BWW Reviews: THE ILLUSIONISTS at the Capitol Theatre is Mesmerizing

Some of the greatest magicians in the world have assembled in Salt Lake City to share their mystifying stunts and tricks in a show that is eclectic and mesmerizing.

THE ILLUSIONISTS toured the great cities of the world before a record-breaking run on Broadway and its current national tour. It will also return to Broadway this fall.

Featuring seven diverse illusionists, the show provides a little something for everyone--from intimate card tricks captured by a live camera to the Escapologist Andrew Basso's larger-than-life water torture cell escape.

Other highlights include the Manipulator Yo Ho-Jin's dazzling sleight of hand, the Trickster Jeff Hobson's comedic showmanship, the Anti-Conjuror Dan Sperry's colorful bird act, and the Futurist Adam Trent's appealing Everyman quality and technological flair.

Original music provided by a live band taps into the audience's emotions and perfectly sets the tone for each act. Theatrical lighting also heightens the stakes and spectacle.

An early sequence that features the full roster of illusionists, along with a group of excitingly costumed dancers and assistants, sets the stage for a thrilling, fast-paced sensory experience. This concept is quickly abandoned in favor of slower-paced individual acts. Just a handful of these musical sequences sprinkled throughout the show would do wonders in sustaining the excitement level of the audience.

Regardless, anyone with even a passing interest in seeing live magic performed should take full advantage of the incredible opportunity to see some of the most acclaimed acts in the world right here in their own backyard.

THE ILLUSIONISTS will play at the Capitol Theatre through June 28, 2015. For tickets, call ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS (2787) or visit www.arttix.org.

Photo Credit: L-R Aaron Crow, Kevin James, Jeff Hobson, Dan Sperry, Andrew Basso, Adam Trent, Yo Ho-Jin

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