Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Mentalist Jason Suran’s RECONNECTED focuses squarely on astonishment and the performer-audience connection

• By drediman
• November 15, 2020
• No Comments

Last night, Jason Suran’s new virtual show Reconnected opened. Those of you who have been exposed to the mentalist experience probably know what to expect. Shows like Derren Brown’s Secret on Broadway provided essentially the same thrills, albeit in a large theater. Additionally, Mr. Suran is not the only mentalist to brave performing in the virtual realm. Fellow illusionist Scott Silven also recently unveiled his new show The Journey during the pandemic (you can read my thoughts on Mr. Silven’s show here).

However, what’s refreshing about Mr. Suran’s new piece is that it opts to forego any deep philosophical meaning, instead focusing squarely on pure “how in the world did he do that?” astonishment (no spoilers here). Indeed, his expertly-rendered illusions are faultless and seamlessly integrated into his relaxed but hugely personable banter. In summary, the hourlong experience is efficient and effective, and the pacing is spot on. For escapist pandemic entertainment, you can do much, much worse than Reconnected.

And as its title suggests, the show’s other main objective is to genuinely reconnect performer with audience. Mr. Suran accomplishes this by creating an inviting and intimate environment, one in which audience members feel comfortable immersing themselves. Its attempt to recreate the communal dynamics of the in-person theatrical experience (e.g., audiences are encouraged not to put their microphones on mute) is admirable, and Reconnected largely succeeds.

RECOMMENDED

RECONNECTED
Theater, Virtual
https://www.jasonsuran.com/reconnected
1 hour
Booking through January 15