Date of Experience: 10/27/22
Show: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Management: 5/5
I know what you're thinking--a magic show? In Maui?? The first seating is at 5:00...will it be worth missing sunset? Isn't it hokey? It's sort of pricy--is it worth it?
YES IT IS.
That's it. That's the review.
Well...I guess I could say a *little* more. Going into the evening, I didn't know much about the experience, and it was way more fun that way--so let me just say this: you'll have to use your noodle a little to get into the exclusive bar prior to the show, and you just might meet a ghost! (It might also be a little tricky to actually find the nightclub itself--it's not very well-marked, so keep your eyes peeled for the small sign on your left as you first start down Front Street.)
Once inside the bar, which is designed to resemble an old-fashioned parlor, you'll have a chance to grab a drink, snack, or dessert. While I didn't eat or drink prior to the show, I can confirm that it smelled delicious in the room, and everyone seemed to be enjoying their food. (A warning--there are fewer tables than there are conversation areas with a central coffee table. This isn't a place to eat dinner, it's for snacking! Don't expect a full prime rib dinner OR a table where you could cut into it even if you got one.)
But really I'm here to talk about the show, and the show was...amazing. Phenomenal. Mind-blowing. And, most importantly, HILARIOUS. Some context: I've always loved magicians and magic shows, but I haven't seen many in person, the last being David Copperfield at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Well, let me say this: each of the two magicians I had the pleasure of watching (John George and Dana Daniels) far surpassed David Copperfield in terms of not only personality/stage presence but also "wow factor". While big-ticket magicians like Copperfield rely on technology and animatronics in their performances, the good folks at Warren and Annabelle's are doing "REAL magic" right before your eyes with no pre-planned audience interaction. I know, because I was a participant chosen completely at random to participate in a trick that completely blew my mind.
Over the two hours of performances, I saw tables float, things disappear and reappear, and predictions come true--and it's a wonder I could see any of it, because the entire time I was laughing so hard tears were literally rolling down my face. These magicians aren't just well-versed in the art of illusion. They are also incredibly skilled comedians that can make anyone laugh--such as myself, who generally abhors and avoids anything marketed as "comedy". And, to my delight, this comedy was SQUEAKY CLEAN. Not a curse word, innuendo, or anything else. They kept it classy!
Somehow my show buddy and myself got prime seats (front middle) for no apparent reason, other than the kindness of the management, which tickled me even more! Every one of the staff members with whom we interacted were warm, welcoming, and pretty funny themselves, so that was a big bonus. After the show, John and Dana visited with audience members in the parlor and posed for pictures...when I posted the one I got on Instagram and tagged the magicians, John George very kindly responded to my post and we had a delightful back-and-forth conversation via social media.
In short, this is the real deal. These aren't your average, run-of-the-mill magicians. They aren't your big-name, über-famous magicians. They're better. These are trained illusionists with massive resumes consisting of work at Disney and performances on AGT; they're born entertainers at the top of their game who deliver fantastic entertainment and truly care about every member of their audience...except for those at whom they might poke fun, of course ;)
I said it before, and now I'm saying it again: GO TO WARREN AND ANNABLLE'S AND PREPARE TO BE AMAZED. (But get your tickets early! We almost didn't get in, it was that filled up.) read more