The Illusionists: Direct From Broadway has an interesting background. Two UK producers teaming up with the Sydney Opera House to bring a bunch of illusionists from the other side of the world together for a magic show. Their plan was to show audiences there was more to magic than rabbits out of a hat. Their first outing, The Illusionists: Witness The Impossible sold out before it opened at the Sydney Opera House in 2012 and then proceeded to travel around the world breaking box office records. Numerous incarnations have followed and now The Illusionists is the most successful magic show in history.
This year The Illusionists: Direct From Broadway arrives in Australia and it opened this week. This production has a cast that includes ‘The Trickster” (Jeff Hobson), ‘The Showman’ (Mark Kalin), ‘The Inventor’ (Kevin James), ‘The Conjuress’ (Jinger Leigh), ‘The Manipulator’ (An Halim), ‘The Warrior’ (Robyn Sharpe), ‘The Mentalist’ (Chris Cox) and ‘The Daredevil’ (Jonathan Goodwin). Each have their own skill and each have a segment or two in the show. On opening night we saw a selection of the performers, but not all. There is some rotation with the talent. It was disappointing that on opening night we missed Brisbane-born Robyn Sharpe, aka The Warrior.
This is the first version that I have seen and the entertainment value is high. Like all shows involving magic or conjuring, there are some tricks you know or see how it works, there are others that you think you know how its done but it is still an impressive skill and there are others that leave you dumbfounded. What you want is there to be enough dumbfounding moments to out-way the ‘I saw that’ moments.The Illusionists: Direct From Broadway has enough of the ‘wow’ moments to succeed.
In a world of data collection and social media some of The Mentalists’ act has less impact but there are enough moments in the act to still impress. The Daredevil’s straight jacket escape adds a new level to Houdini’s original trick and was impressive to watch. The Inventor had some great moments and wonderfully involves some of the children in the audience. The Manipulator is a master of the card tricks and the Conjuress levitates glowing balls. The standout for me was the Trickster who takes the roll of the host for the show. He sprinkles each interaction with some of his own tricks but it is his engagement with the audience that sparkles. Some old-school Las Vegas gags but mostly fast, witty retorts with the audience, He revels in his role and the audience love him. My only issue with the show is it does not phrase well. Many of the most spectacular sets are midway through the show and the finale, with all actors on stage is a little bit of a let down. It needed to be the big ‘wow’ and it wasn’t.
The Illusionists: Live From Broadway is just the show to end the year with. It will deal you a lot of laughs and levitate your spirits. Take the kids and enjoy an entertaining show but expect some demands for magic sets on the way home.
Lynden Jones, Theatre Now
The Illusionists Direct From Broadway
Trickery, invention and illusion. Daredevil antics, deduction and tomfoolery. Don’t miss this unforgettable show packed with magical mastery, making its triumphant return to the Sydney Opera House.
19 – 29 December 2018
Wed – Sat 3pm & 7pm (19th Dec 7pm only)
Monday 24th 1pm
Venue: SOH: Concert Hall
Theatre Company: Presented by Sydney Opera House in association with The Works Entertainment
Duration: 2 Hours & 10 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)
Having smashed box office records and dazzled audiences around the globe, eight illusionists will astound you with this brand new show, packed with astonishing, death defying acts of visual, mental and optical illusion. This extravaganza of mind-blowing feats will astound you with thrills and sophistication.
A non stop journey through the minds and marvels of some of the world’s greatest illusionists. Mind-bending tricks and mystifying high-tech spectacles make for a thrilling experience whether you’re 9 or 99. Grab a seat and get ready to witness the impossible as you welcome The Illusionists back to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
Ticket Prices
Full Price $59 – $119
