The Great & Powerful Tim: Magic Bachelor

Great & Powerful Tim—School of Contemporary Dancers

I almost want to say the magic is irrelevant; this show is simply Great & Powerful fun. The framing device elevates the performance beyond a mere series of tricks, turning the performance into a genuinely entertaining (if not completely unhinged) story-driven experience.

Tim Hoffman is a charismatic performer with a super command of the audience. Unlike many magic shows, the audience participation here is more than simply pulling volunteers onstage (although there is also a lot of that). The crowd becomes part of the performance, helping bring Hoffman’s ridiculous world to life.

Between witch curses, were-mailmen, and a most hilariously protracted analysis of the trolley problem, the show constantly finds new ways to delight. Oh yeah, and there is magic in there too.

Ashley Frantik