Champions of Magic Masters the Art of Astonishment 6/6 -8/23

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“Champions of Fun….and Magic!” from June 6th thru August 23rd at Studebaker Theatre - Review By: Paul Lisnek

****/4

“Champions of Fun….and Magic!”

Champions of Magic is a stunningly fun production now playing at the Studebaker Theater. The illusionist magicians bring to Chicago (the birthplace of close-up magic, by the way) a sleek, high-energy production that amazes with its previously unfamiliar moments and also refreshes with familiar illusions and all while maintaining an easy, crowd-pleasing accessibility. All four performers manage to balance humor with genuine moments of astonishment that keeps smiles on the faces of all throughout the show.

What makes this touring ensemble so successful is their love to play and involve the audience as they lean into both spectacle and personality. The show feels consciously designed for a broad audience, both families and friends without ever sacrificing technical precision. While many of the illusions (a word I prefer over tricks) draw from well-known magical traditions, it’s the execution—and the performers’ distinct stage personas—which give the show a contemporary feel that keeps even the most seasoned lovers of magic (like myself) engaged.

Liberty Larsen (who is a 4th generation family performer and member of the legendary Magic Castle family owners) emerges as one of the evening’s most compelling presences. She performs with a sharp comedic instinct and a natural knack for story telling which give her illusions extra impact. Her rapport with the audience is immediate, unforced, and engaging with audience members young and older, and she makes even the grandest illusion feel intimate. Her timing, particularly when she interacts with the audience, elevates material that might otherwise feel familiar. 

Fernando Velasco brings a contrasting energy, as the escape artist in this multi-faceted act. What he does requires control and technical perfection at a seeming risk to his personal safety. His work emphasizes precision and confidence as the audience sits on the edge of their seats each time he brings danger to the moment. 

Meanwhile, the duo of Young & Strange inject the production with a dose of irreverent charm. While they mention their love for predecessors Seigfried and Roy, they are really in the mold of the very popular Penn & Teller (though both Young and Strange speak!). Their fast-paced banter and playful self-awareness help bridge the gap between classic magic and modern performance style. They are particularly effective in larger-scale illusions with chemistry and comedic timing which always connects with the audience. Their segments often feel like the connective tissue of the show, boosting momentum and always with humor and a nod to or inclusion of the audience.

What ultimately distinguishes Champions of Magic is its ability to reframe recognizable illusions through updated staging, effective use of multimedia, and a clear understanding of what pleases an audience. The show doesn’t reinvent magic so much as repackage it with a new and fresh polish, and lots of engaging personality. 

The result is an evening that feels both familiar, but fresh and engaging.

The production’s scale fits comfortably within the Studebaker space, both stage and audience size. The setting is right for grand visual moments, but also smaller, audience-driven interactions. This is, above all, a show designed to delight across the generations—accessible enough for first-time magic show attendees, yet crafted with enough skill and pizzazz to satisfy those more versed in this age-old art form. 

Champions of Magic is presented through the capable hands of true champions who prove that, in the right hands, even well known illusions can still look and feel new.

Champions of Magic plays through August 23rd and tickets can be purchased at www.ChampionsofMagicTour.com