The Magnificents
January 18th, 2013 to March 17th, 2013
a magician’s legacy is passed on
Story and Magic by Dennis Watkins
Directed by Nathan Allen
EXTENDED TO MARCH 17!
RUN TIME: 2 hours including one intermission
RECOMMENDED: For ages 5 to 105! Read more about bringing children below.
“Watkins’ MAGIC is AS REMARKABLE AS EVER and the rest of the cast makes the audience-pleasing, mostly WHIMSICAL and deceptively complicated choreography look second nature”
- NewCity
“The idea of a make-your-own-family is POWERFUL. I laughed, I cried, I wondered. Right now, The Magnificents may be THE BEST SHOW ON EARTH!”
- Fourth Walsh
“TOP-DRAWER MAGIC from the formidable Watkins repertoire (more than enough to GREATLY ENTERTAIN most magic-loving folks of all ages)”
- Chicago Tribune
With “mind-boggling old-school magic tricks, The Magnificents earns its title.”
- TimeOut Chicago
“The story is HEARTWARMING and engaging. The magic will BLOW YOU AWAY!”
- Chicago Critic
An extraordinary family, The Magnificents, delights in bringing magical entertainment to the crowds. But time has taken its toll on the family as our aging magician reluctantly accepts a wayward young boy as his protege, imparting far more than the tricks up his sleeve. This touching story of what we must pass on before we can let go is told with spectacular classic magic including Robert Houdin’s Blooming Orange Tree illusion. This is a delicate feast for the heart and senses.
The House and playwright Dennis Watkins revisit this deeply personal script, originally seen in 2007, with renewed vision including aerial circus arts and the poignant, magic-based storytelling witnessed in Death and Harry Houdini.
LOCATION: The Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division St., Chicago, IL
NOW EXTENDED TO MARCH 17!
Tickets are on sale now.
Bringing Children
Though designed for adults, The Magnificents is a very family-friendly production. It is a very visual show, featuring lots of magic tricks and feats, and other circus-style performances. Much of the story is told through physical language, rather than dialogue. And, it’s the story of a boy finding a new family and home with people who value him.
It is recommended for children as young as 5, though parents and other contentious adults should note that the show is a full-length play, with the first act at 65 minutes and the second act at 32 minutes, with an intermission. Anyone 7 and older will love this show. Anyone younger just needs to have a little practice at being a good audience for grown-up length activities. We’ve already had lots of kids join us and enjoy the show, including 8-year old theatre reviewer Ada Grey! Read her write-up here.
