Times Square Magic Show The Times Square Magic Show is a must-see experience for tourists and locals alike. Located in the heart of New York City, Times Square, this magical performance will leave audiences spellbound. Featuring a talented cast of magicians and illusionists, the show takes place in a state-of-the-art theater with stunning lighting effects and a mesmerizing atmosphere. From mind-reading tricks to death-defying stunts, the show offers a diverse range of magic acts that will leave you guessing. One of the highlights of the Times Square Magic Show is the interaction between the performers and the audience. Volunteers are invited on stage to participate in various tricks and illusions, making the experience even more engaging and immersive.
Volunteers are invited on stage to participate in various tricks and illusions, making the experience even more engaging and immersive. The magicians' ability to connect with the audience creates a sense of wonder and excitement that is truly unforgettable. The show also incorporates theatrical elements, such as music and storytelling, to enhance the overall experience.
Introduction
Synopsis:
Three ladies in the service of the Queen of the Night save the fainting Prince Tamino from a serpent (“A serpent! A monster!”). When they leave to tell the queen, the bird catcher Papageno bounces in and boasts to Tamino that it was he who killed the creature (“I’m Papageno”). The ladies return to give Tamino a portrait of the queen’s daughter, Pamina, who they say is enslaved by the evil Sarastro, and they padlock Papageno’s mouth for lying. Tamino falls in love with Pamina’s face in the portrait (“This portrait’s beauty”). The queen, appearing in a burst of thunder, is grieving the loss of her daughter; she charges Tamino with Pamina’s rescue (“My fate is grief”). The ladies give a magic flute to Tamino and silver bells to Papageno to ensure their safety, appointing three spirits to guide them (“Hm! hm! hm! hm!”).
Sarastro’s slave Monostatos pursues Pamina (“You will not dare escape”), but is frightened away by the feather-covered Papageno, who tells Pamina that Tamino loves her and intends to save her. Led by the three spirits to the Temple of Sarastro, Tamino is advised by a high priest that it is the queen, not Sarastro, who is evil. Hearing that Pamina is safe, Tamino charms the animals with his flute, then rushes to follow the sound of Papageno’s pipes. Monostatos and his cohorts chase Papageno and Pamina, but are left helpless by Papageno’s magic bells. Sarastro, entering in great ceremony (“Long life to Sarastro”), promises Pamina eventual freedom and punishes Monostatos. Pamina is enchanted by a glimpse of Tamino, who is led into the temple with Papageno.
Sarastro tells his priests that Tamino will undergo initiation rites (“O Isis and Osiris”). Monostatos tries to kiss the sleeping Pamina (“Men were born to be great lovers”); he is discovered by the Queen of the Night, who dismisses him. She gives her daughter a dagger with which to murder Sarastro (“Here in my heart, Hell’s bitterness”).
The weeping Pamina is confronted and consoled by Sarastro (“Within our sacred temple”). Tamino and Papageno are told by a priest that they must remain silent and refrain from eating, a vow that Papageno immediately breaks when he takes a glass of water from a flirtatious old lady. The old lady vanishes when he asks her name. The three spirits appear to guide Tamino through the rest of his journey and to tell Papageno to be quiet. Tamino remains silent even when Pamina appears, which breaks her heart since she cannot understand his reticence (“Now my heart is filled with sadness”).
The priests inform Tamino that he has only two more trials to complete his initiation (“Why, beloved, must we part?”). Papageno longs for a cuddly wife, but settles for the old lady. When he promises to be faithful, she turns into a young Papagena but soon disappears.
After many dangers, Pamina and Tamino are reunited and face the ordeals of water and fire protected by the magic flute.
Papageno is saved from attempting suicide by the spirits who remind him that if he uses his magic bells he will find true happiness. When he does, Papagena reappears and the two plan for the future and move into a bird’s nest (“Pa-pa-pa …”). The Queen of the Night, her three ladies, and Monostatos attack the temple, but are defeated and banished. Sarastro joins Pamina and Tamino as the people hail Isis, Osiris, and the triumph of courage, virtue, and wisdom.
Opera synopsis courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera.
Funding for GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET: “The Magic Flute” has been provided by Toll Brothers, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Charles E. Culpeper Foundation, the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation, Miami, Florida, and PBS.
Related Web Sites
- PBS.org: Broadway: The American Musical: Julie Taymor
- Sony Classical: James Levine
- Nathan Gunn
- Ying Huang
- Erika Miklósa
- René Pape
- Matthew Polenzani
Julie Taymor’s production of Die Zauberflöte only gets better with age and familiarity. For this holiday season, the Metropolitan Opera is putting on the abridged, English-language version (called The Magic Flute to differentiate). Wednesday night’s opening performance was a reminder of how fine this 90-minute version is–in some key ways even better than the full version–and just as true to the origin and spirit of Mozart’s opera.
Each act is carefully choreographed to create a seamless flow that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. From grand illusions to sleight of hand, the performers' skill and showmanship are evident throughout the entire show. The Times Square Magic Show has received rave reviews from both critics and spectators. Many have praised the quality and variety of the acts, as well as the professionalism of the performers. The show has become a popular attraction in New York City and is often sold out, so it is recommended to book tickets in advance. Whether you are a magic enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and entertaining experience, the Times Square Magic Show is sure to deliver. Prepare to be amazed as you witness incredible feats of illusion and wonder at one of the most iconic locations in the world..
Reviews for "The Art of Wonder: Finding Amazement in Times Square Magic Show"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Times Square magic show. The performances were lackluster and predictable. I could see through most of the tricks and they didn't leave me feeling amazed or entertained. The performers also seemed disinterested and lacked stage presence. Overall, it was a forgettable experience and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a magical night out.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I was expecting a grand and mesmerizing magic show at Times Square, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The tricks were not mind-blowing and seemed like something I could easily figure out. The timing between the routines was off, resulting in a disjointed and confusing performance. The venue itself was overcrowded, making it difficult to fully enjoy the show. I was hoping for a magical experience, but sadly, I left feeling underwhelmed.
3. Mike - 1 star
The Times Square magic show was a total waste of time and money. The tricks were unoriginal and cliché. It felt like I was watching the same tricks I had seen at countless other magic shows. The performers lacked charisma and failed to engage the audience. The show lacked creativity and innovation, leaving me bored throughout the entire performance. Save your money and skip this disappointing magic show.