The phrase that something is “magical†seems overused at times, but not in the case of “The Illusionists: Live From Broadway,†the spectacularly entertaining show that’s on a limited engagement at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle.
Jaw-dropping, wild, riveting, fun, and – yes – magical are all perfect descriptions of the performance by this amazing band of five illusionists March 15. It was the first of seven nightly or matinee shows that will wrap up on March 18.
Seeing is believing (and wondering how the heck they do that) during the roughly two-hour presentation of sophisticated, mind-blowing magic acts by Jeff Hobson, Jonathan Goodwin, Colin Cloud, Kevin James and An Ha Lim. I won’t spoil the surprises that are in store for audiences. Suffice that you’ll be thoroughly entertained by the fast-paced mix of daredevil stunts by Goodwin, mind-blowing card tricks from Lim, Cloud’s absolutely stunning mind-reading, and James’ visual artistry, including some traditional magic that can’t get old as long as it’s done this well.
And perhaps topping all of that is Hobson. He’s absolutely hilarious with his mix of standup comedy and magic – more of the former than the latter, which is fine, given his brilliant showmanship as he banters with audience members and keep everyone in stitches in between acts.
Pat Jenkins, who wrote this review, is the editor of Senior Scene and program director for Senior Media Services.