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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Elephant Room Also see Susan's review of Red
It's very difficult to describe what goes on in this 75-minute show, but it's fascinating, and much of it is hilarious. As created by Steve Cuiffo, Trey Lyford and Geoff Sobelle, and directed by Paul Lazar, the show brings together three performers who come to magic from different perspectives: Dennis Diamond has the charisma of a rock star; Daryl Hannah (no relation to the actress) is more spiritual; and Louie Magic is the magician as working stiff. The "Elephant Room" of the title, as envisioned by scenic designer Mimi Lien, is a place where magicians gather, a seedy, little basement space with shabby curtains, dark paneled walls, and a foundation of cinder blocks. So, then, what is the performance about? The three performers explain that, to them, magic is a way of life, and so it is here. It includes a fair amount of audience participation, which requires volunteers with a good sense of humor and the absurd. The magicians also cook eggs without a visible source of heat, find milk inside a light bulb, and do surprising things with balloon animals and a packet of Kool-Aid. The performance has no narrative through line; it's simply one thing after another, connected with a sort of dream logic. (The egg-cooking sequence begins with a shell game involving eggs and incorporates grating cheese and chopping vegetables in ways no chef would recognize.) Arena Stage
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