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Magic shows are often interactive, and Dave Reubens takes this a step further with his new venture The Magic Game. Part magic show, part game show, there are plenty of areas to get involved in the act. The concept is good, and Reubens manages the various moving pieces of a hybrid show largely with a practiced ease. While there is certainly room for finesse Reubens ensures that everyone involved has a great time.

The magic is a mixed bag, but at points in the show it’s incorporated in particularly fun ways. Reubens’ use of an advertisement break with magical demonstration of the goods on offer is reminiscent of one of the better and more magical MCU properties, with the concept made his own. At the reviewed show unfortunately this did not all go to plan due to some mislaid props, which Reubens hopefully found for future audiences. Some of the effects were treated more as magic-themed jokes, with a presentation that felt deliberately sloppy to allow for comedic flashing.

Advertising a magic game show takes care of one of the pitfalls of a standard magic show—the entire audience, by and large, arrived eager and happy to participate. The game show elements were especially popular, Reubens had no problem getting enthusiastic participants to join him onstage. The participants were treated well, and were allowed to consult their team even while they were the ones who had to deliver the final response, making it a low stress environment.

At the reviewed show there was a slight disconnect in the tone versus the way participants were invited up. Much of the humor, including the playfully flashed magic, felt geared toward the younger age range of children. However, the opportunities for participation seemed distinctly oriented toward older audiences; two children participated in the first game show segment, and after that Reubens specifically requested adults. Aligning the age appeal might help the show feel more cohesive and find the right fans.

Reubens has put together an awfully fun experience in The Magic Game. While it may be a bit confused as to which age range it is best suited for at the moment, it’s a solid concept led by a great host. Hopefully it will find its people.