The Illusionists – The Civic Theatre

Some Las Vegas sparkle, magic and dry ice have drifted along to Auckland accompanying the new spectacular, The Illusionists, at The Civic Theatre.

This epic show features seven of the world’s top magicians. Described as the Cirque du Soleil of magic, this show started life 18 months ago to dispel the old fashioned image surrounding this art form. In Las Vegas large scale magic productions are the norm but executive producers Simon Painter and Tim Lawson wanted to bring that level of entertainment to the world.

The production of The illusionists at The Civic Theatre is nothing short of Vegas glam. Dance numbers, a brilliant live band, pyrotechnics, strobe lighting and world class acts.

Above the stage is a huge screen so you won’t miss any of the action, and it ensures we are all up close and personal with the illusions performed. Two eyes appear on the screen, those of The Mentalisit, Philip Escoffey, who teases the audience even featuring some of them on screen. The live band Z accompany the whole cast as they present themselves on stage strutting some theatrical prowess with magically appearing locomotives.

Acting as a compère of sorts is The Trickster aka Jeff Hobson. His unique brand of slick and camp comedy magic puts everyone at ease to sink into this entertaining show. ‘Randomly’ selecting musician Willy Moon from the audience produced lots of cheers and applause on opening night aided by The Trickster’s natural showmanship. Jeff is perfectly turned out in a checked suit and a grin to make the Cheshire Cat jealous, he was consistently hilarious all evening while producing some wonderful sleight of hand tricks. Watch this one, he is ‘The Trickster’ after all.

The Marylin Manson esque Dan Sperry known as The Anti-Conjuror leans on the darker side of magic, by appearance anyway. Mysterious to begin with he performs silently but later interacts with the audience, and a volunteer, with a game of Russian Roulette. An excellent master of tension with playfulness that made him a popular performer on the night.

More traditionally dressed was The Gentleman, Mark Kalin who worked on some awe inspiring illusions with Jinger Leigh The Enchantress. The audience participation on their tricks were paramount to the ‘how did they do that’ factor.

The Escapologist Andrew Basso about to go into lock down.

A show stopping breakout by The Escapologist , Andrew Basso will have you literally holding your breath! A chance to see a death defying escape live on stage.

When The Mentalist returns to the stage you get mind reading and predictions that are just seemingly impossible. This English gent, donning a flat cap, is tongue in cheek about his abilities. This makes his reveals that much more fun.

The Inventor aka Kevin James performs a wide range of illusions from a big scale chain saw accident to up close magic among the audience. This is one where the close camera angles will still leave you at a loss to figure out his secrets.

The whole event is held together tightly by the immensely talented house band Z,  who have also toured with HipHop legends Kanye West and Naz. They are stars during the night and get to be part of a jaw dropping finale.

Part of the fun of the show is how the acts include the audience, which they all do expertly. I particularly enjoyed the noises and conversations going on around us during the show. Joyous laughter to gasps and screams, this is defiantly an excellent ride and an experience that won’t be easily forgotten. The anticipation keeps your eyes peeled at all times.

This spectacular show is a perfect theatrical experience and really has to be seen to be believed. Hilarious antics and tricks that are enchanting and fascinating. Throw in some epic Vegas style panache and you get The Illusionists.

Reviewed by Ingrid Grenar

The Illusionists is on for a limited time at The Civic Theatre until 2 June, and yes it IS worth the ticket price!

*Advisory 8yrs upwards

 

Comments

comments