Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants

Ricky Jay’s acclaimed show, “Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants,” sold out every performance during its two-week run. Broadcast on HBO multiple times, Jay emphasizes that the experience is best enjoyed live. Directed by his friend David Mamet and produced by Jay himself, the show garnered critical acclaim, winning both the Lucille Lortel and Obie awards, and set a record as the fastest-selling off-Broadway production. The theater advises that the show may not be suitable for audiences under 17, as Jay believes magic should be taken seriously and not merely viewed as entertainment for children.

The curtains rise to applause for the sharply dressed magician, who appears with just a deck of cards. Jay’s suit jacket is rolled up, reminiscent of a style popular in the 1980s. The stage resembles a vintage gaming room, adorned with shelves of old magic memorabilia, flanked by two doors and an elegant table surrounded by medieval chairs.

As Jay spreads his cards, he introduces his “52 Assistants,” showcasing their diverse styles and personalities, from simple to regal. His storytelling captivates the audience, revealing the history behind each effect. Even when things go awry, he skillfully turns mistakes into comedic moments.

After repeating a card production trick, he transitions to a poem by William Henley, humorously illustrating that regardless of cheating or swindling, women and wine ultimately take the prize. This leads into his gambling lecture, where he demonstrates card cutting techniques, including second dealing and bottom dealing, even dealing himself a full hand of Gin-Rummy. Jay shares his extensive training under legendary magicians like Charlie Miller and Dai Vernon, who both passed away in recent years.

In a lighthearted segment, a volunteer selects and signs a card, which later appears in an unopened pack of blue cards after a series of comedic attempts involving mechanical animals. He performs tricks like Everywhere and Nowhere, where the chosen card materializes in a wine glass, using a carte de visite of illusionist Johann Nepmuk Hofzinser. Jay also employs Max Malini’s concept of multiple card selections, astonishing the audience by revealing all chosen cards in seemingly impossible ways.

Next, Jay showcases his card-throwing skills, slicing a card in mid-air with oversized scissors. He humorously targets plastic drummers and a rubber duck before attempting to hit a watermelon. After several tries, he successfully embeds a card into the tough outer layer of the watermelon.

His grand finale features the classic cups and balls routine, where he explores three variations, including routines from Bosco and Charlie Miller, as well as the original from Hocus Pocus Jr.

Ricky Jay’s expertise and charisma are undeniable. He can outsmart you in poker, alter card identities, and even pierce a watermelon with a card. This off-Broadway spectacle deserves a perfect score of 10.