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| - Penn and Teller certainly get one thinking... and one of the topics is "Did I really enjoy the show?" They are very personable, connect and mingle with the audience (playing the bass in the pre-show or when they turn up the house lights), and convey their continued passion for the craft. When they supposedly explained how something was done, I anticipated that the point would be that they would then do something inexplicable. Maybe I just didn't get it, but I don't think they added a confounding twist... maybe I miss that touch of slickness. I want to be wowed in a magic show, and the fire eating, flag burning (obviously more flimsy than the one they had folded), nail gun, and newspaper tearing just didn't do it. I guess Penn's tour de force rants make the show transcend your typical magic show; I loved catching a glimpse of his palmed ball of foil - you also glimpse his humanity. I hope Teller isn't really mute... I think he was talking during the post-show photo-op... and does that camcorder bit mean we heard him speak!? Penn's a great actor if that was scripted! I guess I have to conclude that it was a worthwhile show for its blend of comedy, illusion, and commentary.
I wonder if they implanted a subliminal message about getting dessert afterwards (okay, he said it out loud). Too bad we didn't look at our ticket stub because there was a coupon for free dessert attached! The Rio is missing out on a huge money maker by not directing the departing crowd towards in-house choices.
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