The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays at the Marriott Marquis on Broadway: A Review

On the expansive stage of Broadway’s Marquis Theater, a new production of The Illusionists does the near impossible, bringing the intimacy of close up magic to a big 1444-seat house. Eschewing the larger escapist tricks, or cutting a woman in two, or turning a mouse into an elephant, the show keeps the magic magical by making its intimacy large. Featuring Shin Lim as “the Manipulator,” the show gives simple card tricks a new allure. Able to baffle Penn & Teller twice on their show, this recent “America’s Got Talent” champion mesmerizes with his ability to find your card in more and more seemingly impossible situations; where there’s smoke, he can make an entire deck disappear.

Colin Cloud (“The Deductionist”) from Scotland and influenced by Sherlock Holmes, does not give up until every mystery is solved: he really will make you wonder how he knows the birthday of a viewer in the upper balcony. “Grand Illusionist” Darcy Oake opens with the traditional doves coming out of his suit. “The Futurist” Adam Trent grinds an audience member’s iphone in a blender, and fills up empty tic tac boxes from refuse thrown into his “magic box.” The show calls for much audience participation, all part of the fun, as is a group called Light Balance, from Ukraine, a high-tech neon and LED dance group. Only “The Sorceress,” Chloe Crawford is edgy, swallowing razor blades and stitching her neck with floss.

Fast-paced and generous, “The Illusionists” has something for everyone. But Shin Lim’s elegance and refined moves seem a cut above. Especially as the show opened on the same week as close-up master Ricky Jay died, it is good to know that the art of card trick illusion can flourish in good hands.

Regina Weinreich

Graphic Design: Salpeter Ventura