KOP and I had the pleasure of seeing
Marion and Ted Outerbridge
perform their show "Mysteries of the Keyhole House" at the
Milton Centre for the Arts.
[As an aside, we encourage you to go and see a show at this fabulous 500 seat theatre. It's approximately 25 minutes west of Toronto's western border. The facilities are modern and spacious. On the lower level, it appears that all seats have amazing sight lines. (We didn't venture up to the balcony.) The seats are a little bit wider than standard theatre seats, which makes them very comfortable! Parking is free and plentiful.]
[Additionally, this is the first magic show we've been to where there's been an ASL interpreter available. The interpreter was easily seen and unobtrusive. They did not distract from the show. There appeared to be quite a few folks in the audience fluent in sign language. I'm sure the service was well appreciated!]
Here are some random thoughts that came to mind while watching Ted and Marion share some fascinating stories about their current home and the individuals who had previously lived there:
- The tone of the show was nicely set with a carefully curated period piece soundtrack which included "All That Jazz," "It Don't Mean a Thing," and Glenn Miller ("In the Mood" we think.)
- The show was a BRAND NEW SHOW with very little overlap with their previous show "Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries." (Sadly there was no way to work the disco ball jacket that Marion painstakingly created for Ted, into the new show.)
-
We were tremendously lucky to be at a show where illusionist technician
Shenna Dunn came out of retirement! Her grace and talent at the beginning
of the show made for a delightful opener!
- This show is extraordinarily creatively satisfying. It is very clear that a lot of time and thought has been put into tying all of the visuals into the theme of the show. Just about every item on stage looked like it was part of an historical play. The smallest details were considered; from the shape of the centre spot, to the use of golf clubs in lieu of a typically used magic prop, and of course the fabulous costumes created by Marion. Well done Ted and Marion!
This show is a masterclass in organically driven story telling. The premise
of the show is based on historical events. The compelling
narrative is highlighted with creatively re-imagined, and expertly
executed magical effects.
- All illusions, big and small, were masterfully performed.
-
The story telling is equally as important and entertaining as the magic and
illusions.
- There is a nice ratio of grand illusion, intimate magic, and mentalism.
- Marion has upped her game with fantastically executed magic! (On top of sharing her superb dance and quick change talents.)
Kudos to Ted and Marion for going out of their way to right some wrongs for previous owners of the Keyhole house!
- We counted 14 volunteers. Sitting at the back of the theatre provides little to no protection from being selected as a volunteer!
- While this is certainly a family-friendly show, this is NOT a show aimed at children. There are some mature themes involved. And the wee one behind us found the "séance" portion of the show a little bit frightening.
- The evening was a marvelous blend of historical story telling, mixed with masterful performances!
Possibly the only magic show based entirely on a slice of Canadian history.
We think you'll enjoy "Mysteries of the Keyhole House" as much as we did!
To learn more about this fabulous duo, listen to the Scott Wells' podcast 278: The Inner Secrets of the Outerbridges, visit their website at OuterbridgeMagic.com and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To learn more about The Keyhole House, follow its Instagram and Twitter accounts!
Disclosure: KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.
From the October 28th Facebook post by the FirstOntario Peforming Arts Centre - St. Catharines:
Ted and Marion Outerbridge brought an outstanding and engaging magic show to Partridge Hall last week!
Mysteries of the Keyhole House was a show we'll never forget!
All photos by Joel Naphin / Music Life Magazine www.musiclifemagazine.net
