Touring magic show recalls illusions that created wonder
While growing up in Oxford, England, budding magicians Richard Young and Sam Strange needed just two things to recreate their favorite illusions: cardboard and tape.
Well, those and the knowhow to execute these classic feats, such as sawing a person in half.
The childhood friends — performing now under the moniker Young & Strange — have honed and grown their act in front of a global audience.
When they’re not videobombing news crews by performing tricks in the background of newscasts, the duo is one of four acts traveling with the Champions of Magic Tour, which stops at the Palace Theatre this weekend.
But despite their professional success, Young & Strange honor their humble What: Champions of Magic Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St. Contact: 614-469-0939, www. championsofmagic.co.uk Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday Admission: $23 to $123
roots whenever they take the stage.
One of their signature tricks involves putting Young into — you guessed it — a cardboard box, which Strange punctures with a slew of sticks without impaling his partner.
"It’s probably the best trick we do," Young, 34, said in a September interview with The Columbus Dispatch.
Such low-budget amusements, though, are hardly par for the course during the otherwise dazzling and effects-heavy production. After all, Young promised to make appear any vehicle that an audience member can name.
"This is the plan," he said with a sly smile. "I’m not sure if it actually works."
In addition to Young & Strange’s large-scale illusions, the two-hour-long family-friendly spectacle — with engagements through Sunday — also includes mind-reading by Alex McAleer, close-up tricks by Kayla Drescher and deathdefying escapes by Fernando Velasco.
"There aren’t really many magic shows of this scale out there," Velasco said. "It’s just a huge show; there’s something for everyone to see."
Velasco, 20, is the newest addition to the tour. He became interested in magic at the age of 14 after he and his father moved from Mexico to Hollywood, California, to specialize in daring escapes.
"I found this dangerous thing was more exciting," he said. "I enjoy the thrill I go through."
Like Young & Strange, Velasco keeps his roots at the forefront of his act. Wearing mariachi pants and intermingling his native language of Spanish into his show, he often performs illusions he learned on the streets of Mexico before wowing the crowd with stunts.
"I love putting that Latin twist on everything," he said.
The show may seem an ode to a bygone era of illusions, but, Velasco said, the surprised looks he often sees on the faces of audience members indicates that he and his tourmates are keeping the magic alive.
"You really do just wonder and question what is possible," Velasco said. "It’s amazing to be able to bring people a little bit of joy."