It’s easy to become cynical. Tragically so, in the case of magic.
Marty Papernic is not a world-class magician. His act is composed of basic mentalism, a few old standards, and close-up magic adapted for the stage with the use of oversized props. I had intended to pan this production until he called a young volunteer from the audience to the stage. Watching the awe in that child’s eyes reminded me what magic is really about.
I did Mr. Papernic a great disservice by watching for the misdirections and palming, and myself a disservice by focusing on the aspects of the show that I could quantify and dissect. Magic isn’t about how the trick is done, it’s about the wonder and the spectacle. It’s about letting yourself be surprised. Once I did so, I was genuinely entertained.
If you have children, I highly recommend this show. If you can remember being a child yourself, give A Magic Show with A Brief Musical Interlude a shot. It just might surprise you.
A Magic Show with A Brief Musical Interlude
Rebecca Rose Productions (East Garafraxa, ON)
Playwright: Marty Papernick
Director: Jennifer Leigh Hutchinson
Cast: Marty Papernick
Venue: Hamilton Theatre Inc.
Sun, July 19 9:30pm
Tue, July 21 9:00pm
Thu, July 23 6:00pm
Sat, July 25 6:30pm
Sun, July 26 3:30pm