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In this modern age of fast-paced information and science running amok, it’s hard to see an illusionist without subconsciously looking for the method to the magic. The urge to understand kicks in, and if the illusionist on stage doesn’t work quickly or bring something new to the table, the audience can mentally tear their act to shreds.
Luckily, Lyn Dillies is no slouch. She was recently deemed America’s Premier Illusionist by the society of American Magicians and winner of the 2009 Merlin Award for Female Illusionist of the year. Dillies kept the magic and jokes coming in equal measure, providing some quality entertainment this past Saturday night at the Collins Center for the Arts.
Aimed at audiences of all ages, Dillies’s act is just as much stand up as it is magic, she interacts with the audience often and with ease. Her jokes are corny on occasion but nothing worse than typical sitcom fare, and while cynical college students may not like it, the families in the audience certainly did.
Where her real comedic talent stood out was in her interactions with volunteers from the audience. Dillies was quick on her feet, and able to land a few well-placed barbs when the need arose. Most of her tricks called for child volunteers, and the way she communicated with them amused children on one level and their parents on the other.
Of course, people don’t see illusionists for their comedy. The tricks are what they want, and here Dillies handled herself as anyone would think an award-winning illusionist would. She and her male assistant performed a variety of tricks, from splitting limbs to levitating audience members. Card tricks came into play, as did mind reading, and only on occasion did the seams show. Eagle-eyed viewers could see how the guillotine tricks and dove apparitions were pulled off, but the tricks came so fast and furious that viewers’ brains eventually turned off and began to enjoy the ride.
Some of the more elaborate tricks, like “Windows,” “Human Fusion,” and an interpretation of Houdini’s “Metamorphosis,” were performed with aplomb, flawlessly executed and lauded by the audience. Dillies certainly knew how to milk the audience’s anticipation and expectation, using misdirection in the best way possible.
Her skill with her hands and comedic sensibilities made for one fine-tuned act. Performing nonstop for ninety minutes, not once did Dillies lose focus. Her assistant and crew acquitted themselves as a well-oiled machine, keeping the show going and making sure there was always something to see or intrigue.
Above all, it was Dillies’ affable personality that kept the act afloat. Inherently likeable, when she paused to promote her “Magic with Kids” DVD or book, she immediately provided some self-deprecating humor and didn’t push it too far. She was never seen as a preening self-promoter, but rather someone who was excited about the art of illusion and wanted to share it with people.
Dillies talked briefly about her experience as a child learning how to do magic after being inspired by a traveling magician who performed for her school. One wonders if, in turn, she inspired a child in the Orono audience to pick up a wand of their own.
Bangor Daily News