Zen Magic

The illusionist arena is one packed to excess in Vegas, comprising the time-honored stunts of box sawing and tank escapology, to more contemporary feats, such as making 2-ton cars disappear. Such shows face a sink-or-swim reception in Vegas, but if they make it, it's pretty much a guarantee they'll be a mainstay on the Strip for many years to come. As much can be said for Japanese masters of deception “Zen Magic” - a sibling duo embracing the ancient Japanese mystical arts, and combining them with floor and aerial choreography that could rival a Cirque de Soleil production.

Ai and Yu Ki's “Love, Courage and Magic” is a relative newcomer to the hit list of Vegas illusionist shows, yet immediately set itself apart from the rest, with a refreshingly contemporary plot. Although shaped upon the classic 'good Vs. evil” concept, “Zen Magic” takes the worn format to new parallels, with a preface detailing the background of two female best friends, and how the evil of “Tengu” (played by mythical dragon-like creatures) threatens to shake the very foundations of loyalty and life as they know it. This in itself connotes the motivation of the sisters, to convey a very social issue and the importance of feminine loyalty in overcoming the hurdles of life. Now who'd have thought you'd experience such a moral lesson, through an illusion and dance spectacle?

“Zen Magic” debuted at the Saxe Theater, Planet Hollywood, in the summer of 2010, coinciding with the theater's $34 million unveiling. Owned by the same show producer (David Saxe) as the “V Theater”, the venue was already the subject of much media hype, before “Zen” had even landed. Ever seeking to showcase the most unique and outlandish of acts, David Saxe approached the duo, following publicity of their ten-year success within Japan. “Zen Magic” stole the limelight as soon as it debuted – the complex blend of aerial gymnastics, simulated fight scenes and extreme escapology bringing it smack bang in line with Cirque de Soleil's attempts at futuristic theater. While the production may not possess the space, flamboyant set or exhaustive cast of the super-sized production, this two-woman show heralds a marked evolution, of the stereotypical illusionist production.

Ai and Yu Ki are no new faces to the 'magic' entertainment industry. Between 2007 and 2008, they performed no less than six times at the acclaimed “Magic Castle” in L.A, which was swiftly followed by nomination for “Best Stage Magic” in 2008. Many of the tricks performed during “Zen” are considered trademark of escapology – the 'sword box' being a prime example. However it is the enigmatic routines, coupled with the incorporation of advanced martial arts (such as “Wushu”) that contribute to the never-seen-before popularity of such feats. “Human Swing”, and trapeze “flying” stunts further exemplify the spectacle, the duo envisaged for the production.

Defining itself as an all-out family experience, “Zen Magic” slots into a daily matinée showing at 4pm, increasing it's potential as a show choice for those with young children. Keen on attracting a younger crowd, the producers behind “Zen” also stipulate that anyone under the age of ten gains free admittance. Compared to the likes of Cirque de Soleil's “Ka”, “Zen” is an already affordable ticket to fantasy, yet the promotional move by the show's organizers seems to seal the deal – this is a show for all the family, without the heart-failure price tag!