The question on everyone’s mind is, do they actually get naked? And the short answer is, yes. But the long answer is, not right away. THE NAKED MAGICIANS start out the show fully clothed and slowly work their way down to nothing during the course of their act.
That’s not to say this is your typical strip show because the two magicians actually do a lot more than just take their clothes off. But on the other hand it’s more than just a typical magic show because they do, well, get naked. THE NAKED MAGICIANS have created a unique form of entertainment that combines comedy, illusions, and full-frontal nudity.
The NAKED MAGICIANS Up Close at Broadway Playhouse
The show takes place at the smaller of the Broadway in Chicago venues so the audience is up close and personal for each of the magicians’ tricks. Almost all of their magic tricks involve audience participation with a naughty twist. Fair warning, this show is rated R for the nudity as well as content and language. But if you’re comfortable with all of this (and over eighteen), sit back and get ready for a riot.
As you walk into the theater you’re listening to high energy music as well as a crowd bustling with anticipation. You’re handed a red envelope with instructions not to open it until instructed to. Once everyone is settled in, the two magicians, Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, appear onstage wearing robes. But it’s only a teaser! They disrobe into full suits and begin to work off of the energy of the crowd and keep the audience engaged.
The show contains some mind reading tricks involving audience members creating a hypothetical porno and another where an audience member is thinking of a specific activity. There’s a disappearing phone trick that involves some destruction and a blow-up sex doll. The entire time the guys are slowly losing articles of clothing until they compete to get out of straight and “gay” jackets to see which of the two will get completely naked first. Some of these tricks you might have seen before, but what makes the show fantastic in its own right is the frontmen themselves.
Funny and Charming To Boot
THE NAKED MAGICIANS, Chris and Mike, are a hilarious duo constantly bouncing off each other’s energy and jokes. They look at each other and laugh at each other’s funny moments. They stay engaged with their audience inviting them to cheer and clap along to the music.When they have audience members onstage, they joke around with them and make sure they have a good time as well.
The other incredible part of their act is what they do when they have no clothes on. As they said at the beginning, good magicians don’t need sleeves, great ones don’t need pants. The ending when they are completely nude, save for a strategically placed top hat, makes you wonder how they pulled it off. It is for sure a show that keeps you on your toes.
Whether you’re looking for a date night, a girls night, or a boys night, this show will be entertaining for all.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
This play has also been added to the Picture this Post roundup of BEST PLAYS. Click here to read "Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves"
Note: An excerpt of this review appears in Theatre in Chicago.
When
Now through March 19
Wednesday at 7:30 PM
Thursday at 7:30 PM
Friday at 7:30 PM
Saturday at 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM
Sunday at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Where
The Broadway Playhouse
175 E. Chestnut, St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Tickets
$25-$50 plus a special premium ticket that includes a post-show meet and greet.
Group tickets for 10 or more are available by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices, the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com
Photos
Courtesy of Broadway in Chicago
