Amazing Johnathan

Eccentricity and mad-cap mayhem are the vital ingredients for any successful comedy show in Las Vegas, and self-confessed 'madman' “Amazing Johnathan” combines both in a recipe for chaotic comedy at the Harmon Theater. Impromptu, unscripted and largely improvisational, “Amazing Johnathan's” quirky show takes audiences on a journey of road-tested magic tricks such as the 'card spiral' (the perfected art of throwing a bunch of cards in the air, to create an 'aerial spiral'), through to truly abstruse acts involving headless voodoo dolls.

Transcendental humor aside; “The Amazing Johnathan Show” represents a brand of bizarre comedy rarely seen in Vegas, regularly crossing the boundaries of acceptability, and usually leaving audiences stunned into submission. But then that's “Johnathan” to the core - out to 'freak out', make patrons question and generally accomplish the impossible, including sucking upon his own eyeball. Gory? Without a doubt, and probably the reason John Szeles has come to be known as the “Freddy Krueger of Comedy”.

While not for the faint-hearted, “Amazing Johnathan” has received an unprecedented level of acclaim, since this particular show debuted in early 2003. Recipient of Las Vegas Journal's coveted “Best of Las Vegas For Best Show” and “Comedian of The Year” in 2002, he has also been awarded the International Magic Award for “Best Magician” - for two years running. This, coupled with a dedication to showmanship spanning over 25 years has spawned both a television and stage veteran, with a legion of international fans.

Now a permanent fixture at the “Harmon Theater” within the Planet Hollywood Resort, “Amazing Johnathan” enjoys a prime venue location just a stone's throw from the Strip. The 400-capacity “Harmon” is a giant leap from the Sahara – which although popular, was inevitably situated further away from the main tourist area. That didn't stop “Johnathan” packing in the audiences there for five out of his twenty year running in Las Vegas, however the move allowed for larger audience numbers and consequently, far more public attention owing to the repute of the Planet Hollywood 'experience' venue, at Miracle Mile.

Most Vegas comics make a conscientious effort to exclude grand entrances from their shows; the impression that anything flashy or showy tends to distract from the performance – or maybe it's because they might not live up to the expectation? Johnathan doesn't 'do' stand-up like other comedians. In his view, the bigger, wackier and more original the entrance, the harder he'll work to match it. The show opens with a giant 'screen' of playing cards, amid a chaotic shower of smaller ones. Johnathan explodes emphatically on-stage with more than a little bounce in his step (something he seems to retain throughout), and the night of mayhem commences.

With a penchant for gore, and scenes a little macabre; “Amazing Johnathan's” first scenario requires the aid of his playfully dumb assistant “Tanya” (Penny Wiggins) – a bombshell blond, with about as much common sense as a clown juggling sabers (a feat which Johnathan also employs during the show.) Throughout the show, “Tanya” attempts a number of psychic feats, inclusive of predictions as to the shows running order. Nine times out of ten she gets it wrong (to be expected given the stereotypical character she plays), yet the true horror is revealed when Johnathan staples a card to her head – destined to be a more gruesome punishment than the old dunce's hat.

The pace of “Amazing Johnathan” rarely lets up, as the show leads you through a number of freakish scenarios – including Johnathan himself attempting to saw off his own arm. Some of his less graphic, yet equally wacky gags include exploding popcorn from a towel attached to his groin; throwing lit sparklers at “Tanya” (who promptly catches fire) and a host of sleight-of-hand maneuvers, that will surely test those who dare to look away for even a second! If you are lucky (or unlucky depending upon the skit) enough, you may well be chosen to 'assist' Johnathan with several 'tricks'. Given his wicked sense of mischief, its equally likely you could end up standing holding a book above your head, for the entire 80-minute duration of the show.

Love or hate his brand of freak-out comedy (that makes insult comedy look tame by comparison), “Amazing Johnathan” is by trade, a performer intent on pulling out all the stops to engage an audience. The only trouble is, you may find yourself looking over your shoulder throughout the show – you just never know what he has in store!