Review of Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream - 08/22/2019

Moving forward, I aim to increase the number of show reviews I share in this newsletter as well as on my Wizard of Vegas website. It's a challenging task, but it’s essential. Therefore, in this edition, I will delve into Xavier Mortimer's Magical Dream.

Let’s go over the essential details first. The performance takes place in the Windows theater at Bally's , which has a cozy capacity of around 200 seats. The show schedules its performances at 6:00 PM on what appears to be random days during the week, based on the ticket sales calendar. The ticket prices range from $49 to $69 , plus applicable taxes and fees. When I attempted to purchase a $49 ticket online, the final total came to $67.43, reflecting a 38% increase (yikes!).

The show features Xavier Mortimer , who formerly performed with Cirque du Soleil , specifically in Michael Jackson One . A young and charming performer from France, he is accompanied by a contortionist named Belle. I suspect there are a few behind-the-scenes staff aiding with the various magical effects.

As implied by the title, the performance is themed around dreams. Xavier conveys that dreams are often beyond our control, frequently appearing unpredictable and nonsensical. While it’s easy to forget this idea during the show, it concludes by returning to this notion as Xavier awakens and understands his true desires revealed through his dreams. To discover this answer, you’ll need to witness the show for yourself.

I would characterize the performance as predominantly a magic show, enhanced by elements of juggling, humor, music, and circus performances. With a background in Cirque du Soleil , the storytelling unfolds in a laid-back and entertaining manner. Having previously experienced the Moulin Rouge show in Paris , which should not be confused with its more diluted Las Vegas counterpart, I would rather liken this format to that variety style instead of a conventional American magic show.

Xavier’s persona comes across as playful, friendly, childlike, and slightly quirky. The best parallel I can draw is to Pee Wee Herman; however, don’t let that dissuade you. Both characters exude innocence, friendliness, and excellent physical comedy. I should also mention that Xavier has remarkable control over his facial expressions, reminiscent of Malcolm McDowell, both able to convey a lot with just a smile.

The performance transitions smoothly from one act to another, utilizing an apparently transparent screen that guides the character through various situations. This technique was skillfully executed, creating the impression of a continuous stream of consciousness, reminiscent of how dreams typically flow.

Approximately half of the show consisted of magic, and of that portion, a significant amount was focused on mind-reading acts. These routines were particularly engaging as they required audience participation. For instance, I caught a tennis ball, which prompted Xavier to ask me to select a number between 1 and 99 (I selected 23). Later, my cousin caught a Frisbee and was invited to mention any object (she chose a tennis racket). She then had to throw the Frisbee to another audience member and unfortunately hit a man in the row ahead of us who was oblivious and facing forward. Thankfully, it was one of those foam discs. That man, who also had limited English proficiency, didn’t quite grasp what was happening. Nevertheless, Xavier made some light-hearted jokes about it, leading to laughter from the audience at both participants' expense.

As a magician myself, I was particularly struck by the illusions where Xavier and/or Belle would vanish, reappear, or seemingly swap places. The magical effects were grand, allowing the entire audience to partake in the wonder. Other tricks featured floating acts and other demonstrations of gravity-defying feats. There were also gloved hands appearing seemingly independently from bodies, contributing to the dream-like quality of the show.

As someone who juggles, I was thoroughly impressed by Xavier's diablo performance. For those not in the know, a diablo resembles a large yo-yo that is free from the string.

Additionally, Belle's contortion routine was nothing short of astonishing. While I might not be an expert, I have seen various Cirque du Soleil performances and their imitators, and I can confidently say I have never encountered a routine better than this one.

Both Xavier and Belle exhibited youthful enthusiasm and clearly took great pride in delivering a top-notch performance. Considering the pricing of the show, I believe it’s an exceptional value. I attended the performance with two of my cousins, one of whom was on a date, and all three had nothing but praise for the experience.

After the performance, both entertainers took the time to meet with audience members and pose for photographs. I found Xavier to be incredibly approachable as he asked us where we were from and complimented my limited French vocabulary.

Written by: Michael Shackleford