The Smiths Bring Magic to PhillyInside MagicMagic News Updated Daily for the Professional Magician

Landis Smith, starring as The Great Alexi in The Enchantment Theatre (Philadelphia) production of the same name loves what he does for a living. In addition to performing magic in a show specifically designed to feature his skills, he is able to work with his wife, Jennifer Blatchley Smith.

The play tells the story of a young magician, Alexi, who studied to be a magician in his small Russian village. He tells the audience, “”By the age of fourteen. I thought I knew everything I needed to know. But one morning, a circus came to town and the next morning, I left with them. I had so much more to learn.”

That learning process and his life story makes for an “enduring vision where human beings move by hard work, endurance, and a good heart into the realm of love and understanding,” says Philadelphia’s Weekly Press. “It may be mostly a vehicle for some of Landis Smith’s astonishing magic tricks, but oh, what a vehicle.”

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have worked together for the last 20 years revising and reworking their original production playing at The Iron Gate Theatre in West Philadelphia through this weekend. The show depicts a young man growing into his life and life’s work shown in scenes featuring illusions, dance, and classical music.

As Alexi matures, his magic grows in sophistication and variety.

Early on, a huge flowerpot transforms itself into a bouquet. A 15-inch needle stabs at and protrudes through a translucent balloon without bursting it. Little square scarves of red appear and disappear into thin air, and when they reappear, they are huge and multicolored or there are a string of them that are pulled endlessly from ear or mouth. A heavy rope knotted in the middle suddenly jumps upwards and twists and unknots itself without Alexi moving a muscle. A newspaper torn into tiny shreds becomes whole before you even blink.

Once Alexi comes to America — hoping for his big break and learning his new occupation is at Coney Island — his magic becomes larger and more spectacular.

The show comes full circle when the now mature and established Vaudeville star Alexi teaching a young boy how to perform a simple effect. “when he sits with a young boy and brings out the simple, small red scarf from the early scene in Russia, the audience instinctively understands that Alexi will be passing wisdom – which really is a kind of magic in that it takes lots of instruction, lots of practice, and tricks that aren’t apparent to the eye of the untutored – on to the next generation.”

The show offers a guide for teachers to discuss the themes and issues in the play; including a brief history of magic and Vaudeville. You can read the PDF version of the guide by clicking here.

Make sure you check out this show. Its rave reviews and few remaining performances almost guarantee a sell-out so order your tickets now. Iron Gate Theatre, 3700 Chestnut St. For ages 5 and up. Performances at 10 a.m. Weekdays, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. weekends. 215-881-9899 or http://www.enchantmenttheatre.org.

As Alexi matures, his magic grows in sophistication and variety.

Early on, a huge flowerpot transforms itself into a bouquet. A 15-inch needle stabs at and protrudes through a translucent balloon without bursting it. Little square scarves of red appear and disappear into thin air, and when they reappear, they are huge and multicolored or there are a string of them that are pulled endlessly from ear or mouth. A heavy rope knotted in the middle suddenly jumps upwards and twists and unknots itself without Alexi moving a muscle. A newspaper torn into tiny shreds becomes whole before you even blink.

Once Alexi comes to America — hoping for his big break and learning his new occupation is at Coney Island — his magic becomes larger and more spectacular.

The show offers a guide for teachers to discuss the themes and issues in the play; including a brief history of magic and Vaudeville. You can read the PDF version of the guide by clicking here.