Magician Greg Wilson and his assistants have put together an all new magic show mirroring acts that were seen at the turn of the century. The pre-show is scheduled to run May 30 through July 6 before each screening of Malefeicent at the El Capitan Theatre.
After viewing the movie memorabilia downstairs, and enjoying Rob Richards entertain us with Disney tunes on the mighty Wurlitzer organ, we were excited that the magic show was next. It had been a very long time since either of us had seen an illusionist perform. Then the lights dimmed and Greg Wilson took the stage. He was a great big ball of energy, revving up the crowd with his corny but exciting enthusiasm.
His first trick was the ever popular “rabbit in the hat” trick. It went off without a hitch, and the crowd really seemed to enjoy it.
Next, Courtney the assistant climbed into a long box to be sawed in half. This is my favorite illusion of all time. It was flawless. After her two halves were paraded around the stage, she was able to be reassembled. Phew!
The next illusion involved an audience member writing his initials on a handkerchief. The idea was to make the handkerchief appear in a box that was hanging from the ceiling over the audience. To accomplish this, assistant Angel would be shot out of a cannon pointed to the box in the sky. She would end up in the box with the handkerchief. I am not sure if it was because we were seated in the 5th row, or if something went wrong, but the magic was flubbed when we were able to see exactly how the trick worked and what steps were taken to achieve the illusion. We were left feeling very uncomfortable, as if we were let in on a secret that we were not supposed to be told. In addition, there was only scattered applause, so I think we weren’t the only ones who were exposed to the secret of the trick.
We tried to shake it off as it was time for the East Indian Rope Mystery trick. This trick involves a thick rope that magically rises up from a basket like a snake to levitate assistant Courtney. Wilson explained to the audience that this was a most difficult trick that hasnÕt been performed for many years until brought here to the El Capitan. Assistant Courtney emerged in a sparkly Arabian outfit, looking about 25 pounds heavier than she did in her previous costume. We could see exactly why — a harness was showing through her costume! To make matters worse the magician could not get her unhooked from the rope. Murmurs were heard throughout the audience.
A few smaller illusions were performed. One went off without a hitch and one was again botched.
This lead us to the grand finally- Excalibur. Assistant Courtney was placed in an acrylic box with slots all over. Swords were placed in those slots to trap her completely in. A half tent was brought to cover the box up, and once again, we could see how she was to escape and switch places with the magician. Done properly, the trick would be very impressive.
All in all, we gave the magic show 4 rabbits in a hat out of 10. Here’s hoping our experience was an isolated one.