THE HANGOVER REPORT – ASI WIND’S INNER CIRCLE takes an intimate, straightforward path to wonderment

Asi Wind in “Asi Wind’s Inner Circle” at The Gym at Judson (photo by Joan Marcus).

Last Sunday, Israeli-American magician and mentalist Asi Wind’s latest show opened Off-Broadway. Even if you’ve seen similar shows in the past, there’s still much to commend about the polished, confident entertainment parked at The Gym at the Judson. Fittingly titled Asi Wind’s Inner Circle, the hourlong evening takes an intimate, straightforward path to wonderment.

From the get go, there’s no doubt of Wind’s mastery of his craft. Armed with only a deck of bespoke playing cards — before the show begins, each audience member is asked to customize their own card — he ploughs through his repertoire of confounding tricks with impressive ease and finesse. In terms of content (no spoilers here!), his show bears much in common with the works of other mentalists out there (Derren Brown quickly comes to mind), but without all the pomp and circumstance surrounding them. Suffice to say, this unadorned approach is a refreshing shift from the sort of glitz and grandstanding toward which many of Wind’s peers are drawn to. He instead focuses squarely on creating an immersive and personalized experience that puts an emphasis on the craft itself (for a premium, you’ll be able to sit at the “inner circle” table with Wind himself, effectively giving lucky audience members the opportunity to directly participate in the creation of the show).

In terms of stage presence, Wind makes for an inviting — albeit unflashy — host, quietly winning you over with his cool and humble charm. At one point in the show, he even pays respectful homage to his magic forebears (like Harry Houdini), and their role in his development as a magician and entertainer. Special kudos must also go to the designers who have specially constructed an ideally intimate venue within The Gym at Judson (the production design is credited to Adam Blumenthal) — entering the space feels more akin to walking into a cozy speakeasy rather than a proper theater — which allows Wind to show off his considerable skills in the best light.

RECOMMENDED

ASI WIND’S INNER CIRCLE
Off-Broadway, Entertainment
The Gym at Judson
Approximately 1 hour
Open run

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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