AMAZE

By John Meyer

In a city saturated with theatrical offerings, Amaze emerges as a rare gem—an Off-Broadway production that lives up to its name with a kaleidoscopic blend of illusion, storytelling, and emotional resonance. Staged at the intimate Lucille Lortel Theatre, Amaze invites audiences into a world where reality bends, time folds, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Created and performed by illusionist-playwright Max Darwin, Amaze is not merely a magic show—it’s a narrative-driven experience that fuses sleight-of-hand with heartfelt storytelling. Directed by Leigh Silverman, the production is a masterclass in pacing and tone, balancing moments of jaw-dropping spectacle with quiet introspection. The result is a show that feels both personal and universal, playful yet profound.

From the moment Darwin steps onto the minimalist stage, he commands attention—not with bombast, but with charm and vulnerability. His opening monologue, a meditation on childhood wonder and the loss of imagination in adulthood, sets the thematic tone. What follows is a series of vignetteeach anchored by a magic effect that serves the story rather than distracts from it. A torn photograph reassembles itself as Darwin recounts a fractured family memory; a deck of cards becomes a metaphor for chance and choice.

The technical wizardry is impressive, but what truly elevates Amaze is its emotional intelligence. Darwin’s performance is deeply human, and his interactions with the audience—often spontaneous and unscripted—create a sense of communal discovery. One standout moment involves a child from the audience helping to “restore” a broken clock, symbolizing the healing power of belief. It’s a scene that could easily veer into sentimentality, but Silverman’s direction keeps it grounded and sincere.

Visually, the production is understated but effective. Set designer Wilson Chin uses mirrors, shadows, and shifting panels to evoke a dreamlike atmosphere, while lighting designer Jen Schriever subtly guides the audience’s focus without ever feeling manipulative. Composer Daniel Kluger’s original score adds texture, weaving ambient tones with melodic motifs that echo the show’sthemes of memory and transformation.

What makes Amaze particularly compelling is its refusal to rely solely on spectacle. In an era of overproduced entertainment, the show’s restraint feels refreshing. It trusts the audience to engage intellectually and emotionally, and that trust pays off. The final sequence—a poetic reflection on time, loss, and the magic of human connection—leaves the theater buzzing not just with wonder, but with warmth.

In short, Amaze is a triumph of craft and heart. It’s a show that reminds us why we go to the theater: not just to be entertained, but to be moved, surprised, and reminded of the beauty in the inexplicable. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Amaze will leave you spellbound.

In the heart of New York’s theater district, Amaze has arrived at New World Stages with a bang—and a beam of laser light. Starring British illusionist Jamie Allan, this high-tech, story-driven magic show is a dazzling fusion of nostalgia, innovation, and emotional depth that’s captivating audiences of all ages.

Allan, known internationally for his pioneering blend of traditional magic and cutting-edge technology, brings a deeply personal touch to Amaze. The show opens with a warm recollection of his childhood in the UK during the 1980s, setting the stage for a journey through memory, wonder, and transformation. Posters of magic legends like David Copperfield and Penn & Teller adorn the set, while snippets of retro music evoke a sense of time travel. It’s a clever setup that invites the audience—especially Gen Xers and their kids—to reflect on their own sense of wonder.

Directed by Jonathan Goodwin, Amaze is more than a spectacle. It’s a narrative experience that weaves Allan’s life story into each illusion. From levitating his mother (played by Natalia Love) in a hauntingly beautiful tribute, to interactive tricks that involve audience members in real time, Allan’s performance is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. His charm and sincerity make even the most elaborate illusions feel intimate.

The production design, led by Damien Stanton, complements the show’s themes with props and visuals that evoke both vintage charm and futuristic flair. Holograms, laser beams, and 3D video mapping are seamlessly integrated into the performance, enhancing rather than overwhelming the storytelling. The result is a show that feels both timeless and cutting-edge.

Critics have praised Amaze for its originality and heart. The Chicago Tribune called it “a master class in magic performance as emotional engagement,” while Penn & Teller themselves declared, “You will love this show. We did.” TheaterMania noted its appeal to families, especially children aged 8 to 12, but emphasized that adults will find plenty to marvel at too.

Running for 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission, Amaze is a rare theatrical experience that balances spectacle with soul. Whether you’re a lifelong magic enthusiast or a skeptic looking for a reason to believe, Jamie Allan’s Amaze delivers on its promise: to astonish, to move, and to remind us that magic is not just about tricks—it’s about connection.