The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through May 8, 2018
by R.E. Smith
Despite the “Broadway” in the title, there’s no singing or
dancing in “The Illusionists” but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of showbiz
spectacle on display. This shiny take on classic magic, with a dash of
side-show derring-do, manages to entertain and delight adults and children
alike. 3 magicians, 1 daredevil and 1 “deductionist,”, neatly encompass the idea
that illusions can take many forms and that card tricks or a bed of nails can
be equally entertaining.
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| Colin Cloud |
“The Illusionists” have been to the Bushnell before, but the
cast varies with every tour. The major addition, and worth the price of
admission alone, is Colin Cloud. Cloud made it to the finals of “America’s Got
Talent” and his act is one of a kind. He makes a point to say that he is not
psychic, but rather a master of deduction. His ability to pick someone
out of the audience and deduce not only their pet’s name but their birthday is something
even Sherlock Holmes would proclaim as “magical”. Dressed like Dr. Who and
moving with the speed of street busker, his revelations come at a rapid fire
pace. Yes, jaws drop.
Seasoned Las Vegas performer Jeff Hobson, “The Trickster,” offers
close-up tricks with comedic flair and a “fabulous” spin. You can feel the
audience light up every time he returns to the stage. An Ha Lim is a card “manipulator”
often named “Magician of the Year” by his peers, whose sleight-of-hand ability never
ceased to elicit “how does he DO that?!” reactions. Kevin James. “The
Inventor,” takes some old guard tricks, like sawing someone in half, and keeps
them simple enough for the kids to appreciate but dresses them up with some “weird
science” pizzaz for the adults.
Certainly, people have seen many of these types of acts on
television but they are truly acts best appreciated live. The audience
interaction with Jonathan Goodwin, “The Daredevil” as he demonstrates “pain tolerance,”
or escapes from a water torture chamber while in mortal danger, gives an
intimacy that amplifies the thrills.
“The Illusionists” makes for a unique evening of
entertainment that the audience will talk about for a long while afterwards.
