Resorts World Genting’s fourth instalment of its popular Superstars of Magic series, featuring renowned magicians from all over the world, is currently ongoing at its Genting International Showroom. Until 25 October 2015, you will have the chance to catch the latest selection of stars from the world of magic. I recently got the opportunity to catch some of the magic at the hotel in Malaysia.
Superstars of Magic 4 features seven world-class illusionists who present a range of traditional (like pulling a live dove out of nowhere, which never ceases to amaze) to modern high-tech tricks (think use of screens and video games).
Jay Mattioli (USA) was the “Electrifying Conjurer”. He doubled as the emcee and comedian who strung all the acts together into a wonderful narrative for us. He was great in getting the audience and kids to participate.
Joseph Gabriel (USA), “Godfather of Dove Magic”, one of the rare magicians who has had his very own show on Broadway, performed classic, minimalist tricks with live birds – an act which looked incredibly challenging. There is not much gadgetry (from what I could see) that can go into pulling doves and ducks out of nowhere and making them sleep. This was indeed magic at its purest and oldest form – what a real veteran of the classics.
Joseph Gabriel (USA)
Jeff Lee from Taiwan, “TV maestro”, performed with TV magic and modern music, pulling CDs endlessly out of his screen.
Jeff Lee (Taiwan)
One Gun (South Korea) is a young man (or if you like, “Modern Chameleon”) who has good looks straight out of a Korean drama – that Mattioli didn’t hesitate to emphasise to the young audience. His T-shirt act featured him changing clothes instantly before our very eyes.
One Gun (South Korea)
Ted Kim (South Korea), “Dream Magician” amazed the kids in the audience with his use of screen mapping and LED projector technology, incorporating video games and music into his act. In fact, he brought out the kid in us, eliciting the most emotional response from those of my generation who used to play Super Mario and games like pong. I cannot describe the wave of nostalgia that overcame me when I heard Super Mario again, given that I have not played that game in years.
Ted Kim (South Korea)
Shawn Farquhar (Canada), the current International Brotherhood of Magician performed my favourite trick in the entire show. Farquhar, the “King of Cards”, is known for his original card trick performed with actions matching the lyrics of a Sting classic (you can guess which one) – a strangely moving trick that somehow elicited a tear from me at the finale. Get this card trick right, guys, and you will get the girl. Without spoiling the fun further, this trick is one that no one can resist being charmed by – for the guys who intend to make that marriage proposal, you know who to get to help you in it.
Shawn Farquhar (Canada)
Another performer who was not present that night is Alana Moelmann from Germany, the only princess among the princes, whom I’m told usually produces a series of human hands out of her jacket!
Group photo with the bloggers
You will have to chance to catch Superstars of Magic 4 from now till 25 October. There are chances for audience participation, so remember to get a good seat if you would like to try your hand at a trick.
In any case, RWGenting always has a great line-up of other regional and international acts at any time. Be ready for Tiger Huang, Joey Yung, Tsai Chin, G.E.M., Miriam Yeung, Alex To, Wakin Chau and Kenny G, amid others later in the year, so book your year-end Genting getaway soon.
What: Superstars of Magic 4
Where: Resorts World Genting
When: 10 July to 25 October 2015; 8 pm (Monday – Friday); 4 pm and 8 pm (Saturday); 4 pm (Sunday)
Tickets: Prices range from RM 98 to RM 248 for adults, RM 48 – RM 98 for children. For more details, visit www.rwgenting.com/shows/events/SOM_Overview/.
