The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays (2019)

See it if you like magic shows and love to laugh. The magicians are great but they are also wonderfully entertaining and funny.

Don't see it if you hate magic and don't like to laugh.

Also This is a great show for the adults and for the kids. Wonderful for the holidays.I have never laughed so much in a magic show. Nice staging and lighting.Really well done.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a family friendly magic show for all ages

Don't see it if You know magic and expecting anything original, creative or new

Also I could write an entire book on the show. I know a lot about magic. This show is exactly what I was expecting it to be.
The creator, Simon painter, is brilliant in what he created. It’s a well oiled machine. People come to this show because they know they’re going to see magic and illusion. People do not care about the individual performers and that’s exactly what Simon wants. They can pay the magicians a small amount of money while they make millions and millions of dollars. It’s really a shame. And the most disappointing thing about it is it’s a very cheap show. The audience should expect more than they get with this but most don’t know any better. There isn’t one new illusion. It’s all old recycled stuff... Read more Read less

See it if you have children that have never seen the illusions before, U don't want 2 C a play or musical, U can be thrilled by age old tricks

Don't see it if U want the illusions geared to an adult audience, U don't want 2 B blinded by ill aimed stagelights, U expect Vegas level stagecraft

See it if you want family-friendly, semi-interactive fare to put you in the holiday spirit; love magicians, mentalists, comics, and/or vaudevillians.

Don't see it if expecting a cohesive, narrative “story” imbedded within this series of magical and mentalist acts; expecting a “grand finale” act that wows.

Also The Illusionists—Magic of the Holidays uses spirited music, festive costumes, and “gift boxes” to ease audiences into the magical feeling of the winter months. The pacing is swift, with no real sense of cohesion among the acts: you feel anyone could perform in any order. That’s fine, but also makes the show uneven in places, not building to a “big event.” Yet, the different types of magical and mental acts all entertain. I wonder about the lack of lead female performers, however. While both men and women are assistants, the main events are like a Victorian magic show where women were props to be studied, cut in half, or “abused” by male magicians. More diversity, thus, would’ve made the show more exceptional. Standouts: Eric Chien’s tricks with cards and coins offers a quiet power I want to study further. Lastly, I found mind reader Chris Cox and host/magician/comedian Paul Dabek charismatic, charming, and deliciously comedic. Had the show just been these two, I would not have minded.... Read more Read less

See it if Family friendly with corny jokes during some magic tricks. Occasional better trick among many mediocre tricks.

Don't see it if Dislike Vegas-ie vibes of almost all white men doing tricks with women in tiny outfits pushing props around. A few tricks seem too simple.

Also Diversity: 1 is Taiwanese, but the rest are all white men. The non-speaking assistants include some women in scanty outfits and people of color.
Ticket from online lottery for $38. Seat in balcony.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see superb magic and some tricks that will make your head spin. I honestly was amazed at points and was entertained throughout.

Don't see it if magic you can't figure out makes you uncomfortable or you are tired of magicians assistants being scantly clothed models who do nothing.

See it if You love magic and have enjoyed The Illusionists shows in the past.

Don't see it if You want a show that is high energy from start to finish, with seemless transitions and high production values.

See it if Talented magicians, especially the close magic performed by Eric Chien. It makes the effort to be an extravaganza. Mentalist is fun.

Don't see it if Unnecessary strobe lights and odd use of kids in the audience as assistants for weird tricks. It’s a little disjointed but enjoyable.

See it if This is a great family show - especially for those who love magic. e went as a family and both adults and children had a great time.

Don't see it if You don't like magic shows. You want to go to a play/musical. this is 100% magic show,

See it if You like magic.

Don't see it if You want a traditional play.

See it if It's professional magic. If you like that sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you'll like. Many different kinds of magic are on display

Don't see it if You don't like magic? It's not must-see, but it's a very fun evening.

See it if Lots of fun! Good times!

Don't see it if You absolutely hate magic acts.

See it if you like to see talented magicians from across the globe. Polished production. Entertaining night out. Children-friendly

Don't see it if you don't like Vegas style shows

See it if You love magic, segments with many performers, some of whom are familiar from tv, very child friendly

Don't see it if You are looking for a transformative musical or play - this is similar to the Secret (with more performers and less depth)

See it if If you like Magic shows, America's Got Talent, that kind of stuff.

Don't see it if Hate magic, illusionists. Looking for David Copperfield elaborate Vegas (though I've never seen the guy or a Vegas magic show)

See it if You have very little kids and money to burn.

Don't see it if You're not accompanied by a child. You don't want your child to be hit in the head with the gender gap in magic.

See it if If you want to have a "different" Broadway experience. It's magical. You, your kids, family and friends will be completely fascinated.

Don't see it if If you don't like true illusions.

Also It will close on January 5th - DON'T MISS IT. Lots of audiance participation All the kids and adults, too, we're fascinated. "The Illusionists" we're absolutely mind blowing, the performances were captivating. Great night on Broadway. You will, definately, come out smiling.... Read more Read less

See it if If you like magic you'll like this show. Particularly Eric Chien who is an amazing slight of hand magician

Don't see it if You don't want to see one magician who was down right bad or another who was really creepy -- and not in a good way.

Also Eric Chien was really a highlight. Mentalist Chris Cox was really good and Paul Dabek was really funny. Overall it's a good family show that keeps your attention. I go every year!... Read more Read less

See it if You are looking for a holiday outing for the whole family. Everyone in our group was enthralled.

Don't see it if You don’t enjoy magic or deception.

Also A fun and fascinating evening of theater that will leave you wondering how they did that for days!... Read more Read less

See it if want an elevated level of entertainment! Great wit! A cut above other mentalist shows!

Don't see it if you want everything spelled out for you.