The Illusionists-Turn of the Century (2016)
About the show
Featuring world-class illusionists handpicked from across the globe, 'The Illusionists' returns to Broadway with a brand-new show designed to transport audiences back to the golden age of magic. More…
'The Illusionists-Turn of the Century' is set in an era when conjurers were the rock stars of the day. Showcasing the origins of some of the greatest and most dangerous illusions ever created, the show also unveils never-before-seen experiments drawn from a treasure trove of long-forgotten mysteries. Featuring The Clairvoyants of 'America's Got Talent' fame.
"I was truly stunned not by their tricks, but by the amount of selflessness I saw onstage...I gave over to the magic; I believed—which is more than I can say about traditional Broadway hits...In a setting that perhaps requires the most whimsy and belief, this belief factor came easily. As for the individual 'illusionists,' their range of talent has a treat in store for any viewer, young or old." Full Review
"‘The Illusionists’ does not pretend to be anything other than what it is: an invitation into a land where you can spend a lot of time figuring things out, or you can do the smart thing and go along with everything…There is juggling (a bit too much) combined with card tricks…This is a holiday treasure. Bring the kids – or bring an adult like me for whom magic is a necessary ingredient to the daily details of life. Settle in, and let yourself be A-M-A-Z-E-D." Full Review
"'Turn of the Century' is indeed styled as an evening of old-fashioned vaudeville acts, with each performer possessing a fun, individual style...'The Illusionists' are all accomplished pros who have been working at their craft for years and their magical antics are sure to delight the kids and baffle the adults." Full Review
"Noteworthy for its historical value if nothing else...The acts are hit and miss...The show stays true to the nostalgic intent by not overloading us with too many special effects, so one really gets the feeling of seeing a variety show circa 1903...While other editions mostly featured male illusionists, we have wonderful female performers here, too...Is the show groundbreaking or original? Hardly. However, as a Broadway history lesson on outdated gimmickry, it never fails to entertain." Full Review
"A bigger and kitschier enterprise, but still a less grandiose occasion than the first two seasons of this ensemble evening...Most of the evening’s bright spots were quieter, less bedazzled affairs...While the illusions were uniformly expert, several of the performers had a stilted, somewhat formal stage presence...That’s the thing about magic. Even when it’s performed with something less than perfect flair or fluency, even when we know it to be entirely fake, it accesses fantasies we all have." Full Review
"The third installment offers its fair show of 'Hey, how’d they do that?' wonders. It also boasts a vintage Vaudeville vibe. The evening is a buffet: Dana Daniels combines comedy and card tricks — and a parrot; Charlie Frye juggles at warp speed; Jonathan Goodwin is a stud who doesn’t get impaled when he lounges on one; Justo Thaus pulls the strings on a marionette magician...Each act is polished and professional but the show lacks pizzazz. Time disappears slowly during it." Full Review
"Feels like an attempt to spin overly familiar acts as vintage classics...These are pros who travel the world, but the Palace hasn’t been a vaudeville house since 1929...Neil Dorward’s production sits awkwardly in the space...Goodwin makes a point of saying he’s not an illusionist, and that everything he does is real, but even he doesn't have the magical power to make the 150 minutes go faster." Full Review
See it if You like Illusions and magic
Don't see it if You like true stories based on literature
See it if You love illusionists in general. You want to be blown away and entertained.
Don't see it if You only enjoy shows with story and plot.
See it if You live magic and comedy. Funny at times and very entertaining. Riveting magic and escape tricks!
Don't see it if You don't like magic
See it if Like magic, illusions, want to laugh like crazy.
Don't see it if Don't like magic
See it if you believe in magic and like being dazzled,amazed and surprised.
Don't see it if you are a skeptic and cannot suspend disbelief.
See it if IF YOU LOVE MAGIC AND CONJURING!
Don't see it if IF YOU WANT A SHOW WITH A CLASSICALLY TOLD STORY
See it if you like magic shows..
Don't see it if you don't like magic shows.
See it if You like magic shows. The best acts for me are the clairvoyants & the dare devil. Some acts are a little slow & boring. Overall still fun.
Don't see it if You hate magicians.
See it if Classic magic shows are of interest to you. Just be sure to sit in the orchestra level!
Don't see it if You are expecting to leave utterly amazed...the tricks were good, but nothing was REALLY a stand out jaw-dropping moment.
See it if You like magic and illusion, this show will keep you entertained.
Don't see it if You are not a fan of magic or if you like the typical Broadway show experience.
See it if you want to be amazed with visually stunning and mind-blowing magic acts!
Don't see it if you hate magic shows or get freaked out with mind reading and things like that.
See it if You think Illusions and magic with a humorous touch are right up your alley, and you don't mind an evening of theater without story lines.
Don't see it if You have come to Broadway for a musical or drama, and need to see a story portrayed in order to to fully enjoy a theatrical experience.
See it if You like old school magic and fun
Don't see it if You aren't a fan of magic
See it if You enjoy a fun night out and some really good entertainers
Don't see it if you don't like magic.
See it if You do not mind The Clairvoyants repeating excellent mindreading tricks from America's Got Talent; you love magic and get half price tickets
Don't see it if You know levitation tricks are done with wires and ordinary sawing a woman in half at Broadway prices outweigh some very good performances
Also The "turn of the century" theme adds nothing and, surprisingly, the co... Read more Read less
See it if You want a clever combination of Vaudeville and magic. Seeing this at The Palace gives the "Turn of The Century" theme that much more fun.
Don't see it if You don't like magic shows or vaudeville acts.
See it if Family show! If you are a magic fan, it's great!!
Don't see it if If you saw americas got talent you have seen most of the show! I'm a huge fan or the clairvoyants, they everything from the agt.
See it if There was some good magic. However, many of the tricks you could see if you went to a local NYC magic show for demo. It was entertaining.
Don't see it if You don't like magic.
See it if you love magic the acts were great
Don't see it if if you dont like magic
See it if You enjoy magic in all its forms - the clairvoyants and the marionette were my favorite acts.
Don't see it if You don't like shows with audience participation or lots of children.
See it if It's a magic show albeit one done with great pizzaz and a fast pace that never gets boring. Surprisingly entertaining.
Don't see it if You want real theater. This is entertainment.
See it if You like magic shows or still can be childlike in wondering "how they do that", if you want a nice night out esp a family night.
Don't see it if You expect the grandiose atmosphere of Vegas, if you are one to tear the illusions apart, if you can't just enjoy it for its own sake.
See it if you love those mind boggling illusions that you have seen done many times, in many different ways by charming illusionists vaudeville style.
Don't see it if you are wanting never before seen amazing illusions that leave you spellbound & you don't want to deal with the worst mannered adults.
See it if you like traditional magic shows with an ensemble of talented magicians and side show acts. Looking for a child friendly experience.
Don't see it if you are expecting large stage magic similar to that of Las Vegas acts like Penn and Teller or David Copperfield - It lacks Broadway luster.
Cast & Creatives (12)
Play a fun game
Get alerts about your favorite artists and theater companies
