Magic in paradise

Thu, Jun 25th 2015, 11:50 PM

Atlantis was lost then found on Paradise Island, and world-renowned illusionist Rob Lake promises to not make it disappear.

Lake, who has brought his magic to the property five nights a week, has pulled some of his favorite and best illusions out of his repertoire to showcase during his two-and-a-half-month illusion show stint at the property. The show, which kicked off on Wednesday, runs through September 6 with five shows per week, Wednesday through Sunday.

“Not only will they see all the classics of magic — like somebody levitating and appearing and disappearing, but I also make the show very interactive, so I bring people up from the audience and make them part of the magic and make the magic happen to the audience as well,” he said.

While the edifice that is Atlantis won’t ever waver, the illusionist says he will have several throwback illusions to the lost continent. Lake who was named the top illusionist in the world by Caesars Entertainment, said there would be something for everyone.

“Everyone has different dreams. Some people dream they can fly, so when they see some people levitate, that makes it more possible. Other people really wish they could read someone’s mind, so when I do a mindreading piece that really connects with those people.”

Lake who became the youngest magician in history to receive the prestigious Merlin Award — International Stage Magician of the Year (which is considered magic’s highest honor and the industry equivalent of an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony, says the ultimate take home for the audience won’t really be how he did something, but the sense of excitement, sense of wonder and joy.

“The hardest and most grown-up adult will think maybe magic can be real,” said Lake whose illusions have been witnessed by millions of people. It’s a show that people will be able to take in time and again over the summer and not feel like they’re seeing the same act."

“I will be changing up [the show] over the summer, but the show is so interactive and involves so much, that often I don’t even know how things are going to go, just because the audience takes it in different directions. And a lot of people do come back trying to figure out the illusions,” he said.

Lake said he visited The Bahamas as a child with his family and remembers it being one of his favorite family vacation memories.

“It’s [Atlantis] is already such a magical place, but now I’m really excited that we can offer a great family entertainment option in the evenings here,” he said.

Lake performed to sold-out crowds in the Atlantis on the first two nights.

Anthia Butler, Atlantis associate director of special events said the show is amazing, fun and a must-see.

“Everyone has always been fascinated by magic at some point in life. Everyone wants to know how they did it. It’s not just a magic show, there are dancers and performances which makes for a very engaging show with all the magic and illusions.”

Butler said Lake’s stint diversifies the entertainment Atlantis offers.

“He’s very engaging and interactive with the audience, getting them involved in the show which I think is really fun. And that’s different for us, because we’re so used to the concert series where you sit down and watch the artist perform. But to see the magician really engage his audience and have them participate in the show is a really cool opportunity,” she said.

To reflect the family show, the ticket pricing has been tiered as well — adults 12 and older $41.93 including VAT; $10.21 children four to 11 and free under age four; groups of 10 adults or more can purchase each ticket at $27.56; a combo ticket inclusive of pop corn, hot dog and drink is $37.63

“It’s a must-see show, and he’s so down to earth, and that’s why we encourage people to come out and celebrate birthdays, because there are things we can do — we can let him [Lake] know it’s your birthday and he will single you out and make you feel really special. You can celebrate wedding anniversaries, graduations … because it’s such an engaging family show. He interacts and is very conversational during the show and will ask questions, and he can invite you up on stage.”

Showtime is 8 p.m. nightly for the hour-long show. The illusionist will do meet and greets at the end of each show in the rotunda, where merchandise will be on sale including magic kits in which Lake has his favorite tricks from his childhood. The kit reveals a lot of his secrets.

“As a kid it was hard for me to find magic tricks to learn to do, so I compiled all my favorite tricks from being a child and have them available for any kids or kids at heart to start doing magic themselves,” he said.

During Lake’s stint, Atlantis will offer a number of specials for locals, including two-for-one Thursdays during which time two adults can see the show for the price of one ticket; on Fridays they will offer what will be known as zappy hour, their magical version of happy hour in the Coral Lounge between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. with live entertainment and a buy one beverage and get the second beverage at half price. Their BOGO offerings extend to their restaurants as well — ticket holders can present their ticket stub at ChopStix for a free appetizer or a dessert; or at Virgil’s family-style BBQ restaurant for a free draught beer.

THE ILLUSIONS OF ROB LAKE AT THE ATLANTIS

When: June 24-September 6
Where: Atlantis Theatre|
Tickets: 12 and older $41.93 including VAT; $10.21 children four to 11 and free under age four; groups of 10 adults or more can purchase each ticket at $27.56; a combo ticket inclusive of pop corn, hot dog and drink is $37.63

Showtime: 8 p.m. nightly, Wednesday through Sunday

Special offerings for locals:

Two-for-one Thursdays when two adults can see the show for the price of one.

Zappy hour Fridays in the Coral Lounge with live entertainment, and buy one beverage get the second beverage half off between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

BOGO offers extend to ChopStix and Virgil’s family-style BBQ restaurant — with the purchase of a Rob Lake ticket the stub can be presented ChopStix for a free appetizer or a dessert; or at Virgil’s for a free draught beer.

Box office hours:

Tuesday, 12 noon to 6 p.m.

Wednesday-Sunday, 12 noon to 9 p.m.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

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