LCM

Loren

Aside from the comment; “it was very clear to me that a large group of people sitting
close to the stage were friends and/or family of the show’s cast” (which was not the case) I thank you for a real critique/review of the show. Penn and Teller are a great example of a different style of magic. Teller does Sewing Needles ( so did Houdini) and Jason does Razor Blades. But these are the instruments being played…not the song being heard. If I said ” Last night I saw a band and they were playing on Store Bought guitars so don’t go see them.” That’s hardly a review of their skill level or the entertainment value of a show. Now, “…I expected much more out of Full Moon Cabaret. I remember commenting after the bloody finale that I had wished there was more of that throughout the performance. Until that point, there was really nothing sinister about it.” that’s a honest opinion and a valued review for your dedicated readers. I am by no means trying to tell you how to write a review (you are the one with the readership), I am just saying, if you felt like the show was a bad fit…say so. Don’t assume because others enjoyed the show (and didn’t share your opinion) they must be friends or family. As far as your review, “For a show taking place within a fantastic, scare-filled Halloween event, this magic show left me wanting more entertainment, more gore, and less Las Vegas side act.” Now that’s a review I can respect! More, I’m a respected reviewer who people depend on to guide them in making decisions, and less hey look at me…see how I turned that phrase! I’m a writer…no really I am! Thank you for your time.

Loren Christopher Michaels

Producer “Full Moon Cabaret”

I don’t hate magic. I always enjoy a good, original magic show. Perhaps it’s that fact that shaped my opinion of your show. I have grown accustomed to seeing increasingly unique magic acts that change our notion of what “magic” is. (I’m a big Penn and Teller fan.) Unfortunately, with the exception of the sword-through-the-throat finale, Byrne’s show was filled with tricks I had seen many times before. Yes, that includes eating razor blades and sawing a woman in half (the type of saw is irrelevant).

With the scary tone set by the rest of the Howl-O-Scream event, I expected much more out of Full Moon Cabaret. I remember commenting after the bloody finale that I had wished there was more of that throughout the performance. Until that point, there was really nothing sinister about it. I definitely did not expect brightly-colored birds being featured in a show put on during a Halloween event aimed at teenagers and adults. While I agree that buzz saws are not found at a child’s birthday party, the first few tricks of the show certainly could be.

During the show, it was very clear to me that a large group of people sitting close to the stage were friends and/or family of the show’s cast. From my perspective, it seemed like they were doing most of the cheering. So when I wrote that only 4 or 5 people were applauding, I meant that it was 4 or 5 park guests (okay, maybe 9 or 10) who weren’t somehow affiliated with the show or its cast. It was also from that group that the “audience member” (conveniently wearing a Howl-O-Scream t-shirt) was selected for the final sword-through-the-neck trick.

In the end, perhaps my opinion of Full Moon Cabaret was swayed by my appreciation for magicians who don’t hide their tricks behind scarves, curtains, or complicated props. For a show taking place within a fantastic, scare-filled Halloween event, this magic show left me wanting more entertainment, more gore, and less Las Vegas side act.

Loren Christopher Michaels
Producer “Full Moon Cabaret”