The internationally acclaimed Champions of Magic is captivating Chicago audiences at the Studebaker Theater in the historic Fine Arts Building. This production has become the longest engagement of the tour and has been extended through August 23. Whether you know how the magic tricks are done or not, Champions of Magic is a dazzling experience that entertains audiences of all ages while filling the theater with wonder and laughter.
Premiering in 2013, Champions of Magic features a quartet of magicians with vast history and skill. Originally from London, Richard Young and Sam Strange have known each other since childhood and work well together as a magic duo. The two collaborate in magical tricks and humorous comedy, often in playful skits trying to outshine one another. Liberty Larsen is a fourth generation magician; her family founded the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Her various forms of illusions feature a noir skit to a hauntingly beautiful set with candles and her original composition called “The Spider Queen.” Larsen expresses the love of her roots and stand-up performance. Fernando Velasco is authentically magnetic when performing his escapist tricks. He mesmerizes the audience by showing tricks like walking a tightrope of light and escaping out of a straightjacket while hanging upside down on an inflamed bear trap.
While spectacle is a high achievement of Champions of Magic, the script in between tricks could use some further work. With past history, Strange and Young are the most confident in providing banter and conversation between and during their segments on stage. Larsen and Velasco seem at times to be in continuous headspace deciding what to say next, with the occasional “umm’s” and “so’s” during their pieces. With additional focus on the script, the writing could grab the audience’s attention as well as the magic tricks do.
A great part of the performance are the acts with audience participation. The troupe plays well with bringing the audiences to the center of the action on stage and within the aisles. The best moments are when Strange, Young and Larsen allow children to come to the stage to partake in the magic show. From illusions, disappearing acts, and hilarious shenanigans, the older and younger generation of audience members will be deeply enthralled with the performance. Some patrons even asked the participants if they were picked beforehand, and many will swear they had no idea what was going to happen on stage.
The creative team also works as hard as the quartet of magicians. Travis Pigman’s lighting design goes from blinding to magnifying the incredible on the stage. Melania Brown as head of props brings an eye-popping collection of illusional equipment and magic items that an audience member cannot help but wonder where they are keeping everything backstage. The special effects design by Johnny “4 Fingers” Tennessee and the production installation support of Adam Uhlig, Frances Morgan and Philsta Mills amaze the crowd with their creativity and face-paced energy.
Audiences will leave Champions of Magic with hearty laughs and smiles of astonishment. With special effects and energetic showmanship, it is no surprise why the troupe is received so well throughout the world. This is an event for families and friends to enjoy a night out in Chicago.
Champions of Magic will be performed until August 23 at the Studebaker Theater., 410 S. Michigan Ave. The run time is 2 hours and 15 minutes with an intermission. Tickets (starting at $69.50) and information are found on the tour’s website and the Fine Arts Building’s page.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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