Alchemy Blends Spellbinding Magic at Off Cabot

Magic enforces the power of imagination.

Off Cabot Theatre had a magical evening with Alchemy: Magic in the Grand Salon, a magic show now in its second year. Not only was it a grand night of skilled magic tricks, but it was also a fantastic time for audiences who had the best time ever.

Joel Acevedo, Tyler Twombly, and Evan Northrup each performed distinct acts. Magicians are also comedians, adding an insightful perspective.

Joel Acevedo opened the evening, promising that everyone would have a fantastic time (and indeed they did). “This is not a Zoom meeting, I’m actually here,” he joked, noting how different the world was five years ago. Acevedo drew in audiences with a clever handkerchief routine, briefly teasing the appearance of a beer bottle with his fingers, only to conjure a bottle out of thin air. Now, that’s how you open a magic show.

Acevedo’s standout tricks included a disappearing and reappearing egg in a bag and a curious number block routine. He’s been performing magic since he was a kid, encouraged by the joy it brings people. “It’s very rare to see magic up close, like this,” he said, referring to Off Cabot’s cozy setup.

Next was Tyler Twombly, a magician performing magic for his family since he was nine. Twombly uniquely began his act, performing as a mime, and mimicking humorous faces and physical movements. It reminded me of a silent movie. Twombly is an excellent non-verbal actor whose abilities gave his magic act an old-school theatricality.

Twombly’s act was a blend of visual gags and brain-bending illusions. It consisted of colored puff balls that transformed, distorted picture puzzles, and a series of tricks involving medal rings that linked and unlinked in impossible ways.

His acts marveled audiences, applauding and cheering. “Magic is all about the joy of creation and being with people,” Twombly later shared.

Evan Northrup closed the evening with infectious energy. He first started practicing magic when he was eight years old. Northrup’s routine featured a series of simple rope tricks; three ropes becoming one, then splitting again, then somehow reassembling. For him, magic is all about the audience’s curiosity.

And then came a fun round of audience participation. Have you ever wished for a different word than the usual ‘Abra Cadabra?’ Well, Northrup asked audiences for new magic words. Audiences responded with funny responses, like ‘Expecto Patronum,’ ‘Snickerdoodle,' and Beetlejuice (but don’t say it three times!)

For Northrup’s final trick, he pulled away pieces of a red balloon’s string, before restoring it in the blink of an eye. This magical routine was not only a trick, but a poetic gesture. “There is always hope,” he said, making the audience feel warmth and connection.

Speaking of the audience, this is one of my favorite audience responses. Off Cabot is a wonderful, intimate setting that brings arts fans into its theater. I always enjoy listening to audience reaction, and this was the most engaged I have ever seen them.

One person, in particular, was having so much fun, shouting several memorable comments. My favorites were ‘This is magic, man’ and ‘Did you see that?’ as they experienced the magic unfold. Their energy radiated to the stage and each audience member.

Magic is about more than tricks. With magic comes mysteries. While it’s fun to imagine the secrets, it’s a fascinating act for audiences to enjoy.

Off Cabot had some exciting news: Alchemy: Magic in the Grand Salon will return monthly. I highly recommend attending while you can. Off Cabot makes a tremendous space for this up-close look at magic. It’s a fun night for all audiences.