It's Magic March 15, 2015

It’s Magic…it really is

      By Glen Creason

      It is difficult to describe something that isn’t there as in the end result of many magic tricks but then again I have been writing reviews that sometimes disappear for quite some time now. Yet what was there on a Sunday in Cerritos was an embarrassment of magician riches all appearing and disappearing on the stage at the Performing Arts Center much to the delight of a pretty good-sized crowd that admired legerdemain and prestidigitation times five. This magic show as about a straight forward and simple as it comes except for the “tricks” that unfolded without as much as a hiccup during the full ninety minute banquet of old-fashioned magic the way they have been doing it at the Magic Castle in Hollywood for sixty odd years. There were half a dozen remarkable magic acts that were completely different except that they followed the rules of the art form so well not a soul in the audience had a clue as to how they were accomplished. Comedian Matt Marcy hosted and was spot on perfect, adding to the fun without ever staying too long or taking the show too seriously. Parts of the delight of any such show are the “volunteers” and at Cerritos there were many who will remain anonymous here even though they served well at this matinee.

     There was Mystina, the lone lady on the bill who used her graceful dancer’s physique to distract and perform in both black light and footlight including some amazing stuff with scarves and newspapers that were shredded or were they? Illusionist David Zirbel stood tall with some fine work with rings, and barrels full of beautiful magician’s assistants who appeared unscathed and disappeared quite magically.  Suave Danny Cole’s wardrobe was elegant and changing before our very eyes much to the amazement of those even a few feet away. The two-time magician of the year was flawless and in the grand tradition made it look effortless. For comedy relief juggler-comedian Dan Raspyni knocked out the house mostly with his self-effacing humor and use of audience participators while actually juggling like a thirty-year seasoned pro. Finally and certainly the grand finale was Mark Kalen and Jinger Leigh who performed classic illusions with aplomb and some wry humor. This did involve sawing ladies in half, swords passing through same and even levitation alongside the levity. A terrific show and now the disappearing review.