DHAHRAN: The world’s biggest-selling magic show, “The Illusionists,” has arrived in Dhahran to mesmerize Ithra audiences after breaking box office records across the globe, including Broadway and West End stints.
Before each show, Ithra explains in both Arabic and English that the performers on stage are professionals and none of the illusions should be attempted at home.
‘The Illusionists’ will present nightly shows until Aug. 19. (Supplied)
Photography and videography are prohibited because of the risk posed to performers who may be using sharp implements and heavy machinery. Performances also feature haze, smoke and strobe lights, as well as moments of complete darkness.
The many surprises and deceptions left audience members shouting, “but how?” at various times during the show.
FASTFACTS
• Tickets begin at SR100 ($26) and can be bought via the Ithra app or website.
• Performances are not recommended for those under the age of 10.
Audience members, especially young children and those in the front rows, had the chance to take part in many of the acts interspersed between the bigger, more daring and dangerous sequences.
‘The Illusionists’ will present nightly shows until Aug. 19. (Supplied)
The cast consists of Xavier Mortimer as “the Artist,” James More as “the Deceptionist,” Aaron Crow as “the Warrior,” David Williamson as “the Trickster,” Kevin James as “the Inventor,” Pablo Canovas as “the Elusive,” and Enzo Weyne as “the Unforgettable.”
Claudia James served as the assistant, while Sarah McGinley, Casey Roxas, Jordan Phouttharth and Eloise Harpas were the dynamic dancers.
The show has two acts, with a 20-minute intermission.
‘The Illusionists’ will present nightly shows until Aug. 19. (Supplied)
There are a few predicable offerings, such as bending a balloon to the shape of an animal and card tricks, but each contains a twist.
“It was really cool. I saw them cut up a person, teleporting and I saw a person almost kill someone,” 11-year-old Nasser Al-Fassam told Arab News.
“I thought it would be basic, like the card ones where you pick a card and they give it to you, or the one where they lock the person underwater and they have to escape.”
‘The Illusionists’ will present nightly shows until Aug. 19. (Supplied)
Al-Fassam had previously watched a few magic shows online, but this was his first live performance and he said: “That’s cool.”
He added: “This exceeded my expectations. It was worth coming in at 8 o’clock and ruining my sleeping schedule.”
When Williamson, the Trickster, concluded the show, he asked his young helper, a girl named Danah, if she knew what had happened on stage. She shook her head.
‘The Illusionists’ will present nightly shows until Aug. 19. (Supplied)
“You made hundreds of people very happy tonight at the Ithra Theater,” he said to cheers and laughter.
“The Illusionists” will present nightly shows from 8 p.m. until Aug. 19. Performances are not recommended for those under the age of 10.
Tickets begin at SR100 ($26) and can be bought via the Ithra app or website.
