Soaring Above Reality (The Illusionist) 2015 Toronto Fringe Review

Poster of The Illusionist Lucas Wilson

Ooohs and aaahs are in no short supply during Soaring Above Reality for illusion after illusion at the George Ignatieff Theatre. This production by Guinness World Record-holders and magicians Lucas Wilson and Kelly Defilla is part of this year’s Fringe Festival in Toronto–FringeKids! to be precise.

Wilson is an excellent story-teller with a compelling stage presence, while Defilla is a crowd-pleaser because of her exaggerated facial expressions and theatrical body language. We were charmed by every act, from the floating table to the coat hanger trick to their human Tetrus.

The best part? The closing act! It was an Houdini-style escape act that absolutely thrilled us. I won’t spoil it for you though; I’ll only say that we were in awe of this old-fashioned hocus pocus. See it for yourself!

While some jokes fell flat, we didn’t mind: it’s a magic show, not a comedy act. The upbeat music and the energy and commitment from Wilson and Defilla kept the audience in high spirits, asking for more.

Another cool thing: Lucas Wilson was in the lobby at the end of the show to sell magic kits and magic wands, and he was more than happy to get his picture taken with your little magician-to-be.

Treat your family to the illusions of this FringeKids! magic show!

Details

  • Soaring Above Reality is playing until July 15 at the George Ignatieff Theatre (15 Devonshire Place).
  • Tickets are $12 in advance, $10 at the door and $5 for young people. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes for serious Fringers.
  • Tickets can be purchased online, by phone (416-966-1062), from the festival box office down Honest Ed’s Alley (581 Bloor West), or from the venue box office starting one hour before the peformance. Venue sales are cash-only.
  • Be advised that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and latecomers are never admitted. Set your watch to CBC time, and arrive a few minutes early to avoid disappointment.
Remaining Showtimes
July 03 at 01:30 PM
July 05 at 06:30 PM
July 06 at 04:15 PM
July 08 at 11:45 AM
July 09 at 05:00 PM
July 11 at 11:45 AM
Photo of Lucas Wilson and Kelly Defilla taken by Rosele Studio