by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Performed in a Victorian-Hawaiian style parlor at the beautiful, luxurious Sheraton Waikiki, The Magical Mystery show combines elements of classic magic, mind-blowing mentalism, sleight of hand, futuristic illusion and several nostalgic carnival-style acts.
Johnathan Todd, an acclaimed illusionist, led our group to the first portion of the show in the parlor, where he provided an in depth lecture regarding the history of magic.
Throughout the duration of the intimate, informal “Parlor Pre Show” Todd entertained with a myriad of stories and specialty tricks, including endless tales of the realms of magic in eras gone by as well as crowd pleasing tricks including the beloved classic “quarter behind the ear” trick, slight of hand, and much, much more.
Personable, affable, and humorous, Johnathan Todd consistently interacted with his audience throughout the pre-show, setting a lighthearted, enthusiastic and unmistakably playful atmosphere prior to the main show.
Upon conclusion of the pre-show, the audience was escorted into the main showroom.
Our friendly and helpful bartender brought us our delightful rum punch drinks, which we sipped and savored while watching the consummate showman Todd perform an array of tricks and mind boggling illusions, including a volunteer segment in which our photographer, Lynn, was pulled on stage to select from a deck of cards, which the magician subsequently accurately guessed, a portion during which some hollow shrunken skulls are attached to a solid board, after which an audience volunteer seemingly moves said skulls with her mind.
Following Todd’s unbelievable set, the next performer, headliner Shoot Ogawa. Ogawa is one of the most acclaimed and popular young magicians in the world., He took the stage, executing one high octane, rapid fire act of magic excellence after another, including a mystical disappearing wand and flowers that vanished right before our very eyes. Ogawa, whose quick wit, boyish charm, and self deprecating sense of humor make him instantly likable, creates a palpable chemistry with the audience, affording them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a bird’s eye view of world class magic they will not be able to witness anywhere else.
Ogawa, who has been featured on countless international television specials and competitions, including Penn and Teller’s wildly popular, “Fool Us,” performs a plethora of unbelievable , reality-defying feats of magic throughout his headlining performance, including his own personal twist on the over 500 year old art of ring linking, escaping from impossibly complex and tight ropes Houdini-style, a beautifully visceral segment utilizing art and various props (which appear and vanish right before the audience’s eyes ), and much, much more.
Other jaw dropping, reality defying feats of magic include an act during which Ogawa asks select audience members for their rings, and interlocks the rings, right before their very eyes, and a crowd-pleasing segment during which live gold fish appear in a drinking goblet, in only a half-second’s time, a mystifyingly, perplexing and undoubtedly entertaining bit that brought the entire, packed, audience to their feet in a fit of applause.
Both Todd and Ogawa have been featured at the magic community’s most elite, exclusive, and prestigious venue, The Magic Castle, and have also have received prestigious awards, affirming their unmistakably unique magical talents that they are elated to share in their brand new show in the heart of Waikiki.
Be sure to follow this incredible company on all major social media platforms to get all the inside behind the scenes scoop, scheduling info, performance dates, and more.
WEBSITE: https://hotel-magic.com/oahu-tickets/magical-show/
INSTAGRAM: @themagicalmysteryshow
NOTE: if you are a Hawaii /Oahu resident and would to learn magic, select opportunities for locals are available to obtain free classes from these world renowned magicians. Please be sure to message them on their website if interested in participating in this once in a lifetime opportunity to learn some tips, tricks, and trades from some of the most prestigious magic acts in the nation.
Special thanks to Johnathan Todd and the rest of the Magic Mystery show team for an incredible experience!
