The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible

"The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible" is definitely not your mama's magic show. There was a rabbit pulled out of a hat. But he was fake -- and decapitated. There was a jolly host. And he was as gay as the day is long and making double entendres that would make a sailor blush.

There were blood and gore and audience participation and as much of trying to get a closer look as there was trying to get the heck out of Dodge. The Illusionists is an interesting hybrid. It's made up of eight performers who each have their own breed and definition of magic.

The music, the lighting, the mood, the attitude, the costuming. All of it changes dramatically with each new magician, which was fun since it was like seeing a variety show. Audiences get a little taste of everything, leaving them wanting more of some and, no doubt, less of others. The good news was if there was something you didn't dig, there was something right around the corner that you probably do.

It was quite a cast of characters, truly running the spectrum of the world of mage. There's Dan Sperry, AKA The Anti-Conjuror, who garnered fame appearing on "America's Got Talent." He is super creepy-looking, and his "magic" is really gross. Think Marilyn Manson except instead of singing, this guy is cutting coins out of his abdomen. Then there's Jeff Hobson, AKA The Trickster; he is the flamboyant emcee. He was absolutely hilarious. But be warned. The show is billed as all ages. But his off-color jokes are not.

Next is Kevin James, AKA The Inventor. He did the old saw a guy in half trick and make the paper flower float in the air trick and make it snow schtick. It was a little on the corny and obvious side. But at least some of the audience sure seemed to dig it. Then there's Andrew Basso, AKA The Escapologist. This handsome Italian man had the audience sweating it out wondering if they were going to see an amazing water escape or a terrible stagebound tragedy. It's safe to say that he had everyone holding their breath and sitting on the edge of their seats.

Collin Cloud, AKA The Deductionist, is also one of the Illusionists. He is sometimes referred to as the real Sherlock Holmes. He did some mind-reading that left the audience with their mouths hanging open. Some of his "magic" could be too easily figured it out. But some left many people scratching their heads throughout the evening.

Next up is Jonathan Goodwin, AKA The Daredevil. You wouldn't want to meet this guy in a dark alley. Somehow he manages to use a crossbow blindfolded and not kill or maim the young woman standing at the target. And, I won't ruin the surprise for you; but suffice it to say there was a second life at stake too that was spared...

And finally, there's An Ha Lim, AKA The Manipulator. This guy had the audience audibly expressing their disbelief as he wielded more cards in less time than the human brain can process. There was no way to tell where they were coming from or how they moved so quickly, but he was absolutely mesmerizing to watch. �

The Illusionists is like Vegas lite. It's certainly not a backyard magic show. But it's not the end all be all of magic either. This is one of those shows that is great fun, a true spectacle, and a diversion -- much needed these days -- if you go with the right expectations and a willing suspension of disbelief. No magic word -- or wand -- required.

The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible" played through March 5 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 1st Ave, Dallas, TX 75210. For tickets and information to other Fair Park shows, call 800-745-3000 or visit www.DallasSummerMusicals.org.

For more information about The Illusionists, visit www.theillusionistslive.com/tickets