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Seven illusionists enact mind-bending acts of magic and illusion, many of which have never been seen before.
“The Illusionists” is the world’s best-selling magic show, and is part of a 20 city US tour. Having shattered box office records around the world, it is a show not to be missed. Showcasing seven of the most talented magicians performing today, the show brings extreme levels of energy, wonder and creativity to the Dallas audience. Although there were several lulls in the action and a few illusions that I felt were a bit behind the times, the quality and intensity was nothing short of Broadway quality entertainment. I have included below a short description of each magician, and my opinions of their individual performances. I’m sure there are many different opinions on who the best magician is, and why. Do I have a favorite or think there is a “star” of the show? I don’t think so. Although I was most fascinated by the manipulations of Yu Ho-Jin, all seven illusionists bring a unique charm, mystery and dynamic that makes Witness The Impossible a success.
The Anti-Conjoror: Dan Sperry
Specialty – Shock Illusion
Going beyond the typical extravagant style and use of flashy costumes, Dan Sperry combines the art of magic with the macabre to leave audiences in a state of shock and amazement. As a result of his many jaw-dropping performances on “America’s Got Talent,” Germany’s hit series “Das SuperTalent,” FOX’s “World Magic Awards” and TLC’s “Cake Boss,” Speery is the 10th most Googled person in the world. Much to my surprise Mr. Speery was not just the dark and ghoulish character fist impressions lead me to believe. Although his magic is extremely macabre, reminiscent of illusions done when carnivals and circuses had freak tents, his humor is engaging and entertaining. His physical magic is horrifying, but the fascinating and clever way he presented his illusions kept me peeking through my fingers.
The Warrior: Aaron Crow
Specialty – Weapon Magic
The Warrior, Aaron Crow, a strong and silent type specializing in weapon magic, has mastered some of the most dangerous acts ever performed on stage. He thrills and captivates audiences without saying a single word. Born in Belgium, the international magic sensation was a first place finisher at the World Championships of Magic, and uses swords, paintball guns and powerful crossbows to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Unfortunately, Mr. Crow appears on stage only once to perform a magic routine, and it failed to impress me. I was able to easily see how the illusion was accomplished. With as much weapon diversity as The Warrior posses, it was a huge disappointment to only see him perform one time with just a crossbow.
The Futurist: Adam Trent
Specialty – Technology Illusion
His edgy, fun style has been described as ‘Justin Timberlake meets David Copperfield’ and has put him on a fast-track to global fame. He performs over 300 solo headline shows each year, and with regular national and international TV appearances on The Disney Channel, Travel Channel, “The Joan Rivers show” and SyFy Network. He appears several times throughout the show, and I was continuously charmed with Mr. Trent’s light-hearted humor and warm relationship with the audience. It was easy to be thoroughly impressed and entertained with his illusions. Because so much of what The Futurist does on stage relies on technology, any camera or set errors will cause large problems. This happened once at the performance I was at. A camera was being used to give an up close look at a card trick being performed. The camera glitched, and unless you were in the first few rows of the theatre, you missed part of the finale of the trick. Having close up magic projected on a large screen above the stage is great…until the camera gives out.
The Inventor: Kevin James
Specialty – Magic Innovation
He is one of today’s most ground breaking and innovative illusionists. His illusions and magic acts are also performed by other stars from David Copperfield to Nicholas Cage in the Hollywood film Adaptation. He is an inventor, comedian and collector of the strange and unusual… He believes he has a responsibility to remind people of that state of awe and wonder they felt as a child. Whether he’s holding a rose or swinging a chain saw, anything is possible with The Inventor. Each time Mr. James came out on stage, he bested his previous Illusion. I was left holding my breath and in complete awe at the dramatic and innovative magic that The Inventor offered. There was rarely a moment in his parts of the show that I could say I had seen that done before. The Inventor is an illusionist that can easily steal the show.
The Trickster: Jeff Hobson
Specialty – Comedy Magic
He’s the host of Las Vegas and is the epitome of glamour and showmanship. He leaves audiences laughing long after the curtain goes down. Don’t be fooled by his innocent appearance, the Trickster will get you every time. All of the illusions that Mr. Hobson performed for us at The Music Hall were up close illusions. The use of a camera and projected image on a screen above the stage made sure that nothing was lost to the audience in the back. No assistance, enlargement or projection was needed to have everyone in The Music Hall laughing and charmed by The Trickster’s humor! It is large enough to fill a football stadium all on it’s own merits!
The Escapologist: Andrew Basso
Specialty – Death Defying Acts
He is Italy’s star escape artist and is fast becoming one of the world’s favorite illusionists. His hero is Harry Houdini and his thrilling escapes take place under water, 150 feet in the air and everywhere in between. Explosives, water boxes, handcuffs, chains, padlocks, straightjackets… his escapes place him within seconds of life and death and have audiences all over the world frozen in suspense and disbelief. Mr. Basso performs two stunning escapes in the Dallas show. Unlike his fellow Illusionists, The Escapologist doesn’t rely on sleight of hand, trick set pieces or technology. His “magic” is very physical and absolutely real. To watch Mr. Basso escape from his bondage is nothing short of logic defying awe.
The Manipulator: Yu Ho Jin
Specialty – Manipulator of Mystery and Wonder
Through elegant manipulation and mystery, the artistic Yu Ho-Jin has the ability to turn anyone into a loyal fan, whether children and parents or his colleagues — the world’s finest magicians. Yu was recently named Magician of the Year (2014) by the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA). At age 19, he took first prize in the manipulation category and was the Grand Prix Winner in stage magic at Federation Internationale des Societes Magiques (FISM) World Championships of Magic (2012), a competition that is considered the Olympic games for magicians. I couldn’t get enough of this super star! Yu’s performance absolutely suspends disbelief. Just when you don’t think his illusion can get any bigger and better…it does. Throughout the show, Yu delivers brilliant demonstrations of card manipulation and sleight of hand. His shining moment however is at the end of the show when he offers the audience an encore performance that takes the art of manipulation to levels that scrape the stratosphere.
“The Illusionists” takes the Dallas Fair Park Music Hall stage from April 7 – 19
