Reviews of "The Magic Play"
In 2016, The Magic Play had a rolling world premiere at Goodman Theatre and Olney Theatre Center. In March, the play will make its West Coast premiere at The Armory, featuring Brett Schneider, the magic creator and actor from the world premiere production. Here's a roundup of the great reviews The Magic Play has received since its world premiere.
Dramatic Tricks Abound
"Brett Schneider is a real magician ... Schneider’s authentic magic act is wrapped inside an intriguing new script." -The Washington Post
Entranced by the Magician's Snare
"In the art of magic, Andrew Hinderaker has found a vivid metaphor for the dynamics of honesty, trust and control that underpin our most important relationships. His immensely entertaining and profound new work, The Magic Play, combines a jaw-dropping performance of classic card tricks with a compelling backstory of tender love. The result is breathtaking." -DC Metro Theater Arts
A Mystical Trip
"You'll be thrilled by the future possibilities of what your eyes behold."-Chicago Tribune
Belief in Love and Magic
"Part magic show, part relationship drama, it examines trust, the conflict between the professional and the personal, and the tension between illusion and reality." -Daily Herald
Magical
“The Magic Play is funny, serious and most definitely, magical. Don’t let it disappear before your eyes." -Northwest Herald
Finesses Dramatic Sleight-of-Hand
"There is the deep magic of Brett Schneider, a pale, slender, intense young actor who is so good he makes his acting all but disappear. He also is a magician/illusion designer so extraordinarily gifted he can fearlessly demonstrate his legerdemain in magnified style." -Chicago Sun Times
See It to Believe It
"While it might be unforgivably clichéd to say, The Magic Play is truly a magical night at the theater." -TheaterMania
A Unique Piece of Theater
"It feels like a bespoke production especially designed around Schneider’s unusual blend of magical and dramatic talents ... It’s rare to witness something like this. My advice is to see it while you have the opportunity." -Leo Weekly
Let Magic Into Your Life
"Always wanting to go the extra mile, in Andrew Hinderaker’s clever The Magic Play, Actors Theatre did not just fill the role of the Magician with a talented actor, but in fact, hired an actor who is also an honest to goodness Magician. Brett Schneider is that talent." -Arts-Louisville.com
Love, trust and betrayal
"It’s a play, it’s a magic show, it’s an immersive theater experience. And it’s really good." -Insider Louisville
What people are saying on Facebook:
"My mind is still spinning from seeing this. Was it real? Was it magic? Does it matter? It was an evening unlike one I've ever had in the theater and that alone is magic. Thank you."
“Amazing acting from the small cast. The main star/magician, played by Brett Schneider, obviously knows his way around a deck of cards and executes his magic effects flawlessly. And his acting skills are top notch! So, go support live magic and see The Magic Play.”
“I loved it!”
“Fantastic show. Astonishing magic and a sweet story beautifully acted.”
“Spectacular!”
More about The Magic Play:
Special Cocktails for "The Magic Play"
The Armory Bar supervisor and resident mixologist Melissa Larrabee describes her glittery and delicious cocktails inspired by The Magic Play.
Audience Reviews of "The Magic Play"
Audiences are loving The Magic Play. Check out what fans of the show have said on Facebook!
Playwrights in Discussion
Kodachrome playwright Adam Szymkowicz interviews The Magic Play playwright Andrew Hinderaker.
"The Magic Play" Cast and Creative Team
Meet the exciting cast, world class magicians and creative team behind The Magic Play.
Winter Improv Labs
Grow from "yes, and..." to your first completely improvised scene in Improv Labs at The Armory. Take one for fun or both to master your improv skills!
Current & Upcoming
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Adult Class : TWELFTH NIGHT, Before & After
Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
Improv Comedy: Love, Shakespeare
Witness the Magic of unscripted Elizabethan comedy! Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions!
Albina Music Trust presents A Brown Branch Christmas
Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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