Jamie Allan’s “Amaze”
December is the magical season, and Rhapsody Theatre continues the allure of the holidays with the magic of Jamie Allan, "Amaze." Allan, a magician from the United Kingdom, learned the enchantment of magic early and is known for his special effects and stage illusions; he performed his first magic show at just eight years old at Cabaret Club in Market Bosworth. He has designed special effects and stage illusions. Like most magicians, Allan works the crowd into his act; however, he takes the audience on an exciting magical journey with excellent narratives. His soothing demeanor adds to the charm of the evening filled with illusions and conjuring using state-of-the-art technology. Displaying the first magic box he used as a child, Allan has a plethora of sleight-of-hand card tricks, astonishing phone maneuvers, and some unbelievable trickeries that will make you wonder and make even the skeptic a dreamer. Still, the mind-boggling iPad illusions that made him famous worldwide were outstanding, and it's a show-stopper. As the lights dim, you feel transported into a world of the unknown where "Every story has a date, the moment it begins to unfold," and where the line between reality and fantasy becomes increasingly indistinct.
It was a light crowd after the holidays, but Allan performed like he was at London's Royal Albert Hall, as his passion and love for magic were dazzling. Allan tells us of the history of magic he loved as a young magician, using music and songs about magic, and through his unique storytelling, he even brings into his act one of my favorite movies, Never Ending Story. But one of the touching parts of the act is when he allows us to listen to a recording of his mother's Kay Kennedy angelic voice. Known to her friends and family as Ann Nicklin, Kay Kennedy toured worldwide, singing in major theatres and casinos. She finally settled down with her husband and son, Jamie, at their old-fashioned Horse and Jockey pub. She is now singing in the heaven choir. The show runs for around two hours with one intermission. The theater offers a few light snacks and drinks, and they will allow you to get a slice of pizza from J.B. Alberto's Pizza, connected to the Rhapsody Theatre, and bring it into the pub area before the show begins. Jamie Allan's show is truly magical and entertaining, and the finale is absolutely mind-blowing. "Amaze" is an amusing experience you can enjoy with friends and family.
3 STARS ***
Jamie Allan "Amaze"
The Rhapsody Theater
1328 W. Morse Avenue
Chicago, IL 60626
Now - January 17th, 2024
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