Random thoughts about "Young and Strange Delusionists" 2023

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Delusionists on their Canadian premiere! 

The last chance to catch Young and Strange Delusionists in Canada this year is in Windsor tonight, October 15th.

 

 

  Read our interview with Y & S where we learn:   

• their origin story
• their strengths
• why the double act
• similarities and differences with Champions of Magic
• about back pain
• who makes the soundtrack choices
• their go-to karaoke songs
• how they earned the sometimes used moniker, "the bickering illusionists"

 

On Friday Kidlet and I made the trek to Barrie's Georgian Theatre.

• This was our first time in this cozy theatre.
• The box office and theatre staff were super friendly and helpful.
• As with the Champions of Magic show, I am genuinely afraid of posting spoilers.  The less you know going in, the more you'll enjoy it. 

 

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On with the show...

Note to parents of young children:  The music can be very loud at times throughout the show.  There's also a smoke machine involved.  Forewarned is forearmed.

There's a videographer on hand to capture close-up miracles and project them nice and big on a screen so everyone can see!

 

Regular readers of the blog have probably guessed that this would be our summary of the show:

So. Much. Fun!

 

• The show includes a majority of their well polished, finely tuned pieces from Champions of Magic, performed with the same high energy and enthusiasm we've come to expect from the duo.
• The full show format provides an opportunity for each performer to share their individual strengths and personality. 
  
• It is a highly interactive show.  By our count at least 22 volunteers were selected from the audience.
  
• Both Young and Strange have well-honed close-up skills.
• Strange does beautiful card manipulation. He also did some very bold sleight of hand in the palm of a spectator.
  
• Young made many new Canadian friends performing close-up magic in the audience.  On more than one occasion he elicited very visceral responses from the spectators (myself included).
  
• A wide variety of magical effects were demonstrated that included:  citrus arts & crafts, smart phones, kidney beans, a smattering of mentalism, bills, watches, ribbon, coins, and of course, cards!
• Aerialist Michelle Mazzarella dazzled.
• It's always a treat to see Young and Strange perform Gerry Frenette's original illusion. 
  (As an added bonus, Gerry and Leonora were also in the audience and we were able to visit with them too!) 
• The audience ATE. IT. ALL. UP.  They were very much engaged throughout the show.  Kids and adults.  Especially the finale!
• After the final blackout at the curtain call, you could hear a chorus of audience members shouting for "one more!" for quite some time!  

 

It is very clear that while they take their magic seriously, Young and Strange don't take themselves too seriously.

This makes for a delightfully fun show!

 

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If you're not able to catch Young and Strange Delusionists this year, you may be able to see them as part of the Champions of Magic ensemble touring in 2023 - 2024.  Check the Champions of Magic website for current tour information.  [At this time, Canadian dates include Toronto (Dec 27 - 29), Regina (Mar 17), and Edmonton (Mar 22 - Apr 6).]

 

 

 

Disclosure:  Kidlet and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.