Marc Savard Comedy Hypnosis

Convinced you have the sanity, and will-power not to fall for mind-tricks? You might well find yourself questioning such obstinate opinion, once you've fallen under the spell of Marc Savard - the comedic mind-bender currently enjoying an open-ended run, at Planet Hollywood's expansive “V Theater”.

The appropriately named “Variety Theater” represents one of the most coveted performance venues within Las Vegas, situated upon an affluent area of the Strip known as the “Miracle Mile”. Here, some of the biggest shows in Vegas jostle for attention with blinding, beckoning neon signs, and larger than life bill-boards promoting the likes of David Copperfield and Gladys Knight. But Marc Savard's show commands attention for a very different reason. Combining stand-up comedy, with stage hypnotism and optical illusions, he is one of the youngest entities to offer up such an eclectic production on the entire circuit. His fun-poking jibes at the expense of many neighboring shows convey a personality far more down-to-earth than one would expect, yet during his mind-altering moments, he projects an authority you cannot fail to find curious.

Marc Savard's rise to recognition commenced during his teenage years. His fascination with the power of hypnotism and persuasion over the subconscious, led to an obsession with devising stage illusions, and convincing innocent subjects to perform outrageously in front of filled auditoriums. For Savard, the power of the mind is more than just a tool for folly and mischief – it's a way of life.

Thrust into the spotlight at the age of 19, Marc Savard quickly gained credence for his unique approach to live hypnosis. Tragedy struck at the age of 23, when he was hit head on by the car of a drunk driver. With a bleak prognosis, and the distinct possibility of his young career being over before it had begun, Savard turned his powers of mind control onto himself. Allegedly controlling his pain and vital signs using self-hypnosis, Marc Savard made a defiant and miraculous recovery, that would leave even his own doctors in awe.

“Mesmerized” has been hailed by critics for breaking the tired stereotype of staged hypnosis shows. Rather than a few 'select' members of the audience being chosen, Savard invites at least twenty five participants for many of his hilarious bits, while most of the audience are also encouraged to “BE” part of the show. Commencing with the “Subconscious Test”, Marc Savard prompts the entire audience to close their eyes and let him in - latterly explaining the risk of embarrassment, should anyone wish to become a stage volunteer. The trouble with all this? You never know whether you've already been subconsciously selected!

Integral to Savard's unique show format, is the implementation of comedy in all the right places. In stark contrast to the hypnotic shows of yesteryear, even the 'acts' Savard asks his subjects to perform are as fresh as the show concept. Comedic inclusions such as the “25-man orchestra” guarantee the utmost embarrassment for subjects, and more than a chortle from the audience, as he selects one or two volunteers to perform solos. The sheer concentration and belief upon his victim's faces further adds conviction to the possibility, that hypnosis does actually work. “Jock Itch” proves to be one of the most defining acts of the evening, as Savard offers to shake the hand of a 'victim' whom has been hypnotized to scratch himself inappropriately whenever he greets someone. Acts involving blow-up dolls and phallic objects also feature later within the show, hence the 21 and over age stipulation for tickets.

Unlike your average stage hypnotist, Marc Savard is not an entity intent on guarding his secrets. He recently co-founded the International Institute of Hypnosis, along with his own hypnosis academy, within which he personally tutors those interested in taking up both the standard, and stage techniques he implements within the Vegas show. Even if you aren't fortunate enough to be able to attend, attending Savard's thought-provoking “V Theater” show is guaranteed to have you mesmerized!