Detroit — From the U.K. comes five illusionists and magicians (Hollie, Alex, Fernando and Young & Strange) called The Champions of Magic. Each one performs a different form of magic. I would consider it somewhat of a variety show which features the illusion of making big objects appear and disappear, and under-water escape artist, the sword through a cabinet trick and card tricks.
Fernando, the underwater escape artist, did a take-off of Houdini’s water torture cell. He is in a straight jacket and goes underwater upside down with handcuffs on. I had to close my eyes on this one. Way too death defying for me. Another one was when he escaped the steel jaws of death while hanging upside down also. Yes, my eyes were closed again. It must have certainly been mind blowing.
Hollie did card tricks, mind reading and also some acrobats as you would see in Las Vegas. Speaking of Las Vegas, I was at the Penn & Teller magic show there last April but I’ve never seen stunts like this as I did today at the Champions of Magic Show.
Young & Strange told the story when they met at eight years old and both had an interest in magic. They practiced and practiced, and improvised with cardboard boxes and tape due to lack of money. This experience led them to where they are today.
Alex did some mind reading with some audience members. Incredible.
The performers were witty as they asked for audience participation on several occasions. The acoustics were great along with the smoke, pyrotechnics and confetti canons. There was a 15-minute intermission between the two acts. If you haven’t seen this, you are really missing out. Wow, this is a great show.
The Champions of Magic is playing at the Fisher Theater located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI for two days only, January 20 & 21. There were two performances on Saturday January 20 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. with a Sunday January 21 performance at 1:00 p.m. Tickets start at $52.50 which includes parking and are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Fisher Theater Box Office.
