A New Generation of Magic
It’s a Monday night – usually a quiet night for theater – but the Avenue Theater is filled to capacity. What is it that has brought so many people out to the theater?
A new kind of magic show.
As an art form, magic continues to evolve. Older generations remember the magician dressed in top coat and tails pulling a rabbit from a top hat. A younger generation recalls seeing the magician as clown performing for children. But today’s magician is neither so elevated nor so debased.
A new age of magic has arrived. Magicians who take their craft seriously and who dare to engage with the critical and discerning minds. In age of ironic detachment a new wave of magicians asks us to believe in the impossible. And grown up audiences are rediscovering the fun and wonder of going to a magic show.
We are in a new age. After winning the ninth season of America’s Got Talent, magician Mat Franco now headlines in Las Vegas at The LINQ Hotel and Casino’s Mat Franco Theater. And magician Derek DelGaudio’s off-broadway show in New York comes to an end in August after running for nearly a year-and-a-half, having grossed $5 million.
Other magicians, like David Blaine, Derren Brown, and Criss Angel, continue to captivate audiences with their television appearances.
And in Denver, in more modest circumstances, the Denver Magic Show has proven itself to be a hot ticket. Of course, the Avenue Theater is a small house – seating only 65 in the main section. But each of the last two shows (held of the first Monday of each month) have sold out with ticket-holders arriving early to secure the best seats.
But with very few children in attendance. For these shows the caliber of magic is clearly meant to engage and astonish a grown-up audience.
Not that the Denver Magic Show features coarse language or adult themes. The curated selection of magicians (usually 3 or 4 each show) all have experience working for corporate clients so their acts are designed not to offend, but the magic here was not designed with children in mind. Children may be welcome, but the show refuses to pander to them.
In August the show will feature 3 sleight of hand magicians and a psychic with each performer bringing their own style and sensibility to the stage – but without the rabbit and without the clown shoes.
No longer stodgy, no longer juvenile, a new generation of magicians has arrived.
The next performance will be on August 6, 2018 at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now.
SHOW DETAILS
WHEN: Monday, August 6, 2018 at 7:30pm
WHERE: Avenue Theatre, 417 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
PRICE: $20
Come join the fun!
See a variety of sophisticated magic up close.
