the Illusionists Live from Broadway

The hits – or rather the tricks – keep on coming throughout "The Illusionists Live From Broadway," the entertainment franchise that has been selling out annually on Broadway for the past five years with a North American edition now touring the country. No, nothing as simple as a rabbit being pulled out of a hat, though that would be fun; rather many "how did they do that?" moments in the guise of a Vegas-like revue. Whoever thinks vaudeville is completely dead should head over to the Emerson-Colonial Theatre where this revue-like entertainment continues through March 10.

But you may want to bring along an Ativan or two if you are easily made anxious by the idea of woman being shot with an arrow moving at 200 mph from a crossbow shot by a blindfolded man; or if you are simply uncomfortable with the notion of being pulled onto the stage. "The Illusionists" is one of the most audience-participatory shows around, so be very afraid if you sit in the front rows.

The show's format features six self-styled Illusionists, each given a moniker based on their disciplines. First there is Paul Dabek, The Trickster, the show's nominal host, who mixes fast quips with his magic routine, which includes inviting a woman out of the audience to risk being pierced by a sharp nail. This personable Brit – he's a ringer for actor Steve Coogan – has both charm and quick wit, making him a personable guide through the evening.

Joining him is Raymond Crowe (The Unusualist), an old-school comic who does a clever routine where he dances with the suit jacket of a man from the audience. He also provides the show's most old-school moment: a shadow puppet rendition of Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World" where with his hands he creates a fascimile silhouette of Armstrong, as well as various barnyard animals.

By far the intriguing performer is Colin Cloud (The Deductionist) whose amazing mind-reading skills included deducing one audience member's naughtiest secret (it was pretty mild) and discerning the maiden name of another, along with the name of her first pet, adding that the answers were her Internet passwords.

Described as The Sorceress, charismatic Sabine Van Diemen almost instantly freed herself from a securely locked box, being replaced by a hunky assistant. An Ho Lim (The Manipulator) provides a quieter moment with his a lovely routine in which a torrent of playing cards appeared to flow from his hands. And buff Jonathan Goodwin (The Daredevil) upped the drama with three dangerous routines: one involving putting a live scorpion in his mouth, another with him freeing himself from a strait jacket while being suspended over bear traps, and in a third shooting a crossbow while blindfolded at a balloon that Van Diemen held over her head.

A large television screen sat above the action that made the stage action accessible throughout the theater; otherwise the production values are minimal. There is a loud, recorded techno score (by Evan Jolly) that pumps up the action; and some acrobatic dancing by a trio (two men and a women) that adds to the show's Vegas-like feel; but director Neil Dorward (who is also one of the producers) doesn't give the show much shape or drive, which made it feel longer than it probably should. The production may be a bit cheesy, but no one seems to mind – the audience appeared quite wowed by the array of illusions on display, which in the end is all that matters.