Illusionists 1903: the golden age of magic

You’ve heard of the Illusionists and the Illusionists 2.0, but that’s old news. The Illusionists 1903 is the latest magic show to hit the UAE.

The spectacle of skill and trickery will take place between November 6-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and November 12-14 at du Forum on Yas Island. But in reality, it will all take place a long, long time ago — 112 years ago, to be exact.

“The turn of the 20th Century marks an unprecedented period in the history of magic, bringing newfound worldwide popularity and great innovation,” Mark Kalin, who plays The Showman, told tabloid!.

“It forever changed the face of modern magic. Magicians were catapulted from the dime museums and street fairs to the most opulent and respected theatres of the day.”

And so the Illusionists 1903 will transport audiences to an era that historians deemed “The Golden Age of Magic”, all with the help of a quirky cast of magicians.

Meet the crew: The Escapologist, Krendl, who tempts fate just as Houdini did with death-defying stunts. The Charlatan, Dana Daniels, who’s something of a con artist and distracts with his hysterical comedy. The Clairvoyants, Thommy and Amelie, who perform a ‘second sight’ act; they have the ability to divine thoughts and recount personal information about the audience members.

Then there’s The Eccentric, Charlie Frye — a favourite among the whole cast. He’s described as a classic vaudeville act living in modern times; a physical comedian, a world-renowned juggler and one of the most skilled sleight-of-hand performers in the world.

And of course The Conjuress, Jinger Leigh, a female magician among a male-heavy cast of characters. As Kalin tells it, people were far more progressive in the olden days, as there were a number of top female illusionists that often demanded higher salaries than their male counterparts.

And then there’s Kalin himself, a sleight-of-hand expert who has worked with Leigh outside of the Illusionists for a number of years. In fact, they once put together the largest stage illusion of all time — vanishing an American Airlines jumbo jet.

Kalin tells tabloid! about the potentially fatal stunts in the show and why technology is their best friend.

Firstly, why would you say it is that the show returns to the UAE frequently?

It’s a popular show, a family show. And for this version, the third instalment in the Illusionists brand, we have worked hard to bring something very different. Magic provides its own thrills, its own unique wonder. Good magic, presented by great magicians is a sophisticated experience, yet suitable for all ages. That is why magic has endured and it is as popular now as it was 100 years ago.

Last year, there were LED screens and 3D projections. Will those remain?

Well, we laugh about the necessity for a large video screen necessary to help us recreate some of the more intimate magic that played in parlours in the early 1900s. It is, however, encased in a gilded picture frame and our camera operator is dressed in period clothes with an old “movie” camera. We have fun with the inconsistencies. But generally we try to go low-tech and find interesting ways to make it work — just as they did on stage in 1903.

In that same vein, is it going to be a high-tech show? Or does reverting in time mean a simpler stage set-up?

Well actually, [it is] far more elaborate than other Illusionists shows. We recreate a turn-of-the-century opera house, with rich velvety curtains and grand touches of the era. I believe the producers have spent far more on scenery for 1903 than any other Illusionists production.

What was the thought process behind the era-specific costumes?

We have an amazing costume designer, Angela Aaron. She does the research on styles and fabrics for the era then turns that research into imaginative theatrical designs. When creating a show such as this it’s important that the costumes, scenery, props help create the proper time period, the proper feeling.

Personally, what is your favourite part of the night and why?

Everyone’s favourite, Charlie Frye. He is an enormously talented performer. A physical comedian, consummate juggler and a great magician. He has been perfecting his craft for more than 30 years. You can find the other performers in the wings watching his act every night.

Has anything gone wrong with the show so far? What’s the biggest hazard with a production like this?

Well there is always danger, even with the most rehearsed effects. There is the famed bullet catch that Jinger and I perform that has claimed the lives of 12 magicians — some, on stage during the performance. And then there’s Krendl’s recreation of Houdini’s water cell. He is chained up then submerged under water upside down. Krendl is constantly training to hold his breath longer, to prepare for almost any outcome. But it’s live theatre. So, there is a certain amount of risk involved.

Is it going to be an interactive show? Can audiences expect to be brought into the tricks?

Yes. It’s key to the mix and we use a lot of volunteers. Just like other Illusionist productions, we rely on the participation of the audience to keep the show fresh and unpredictable. In fact, probably the most popular part of the show is “The Parlour” where ten guests are invited to join the seven illusionists on stage. For us, as performers, it keeps it fun and challenging to use volunteers.

What is the ideal audience for a show like Illusionists 1903?

Well, magic is universal and reaches all ages. But The Illusionists 1903 is a bit different from other productions. It presents magic from a time when magicians really were the rock stars of the day. Some would say magic was more antiquated then. But really, quite the opposite. It was deeper and darker and in many ways far more intricate and interesting. Ultimately, I would say if you are a magic nerd, this is the show for you.

*Tickets are available on tixbox.com, for Dh175-Dh1,975 in Abu Dhabi, and Dh195-Dh1,995 in Dubai.