David Kwong is THE ENIGMATIST at the Geffen Playhouse. Photos by Jeff Lorch.
If you are looking for a show that will astound, confound and thoroughly entertain you, look no further than THE ENIGMATIST, the first presentation of the esteemed Geffen Playhouse's 25th season, written and performed by illusionist David Kwong at Westwood's Geffen Playhouse.
Showcasing the incredible skill and charm of Kwong, a New York Times crossword puzzle creator and sleight of hand magician, the show is a delightful combination of mind games, code breaking, fascinating history and jaw-dropping illusions that leave the audience gasping in glee.
Last year, Kwong took the stage in the Audrey Kenis Skirball Theatre in "Inside the Box," a salute to crossword puzzle fans everywhere. He has a can't-miss combination of smarts and humor with a touch of vulnerability, that pulls the audience into the act with ease.
The theatrical experience begins before one even enters the theatre, as an outdoor patio has been transformed into a "clue gallery" where the audience is strongly encouraged to try and solve the presented puzzles before entering the intimate stage set. By the time I sat down, I was hopelessly lost and feeling like a high school dropout, but I still got caught up in the rhythm Kwong creates.
His audience was all too eager to participate, providing assistance in some fairly impressive magic that left them agape.
Hats off to the imaginative production designers at the Geffen who transform this small space in myriad ways, all of which work brilliantly. THE ENIGMATIST reconfigures the space as a cross between an elegant wood panelled library and a cocktail lounge...and it works. A series of small tables for two, along with banquettes and some traditional theatre seats, encourages the shared experience; the walls feature framed images which are vital clues to solving some of the challenges posed by Kwong.
And he does challenge you, believe me. If you think you are pretty knowledgeable about puzzles, acrostics, cyphers and the like, you will leave this show feeling like a novice but eager to pursue more information about the nature and meaning of puzzles in our lives.
After his show last year, I wrote that Kwong would be an excellent choice to replace Alex Trebek on Jeopardy when the time came. Too bad the producers of that show didn't read my review, because this ingratiating magician and "cruciverbalist" (aka a crossword puzzle constructor) would give the TV audience what they are demanding in a host: intellect, heart, humor and a waggish personality. It's not too late, you know...
The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission and is a perfect family-friendly show with nothing but clean jokes and amazing illusions. It's scheduled to run until November 14, 2021.
Tickets can be purchased through the Geffen Playhouse website at geffenplayhouse.org. Don't miss it!
-- Lisa Lyons
