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The Illusionists Review -- 5/30/2019

In this week's newsletter, I'd like to share my thoughts on the production The Illusionists , which is currently running for an extended period at the El Dorado in Reno. I attended the show on Friday, May 17 .

The performance showcases five exceptional magicians: The Showman, The Trickster, the Mentalist, the Manipulator, and the Escapist. Each magician brings a unique skill set to the stage. The theater itself is quite cozy and appropriately sized, boasting 11 rows of seating on the main level. Interestingly, the entertainment begins even before the official start time as magicians make their way through the audience, showing tricks and getting patrons involved in a mind-reading activity slated for later in the show.

I was fortunate to attend alone, which allowed me to snag an excellent front-row seat at a very fair price. A bar on stage was serving beverages while one of the magicians showcased card tricks. As an enthusiastic amateur magician, I was excited to observe closely. When I approached, a couple who had been watching had just left, so I requested, 'Please perform another one.' He proceeded to show a trick, although the particulars escape my memory; I stood quietly in awe. When he finished, I managed to express simply, 'That was impressive, thank you.' To my surprise, he replied, 'You're a magician, aren't you?' I was taken aback by how he figured it out, but it was incredibly flattering to have a real magician recognize me as one.

It turned out that the magician performing at the bar was the Trickster among the five illusionists. He also took on the role of informal host and was undoubtedly the most humorous of the group. While I can't recall specific tricks, many involved him interacting closely with audience members while moving around the theater. The presence of roaming cameramen and a large video screen also ensured that the entire audience could appreciate the performance.

The Manipulator was the most skilled in sleight-of-hand magic that I have ever witnessed. I can't remember many specific tricks, other than the fact that he seemed to conjure hundreds of playing cards from thin air. As someone with a bit of insider knowledge, I can attest that these types of tricks are extremely difficult to execute, and I hold them in high regard. By the end of his primary act, the stage was littered with playing cards. There are not enough praises to describe it, but I can honestly say I was thoroughly impressed, especially since I'm quite discerning when it comes to magic.

New York

Nevertheless, the type of magic that currently captivates me the most is mentalism. Truthfully, I don’t know much about its mechanics, which might explain my fascination. During his performance, he approached selected audience members and provided them with incredibly obscure thoughts to ponder. His routine also had a humorous twist reminiscent of Mo Rocca's nerdy style. I would love to see him headline an entire show on his own at some point.

The Showman, a magician from France, presented some larger-scale illusions. Regrettably, I can’t recall all the intricate details—perhaps I should have taken notes during the performance for this review. The finale featured the Escapist executing the famous Houdini water torture escape, performed without any curtains hiding the tank. Remarkably, he accomplished this in just over two minutes.

The entire performance was more fluid and collaborative rather than each performer taking turns sequentially; the illusionists appeared on and off stage throughout the show. The Trickster maintained the energy and flow of the event. Following the climactic water torture escape, the performers stayed on stage to mingle with the audience—a gesture I always appreciate. I had an opportunity to chat briefly with the Manipulator and the Mentalist. The Mentalist struck me as a genuinely nice person, as he inquired about my hometown. Upon mentioning Vegas, he recounted his recent visit and the magic shows he experienced. In hindsight, I wish I had taken more time to converse with him, but I was a bit star-struck and struggled to find words. I attempted to take selfies with both, though the one with the Mentalist didn't turn out well, while I did manage to capture a decent photo with the Manipulator.

Ticket prices start at $39.95 (or $47.55 after including taxes and fees), which I believe is an outstanding deal given the high quality of the performance. It's safe to say I wholeheartedly recommend attending if you're in Reno. The show's website also notes that it has toured globally, so stay alert for its arrival in your area. Lastly, I want to acknowledge each performer individually, out of reverence for their artistry:

  • The Trickster, David Williamson
  • The Mentalist, Chris Cox
  • The Escapist, Krendl
  • The Manipulator, Hyun Joon Kim
  • The Showman, Valentin

The Illusionists web site: eldoradoreno.com