Short & Sweet host Diana Martinez reviews The Illusionists
Direct from Broadway, and touted as the world's best-selling magic show, this mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible Illusionists and mesmerizes audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous acts and theatrical spectacle. This Vegas-style show is a fantastic date night or family show with a great theatrical flair featuring a group of diverse illusionists who perform a number of magic styles infusing humor, shock and slight of hand. The variety and spectacle of the show is brilliant and truly has something for everyone. This nonstop show gives magic a new platform to reach audiences and is jam-packed with thrilling illusions, from a classic recreation of Houdini's famous water escape by The Escapologist, Andrew Basso, to new age magic combined with amazing special effects that will really blow your mind.
I had the pleasure of seeing the show with Daily Herald Reader Marsha Bundt and her husband of Palatine, and all of us were partial to the charming, flamboyant and very funny Trickster, Jeff Hobson, who is a fantastic improviser and plays off the audience with zany physical humor. His comic relief combined with his interactive magic was hysterical and kept the audience in stitches and very happy to see him reappear through out the show. We also were very impressed by the slight-of-hand by world champion The Manipulator, Yu Ho-Jin, who entrances the audience with his card transformations that are enhanced by a close-up camera throughout that truly make you wonder how he does it.
The show's seven illusionists share superhero sort of titles, ranging from the gothic, sardonic Dan Sperry, The Anti-Conjurer, to the charming, handsome and humorous host The Futurist, Adam Trent. A live band on stage and beautiful lighting and sound effects add to the drama.
The show runs about 2 hours and 20 minutes with an intermission. This is a great date night show with so much fun for everyone. The opening night audience was filed with kids and the cast graciously comes out after the show for photos, so bring your cameras. One very funny seven-year-old even made it on stage for a very entertaining bit reminding us that even seven-year-olds can hold their own up there. The Illusionists is at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through March 22.