Night Clubs Reviews

Apr 4, 2000 - In Its Second Year, "Carnival of Wonders" is Better Than Ever

By Jack Neal

Sequels are rarely better than originals, but that's not true of "Carnival of Wonders," the remarkably fine show about magic and humor now in its second year at the Flamingo Hilton. This new, re-honed "Carnival" is even better than last year's terrific show.

The production is directed by Joanie Spina, formerly with David Copperfield. Spina gives "Carnival" is perfect pace, a superb balance between magic, humor, ribald dance and sincere sweetness that makes the show so very special. The inventive choreography of Peggy Hickey, whose theatrical flair - she's done extensive work for Los Angeles Opera - has tightened the production's grip on the exotic world of carnival. Her's is a major addition to the show and makes it a much more cohesive thematic entertainment vehicle than last year's edition. It, of course, helps to have the exceptional talent for elegant movement of Jinger-Leigh, whose ability to dance and move with eloquence is a choreographer's dream.

Lucio Boliver's vivid and colorful costumes play entrancingly off Wally Coberg and Jack Hart's equally colorful and vivid sets. Emmy Award winner Jeff Calderon completes this formidable package of super creators, that is, with the exception of the show's on-stage stars, Jeff Hobson and Mark Kalin, who along with Jim Steinmeyer have written the droll and hilarious script that zings "Carnival of Wonders" into the stratosphere of Reno's all-time most memorable shows. Lest I forget, kudos also to Blair Harris for a sound design audiences can easily and comfortably hear without reaching for earplugs (not often the case these days).

"Carnival of Wonders" remains a visual feast of a show that doesn't attempt to out-hype Las Vegas's mamouth productions. "Carnival" is not a huge show. That's part of its charm. The cast of no more than twelve just fills the stage with talent and does what needs to be done - entertain.

The show starts quietly, just a stagehand pasting up one of those artfully garrish carnival posters that transfixes old and young. Then the poster comes to life and "Carnival of Wonders" finesses its way through 90 minutes of magic, dance and humor - most especially the irrepressible impressions of master-comic Jeff Hobson.

A classic performer in the rubber-faced mold of Red Skelton, Hobson grabs onto a piece of business and embellishes it with the sublime skill of a Haydn embroidering translucent musical themes with witty ideas. Hobson works on the cutting edge of being outrageously politically incorrect without ever becoming abrasive or stepping beyond good taste and sensitivity. His timing is perfection, his presence divine, his humor a fine filigree of wizardly wit. He is one of the most remarkably adroit comics I've had the pleasure to experience.

Co-star Mark Kalin was named magician of the year in 1998 by the Academy of Magical Arts. Normally I would say his wife Jinger-Leigh assists, except what she does is much more than assisting. A superb dancer, Jinger-Leigh bends the laws of physics to move gracefully through all she does. But she's more than grace and beauty, she activiely participates in the show's glib, dry sense of fun and becomes a beguilling part of the festivities.

Kalin, himself, is incredible. Smooth, suave, handsome and the show's centerpeice for magic, Kalin lives up to his advance notices. His work is gravity defying. The geographic changes for moving bodies about defies the possibilities of physical movement and time. Beyond his incredible feats of magic, Kalin's portion of the show includes a schoolboy's love of magic that's quiet, poignant and Chaplinesque in concept and execution. Pathos combines with intimacy for "Carnival of Wonders'" sweetest moment.

The on-stage and off-stage artists who make "Carnival of Wonders" click are an auspicious collection of brilliantly talented people. They make "Carnival of Wonders" the splendid show it is; Reno's finest show in years. "Carnival of Wonders" is current, very choice and shouldn't be missed.

"Carnival of Wonders" plays Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 9 p.m., Saturdays at 8 and 10:30 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. The show is dark Tuesdays. For information call 775-785-7080.