Five and a half years ago I saw a phenomenal close-up magic show called Six Impossible Things by the incredible Joshua Jay. So the announcement of his new show that adapted that kind of magic for a larger audience was extremely intriguing.
The idea behind Look Closer is rather daring. Using technological advances to present parlor/close up magic in a larger space opens up effects often meant to be quickly observed at limited angles to closer scrutiny. Jay further pushes the theme by revisiting his opening tricks again later in the show from different conceptual angles.
Six Impossible Things was an intimate affair. Performed in series of small rooms in front of a group of just twenty people, a real sense of wonder evolved as the show progressed. While the new show stands entirely on its own and is completely accessible, it was also fascinating to see how Jay echoed some of the ideas and tricks presented there in this new hybrid format. In some ways Look Closer’s structure formed an even stronger payoff to that sense of wonder, which is amazing given I was watching everything from further away in an audience several times larger.
The most interesting thing about Look Closer is that it’s a journey as much as it is a magic show. There’s a narrative structure to everything with breathable moments where Jay presents personal stories illustrating what the mysteries of magic mean to him. It adds an incredible depth to the evening, which is as much a masterclass in storytelling as it is in magic.
The tricks and stories Jay presents also fold back on each other as things progress, and a heavy customization aspect ties everything directly to the particular audience watching. Things that happen early in the show come roaring back at the end in mystifying fashion. The concept is unique and captivating, and the execution top notch.
I was at the final NYC performance, but the show will continue on in Chicago in April. I encourage anyone who has an opportunity to attend this wonderful experience to do so. “I was at the final NYC performance, but the show will continue on in Chicago in April. I encourage anyone who has an opportunity to attend this wonderful experience to do so.
Derailments of Thought 