Susan Granger’s review of “Stalker” (Off-Broadway at New World Stages)
Mentalism is a fascinating branch of magic, one that involves the mind, triggering the imagination. Performers who specialize in mentalism assume the appearance of having psychic powers that transcend the ordinary.
Effective mentalists are able to trick the brain into seeing or believing something that does not exist. Despite the mystery that surrounds it, the human brain is actually rather easy to manipulate. Mentalism has been practiced for years, dating back to ancient seers and oracles.
Yet, as mentalists will be the first to tell you, they are not magicians. Instead, they make use of the powerful psychological concepts of suggestion and influence to involve the audience in ways ordinary magicians do not.
After Peter Brynolf & Jonas Ljung served as their Opening Act at the Ritz Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, renowned magicians Penn & Teller are presenting their amazing mentalism show “Stalker” in its New York debut at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street).
Swedish performers Brynolf & Ljung combine stunning illusions, physical mentalism, and sleight-of-hand, involving various members of the audience in every phase of their presentation.
Pivoting on the sinister lack of privacy in this modern age, Brynolf & Ljung ask for volunteers to come to the stage where they reveal their names and have their photographs taken. After that, it’s all about surveillance and collecting personal data which, apparently, is abundant and absurdly revealing.
Technology as invaded our lives. Cyber culture has enabled others to know far more about us than we realize…and that’s what “Stalker” is all about.
“Eurovision” mastermind Edward AfSillen directs, utilizing lighting by Jamie Roderick and Drew Levy’s sound design. The awesome show runs 90 minutes with no intermission with the tagline, “Follow us. We’re already following you…”