Theatre Critic: STRAIGHT UP MAGIC: Show Review by Amy Wall Lerman
(Photo credit: Matt Christine)
Abracadabra! Who doesn’t like a good magic show? And when the magician is funny – all the better. Skilled illusionist, Jason Bishop, in Straight Up Magic has it all. He has smoke. He has mirrors. He even has the disappearing and reappearing “talented assistant” (the magnificent Kim Hess). And a magic show is never complete without a volunteer from the audience. And there are plenty of those. In that sense, Straight Up Magic is your typical magic show. What is perhaps not quite so typical is Jason Bishop himself. He has that dripping sarcasm that keeps the audience on its toes, and he clearly has a love for the sleight-of-hand. Speaking of which, my favorite part of the show involved, what I consider, the impossible. For about five minutes, with an artistry akin to dance, he made playing cards appear and disappear in a way only Harry Potter and his friends could emulate. This is a show about showmanship. The illusions are fine, but Mr. Bishop is wonderful.
Jason Bishop was born in Newark, NJ and now lives in Blandon, Pennsylvania. He has performed on 6 continents and in 49 states including Hawaii and Alaska. He cites his inspirations as Doug Henning for being cool and bringing the magic show concept back to life; David Copperfield for ultimate showmanship, and Andy Kauffman for “blurring the line between fantasy and reality” and giving a whole new meaning to entertainment.
The show is at Manhattan’s New Victory Theater on 42 Street through November 27th. Orchestra seats are $43, but you may find that the show is completely sold out. Well done Jason Bishop! And the New Vic? Another fabulous production.
Straight Up Magic has a running time of 1 hour and 45 minutes, including one intermission, and is recommended for everyone ages 6 and up.
Amy Wall Lerman is a television news producer, author, and MotherhoodLater.com (MLTS) blogger. Her books include The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Family Games and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Critical Reading. Amy lives in New Jersey with her husband and 9 year old son.
