is ending in March because its lease with Hyatt Regency is up.

“The last show will be on March 31st and we have enjoyed a wonderful 15-year relationship with Hyatt Saipan and the people of Saipan. We are really appreciative of the support we have received over the years from Hyatt, Marianas Visitors Authority, the visitor industry, and the people of Saipan. Unfortunately, the lease is simply coming to its natural expiration, ” he said.

Baldyga said a renewal was no longer feasible as Hyatt has other plans with the area where SandCastle is currently housed.

Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Concepcion said the MVA helps promote SandCastle to offshore partners, media, and visitors and to lose the brand is sad.

“We are sad that SandCastle is not renewing. They definitely give the CNMI a different and unique type of entertainment and we hope that someone will fill the spot that SandCastle will leave behind,” he said.

Concepcion added that MVA supports Hyatt Regency on whatever they decide to build in the area where SandCastle is now. “We know that Hyatt makes the best judgment in business decisions and we will support it.”

The Baldyga Group said it does not have any plans of continuing the show in another location on Saipan.

“While we really like Saipan, we are going to take a break for awhile although we may consider coming back in the future,” Baldyga said.

“We plan to come back maybe in a year or so as we look for other locations. We are not re-opening immediately because we would like to consider other entertainment options on Saipan.” Baldyga added.

SandCastle Saipan is known for its Las Vegas-style dinner and entertainment experience that showcases magic, illusions, beautiful Las Vegas dancing and singing showgirls, acrobats, and the show’s highlight is the presentation of the white Bengal tiger that guests can take a photo with after the show.

The Baldyga Group extends its gratitude for the continued patronage of the people of Saipan on SandCastle Saipan’s shows.

“We have enjoyed our time [on] Saipan and especially the people of the CNMI with who we have been appreciative of their tremendous community support we have had while here. I suppose it feels like leaving home but we are just a short flight away and we will continue to visit and to enjoy the beauty and people of Saipan,” Baldyga said.

“As for future business plans on Saipan, time will tell. A lot will depend on the tourist arrivals and visitor demographics…We are considering many other entertainment options,” Baldyga added.

He cites some challenges that they face when it comes to competition in the tourism industry.

“Some of the travel agents have become direct competitors in the optional tour space so that can make things a bit more challenging than in Guam for example. We will focus on our Guam business right now, but we look forward to the possibility of returning perhaps with a different type of product,” Baldyga said.