Unexplainable card tricks… A woman sawed in half? The Muppets! If you’re wondering what these three things have in common, they are all hallmarks of the new Broadway show from magician Rob Lake. Yes, for the first time in a long time, Broadway is the home of one of the country’s biggest magic shows. But does big mean better than some of the other acts you might catch in Las Vegas…or on TikTok? More importantly, does it evoke that same magical feeling as any of the other shows along “The Great White Way”?
After rising to fame with a national debut on America’s Got Talent in 2018, Lake reintroduces himself to the world in the 90-minute spectacle titled “Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets.” What starts as an honest conversation about his childhood obsession with magic evolves into a showcase of his greatest hits inspired by actual famous illusions throughout history. Along the way, there are occasional interruptions by Jim Hensen’s iconic creatures.
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The key word is occasional, because despite the Muppets being the main draw for most at the end of the day they are not the main act. But that’s not a bad thing. As Lake establishes early on, he chose to share his Broadway debut with them because they’ve been so influential in his life. But what is clearly meant to be a vehicle for his own stardom is slightly bogged down by the characters with far greater star power.
Now, Lake does an astounding job at commanding the stage. He’s very funny, charismatic and a damned good illusionist. In fact, he may not be able to get away with some of his best tricks if it weren’t for the first two qualities. In terms of tricks, there are a lot that the audience will undoubtedly have seen before. Yet Lake manages to add his own unique spin to make them memorable. For example, about halfway through the show he makes one of his assistants levitate. But he does it above water and moves her through a ring of fire to prove to the audience he has not run out of steam.
Technically the show is incredible. In addition to Broadway’s signature lighting and effects, there’s a live component where he invites audience members onstage and uses some of his own cameramen to give the rest of the viewers an even closer look at his illusions. In one of the show’s most memorable tricks involving real wedding rings from the audience, the camera is zoomed in on Lake’s hands in real time. While you can probably guess what happens next, we promise you can’t. And we won’t spoil what the audience gets to see (or not see) because it’s the exact kind of magic this show was made to deliver.
Every time Lake manages to bring the audience to its knees with such wonder, the Muppets appear. But as hilarious as they are, each time they completely undo any and all momentum. That’s not a swipe at Kermit, Gonzo or any of the other crazy creatures we can confirm are in the show. In fact, that chaos is a part of what has made them – and their brand – so charming. It’s just that their use as props here has them feeling so out of place in the setting they were actually made for.
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Now, that doesn’t mean the show is not good. Or that they don’t have enough screen time. The show is good…as are the Muppets! However, just because two things are good doesn’t mean they should go together. While it would have been nice to see them onstage a bit more, once again, this is not their show. More than anything, the inclusion of the Muppets is hardly seamless. As much as Lake’s love for the characters comes across, each time any of them appear onstage their presence just feels a bit too forced.
Truthfully, if you’re a fan of the Muppets alone, there is a chance you will not be satisfied with this. Fans of traditional Broadway may also not be too impressed as the show’s style and aspiration to entertain feels reminiscent of the once-beloved Blue Man Group. Still, Lake’s heart and humor shine so bright that some of that criticism and skepticism vanishes. That’s the kind of magic that no man, Muppet or money can buy anymore.
You can check out Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets on Broadway now thru Sunday, November 14th! If you want to see the show, you can purchase tickets here.
