Midtown's Magic Carpet Ride
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Which is why the program description reads:
“Today’s Performance Might Include:
Fire Drill
The Bag of Wonder
Coins! Coins! Coins!
The Acrobatic Knot
The First Trick I Ever Did
Hamlet [Note: He’s a Mind Reading Pig, and a true crowd pleaser!]
The Littlest Superhero
The Ring Thing
Three Ropes, One Bell
The Instant Magician
Dangerous Juggling for No Reason Whatsoever”
I will tell you, though, that Max is a masterful tummler with superpowers for knowing which kids are up to the “assistant” challenge and which ones would prefer to hang with mom and dad and participate vocally. He encourages everyone to chant the word “amazing” loudly, punctuated with a vigorous arm-pump gesture after every “ta-da” moment in the show -- of which there are oodles. “I make sure kids are comfortable and excited to be onstage,” Darwin says, pointing out that some parents are stunned that their 3- and 4-year-olds (often taking in their first theatrical experience) are willing and ready to either participate or, at the very least, sit still for an entire hour.
As for those daring tyke volunteers, they are repaid for their efforts with a souvenir magic wand plucked from the golden vase and tossed across the stage. And for the record, Max may start out choosing his audience helpers from the stage, but sooner or later he winds up trolling the audience -- even the back rows -- for potential subjects.
Darwin, who according to his bio was born to “professional street performers specializing in clowning, mime, juggling, and magic,” and who began his stage (and street) career at the age of five months, promises: “With this show the applause and laughter are genuine.”
I encourage you to see for yourself -- and ASAP, because The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things is scheduled to close on July 1. So spread the word: This is one very cool, very Max, very amazing magic show.
THE SCOOP
What: The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things
Where: Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, 248 W. 60th St. (between Amsterdam and West End avenues)
Running Time: 60 minutes? (no intermission)
Age Range: 3 and older
Tickets: $20-$49.50; $54 premium (Front Row/Magic Carpet Seating, includes Amazing Max souvenirs)
NYMetroParents discount: $25 for rows D thru J! When ordering, simply mention code AMNYMP46.
Online: telecharge.com; ?by phone: 212-239-6300.
Schedule: Saturdays at 4:30pm through July 1; plus two? Sunday performances: June 24 and July 1 at 4:30pm.
Birthday Parties: You bet! “See the show on the magic carpet -- standard and deluxe packages available along with VIP giveaways and options like pre- or post-show food service, face painters, balloonists, etc. To book: 212-496-2146 or birthday [at] theamazingmax.com.
For more information: theamazingmax.com.
P.S. While Max doesn’t guarantee stage time to anyone, birthday boys and girls have a magical edge!
P.P.S.: “Magic in Minutes,” Darwin’s awesome new DVD in which he demonstrates 12 easy-to-learn magic tricks to kids, is now available for purchase at MMAC’s Amazing Max boutique for $20 and online for $29.95 at maxdarwinmagic.com. (Even I mastered a couple tricks while playing it, and that’s saying something!)