Had the opportunity to see Branson’s newest magician, 19 year old, Justin Flom perform his show on the evening of May 6, 2005 at the Branson Mall Theatre. It’s almost magical in itself how this young man can perform so well. That is until one realizes that he comes from a family that performs magic and has been involved with magic since he was two.
It is basically a two person show, Justin and his assistant April and it is Justin who is on stage performing throughout the whole show keeping things moving and the audience entertained. Well, I guess it is really a two person, one duck show.
Unveiled in 2004 and entitled “Out to Lunch,” Justin and his web footed friend, Juan, combine to do a series of quaky illusions presented in an extremely entertaining manner. Justin says, “I like this new piece because I have a chance to use my pet duck, Juan, with me on stage and the audience just ‘eats’ him up.”
The neat thing about this magician is that the audience feels a connection with him as a person which just makes the show that much more special. That combined with his youth, warmth, the size of the theatre, the length of the show, its pace, and his choice of illusions makes this a perfect show for families and children.
Justin performs my all time favorite illusion, Origami, invented by Jim Steinmeyer. It is a popular illusion that is elegant in its presentation and in the way it develops leaving the audience amazed and wondering, saying to themselves, “I watched him every step of the way and still don’t know how he does it?
In Origami, a small box is unfolded and becomes large enough for his lovely assistant, April, to enter. With her inside the box is folded back to its original size about a foot square. What about April? She’s evidently folded up to the same size, or is she? He then takes three long swords and runs them through the box from all sides before removing them, folding the box out the size it was when April entered and you guessed it, out she comes unharmed. Where did she go when the box was folded up? How did the swords miss her? How did she get back in when it was unfolded? Darned if I know but it sure is a joy to watch and Justin does a great job with it.
The show is an hour and a half of high energy entertainment, with no intermission, blending comedy, both with and without his duck Juan, his love of the Lord, and magic illusions that will entertain, puzzle, mystify, and, in some cases, touch your heart. It is a show that in terms of content, length, and price, about $12.00 for adults, $8.40 for seniors and $6.00 for children, is perfect for families with children.
A word of caution is appropriate here. This is not a show that relies on high cost production illusions, disappearing planes, people being impaled by drills etc. It is a show that relies on the heart of the magician and his ability to communicate and relate with his audiences as he performs for its success. It’s just magical the way this young man manages to do just that.
Justin performs at the Branson Mall Theatre at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesdays, and Fridays. For further information or to purchase tickets on line click here or call 800-590-0155.
