Theater Reviews

Apr 25, 2006 - Kalin and Jinger's "Real Magic" at Reno's Magic Underground is magical theater

By Jack Neal

Magicians Mark Kalin and Jinger Leigh call Reno home. Thank heavens for both magic and miracles. This talented and magnetic couple are making a go of extraordinary magic in Reno and we and our guests are the luckier for it.

One of the places they call home is the Magic Underground space buried handsomely and with debonair taste under the patio gracing the front of Reno's Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Their theater is dark and richly appointed with heavy velvet draperies. Looking much like a miniature version of the massive sets for Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" or Norma Desmond's boudoir in "Sunset Boulevard," Kalin and Jinger's elegant Magic Underground Space is a hauntingly attractive place to witness the art of the unbelievable.

To say Kalin and Jinger's "Real Magic" show is magical may seem a simplistic play on words, but what these two masters of the impossible and smooth stage presence do is combine the disbelief of exceptional illusion with warmth, wit and the mysterious ambiance of theater noir. And that adds up to an evening (or matinee) of sheer magic and gripping theater.

There is an attempt, and it's successful, to pull the audience into a world of magic that's also a world of wonder. "Real Magic's" message is to enjoy the wonder of life; which makes the show terrific for youngsters, as well as for more mature types. It's plot, as the show unfolds, is the wonder and adventure of the impossible.

Kalin is a master magician. He charms his way through a series of nature defying illusions. Who knows how he does what he does? It's as if members of the audience are on the his payroll, and yet believing they are is nearly as unbelievable as Kalin's uncanny ability to read minds and come up with the right answers.

Jinger, Kalin's collaborator in magic, is the ingredient that makes Kalin's magic work. She's poised, lithe and lovely and laces her performance with an engaging personality that sets the participants called on stage from the audience at ease and makes their contributions fun and entertaining to watch. The exceptionally attractive Jinger makes the illusions, not just impossible feats of magic, but gorgeous to watch.

"Real Magic's" costumes, lighting, set, sound and musical score are all first-rate and add immeasurably to the pleasure of watching this show and are major contributions to "Real Magic's" success.

For an entirely mind-boggling and entertaining evening (or afternoon) out, experience "Real Magic." It's current and very choice.

"Real Magic" can be seen Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Magic Underground Space, 100 South Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada. For information call 775-685-6600, or 775-324-6007.