Dave Johnson

I really wanted to love this. I really did. I’d heard all about it but no one was really able to “spoil” it for me because “it had to be seen to be believed”. As my expectations were through-the-roof sky-high, I was more than excited to finally see it. I convinced my two late teenage daughters to watch it with me. Well, neither of my daughters made it through the whole thing. I was amazed at how slow it seemed even midway through and kept thinking it would pick up at some point... I couldn’t blame them for bailing. I actually dozed off myself a few times, the pacing was so drawn out. Good thing there’s a rewind button! I really did, however, appreciate the show’s theatrical aspects, DelGaudio’s storytelling, and playing card wizardry. I thought the staging was very unique. The slick editing in of multiple performances (there were 552 to chose from!) made it seem more genuine and added interest. The show’s messages, both superficial and deeply personal, are poignant. I think every one of us can picture ourselves on that stage with him, and we can empathize with those that are. The problem is, by the end I was feeling antsy and kind of disappointed that I believe I knew how the two main “illusions” were done. It didn’t involve “magic” at all and it left me feeling let down, the deep philosophical lessons notwithstanding. I do think I’ll watch it again, this time with my wife. Maybe with a more receptive mind I’ll enjoy it more. I guess that’s the best advice I can give you: don’t expect it to be the Be All And End All, and just sit back and enjoy it for what it is.