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You might remember magic shows here in Chicago the past few holiday seasons. There was Jamie Allen in iMagician here last December and the Illusionists a few years before that. It’s a trend not going anywhere as seen by the latest magic offering CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC. The Harris Theater hosts this troupe of four very different magic acts!
Harris Theater Hosts a Troupe of Illusionists
The CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC troupe is formed of five illusionists to create four acts - three as individual performers and two as a comedic tag team. Each of them have their own unique personalities to match their unique styles.
Kayla Drescher is the sleight of hand illusionist who appears to make a deck of cards rearrange itself out of thin air.
Alex McAleer can read the audience’s mind so well, he’s written down what you’re thinking before he even talks to you.
Fernando Velasco is the troupe’s escape artist and performs death-defying stunts, including an homage to Houdini.
And finally, the duo of Young and Strange have the audience laughing in the aisles at their magic comedy routine.
Each of these performers boosts their own list of accolades that brought them together under this one title of champion.
Large and Small Scale Illusions
Each performer gets their time to shine with their individual talents. In the first act, we get to see objects appear and disappear out of thin air, examples of telepathy, and an upside-down fire escape!
In the second, the artists slow the show down to create a personal moment with the audience. The five sit in a line of chairs onstage and describe the first tricks that brought them into the world of magic. They also make this a collaborative show where we see them perform tricks together.
The cherry on top of the cake is Young and Strange’s final show stopping finale with a tribute to the Las Vegas magic shows of the 80s complete with synth-pop, flashing lights, and a white tiger!
Similar Show Format
If you’ve been to other magic shows in the past, not just here in Chicago, this show set-up might be familiar with the different group specialties and similar illusions. For this writer, CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC doesn’t seem to be quite as finessed as some other shows as the pacing of some of the acts seem a bit choppy.
So with that being said, if you’re a magic aficionado CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC might be a show you can sit out if you’re familiar with shows with similar line-ups. However, if you’re a lover of magic and always get a kick out of any kind of performance, this show would be a good fit for you. It’s an entertaining evening that would also be a good fit for a fun family outing to amaze the kids!
RECOMMENDED
Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
Click here to read more Picture This Post Harris Theater stories.
When:
Through Dec. 29, 2019
Monday, Dec. 23 | 8:00 PM
Tuesday, Dec. 24 | 2:00 PM
Thursday, Dec. 26 | 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Friday, Dec. 27 | 8:00 PM
Saturday, Dec. 28 | 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 29 | 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Where
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
205 E. Randolph
Tickets
$39.99+
For full price tickets and ticket availability visit ticketmaster website
Check for Half-Price Deals from Hot Tix:
Photos by Pamela Raith Photography, Paul Wilkinson Photography
Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago
About the Author
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
