☆☆☆☆

Igor Lipinski may not be the only magician to combine his skills in magic and music, but the music and magic rarely feel as classy as in his Piano Illusions. The venue is slightly outside the main Fringe center but he’s worth the venture. Notably on the venue front, St Mark’s only charges their acts to rent the space so the full ticket price goes to the performers, making this beautiful space one of the more ethical venues—hopefully this is working out in Lipinski’s favor. Lipinski combines magic and music in increasingly interesting ways throughout the show, making for especially interesting and entertaining viewing.

As many may have realized from the title of the show, Lipinski is a pianist and uses his piano in both setting up and revealing his magic. A highlight in both realms sees his equally musically skilled wife, flautist Anna Chenoweth Lipinski, join him onstage for a lovely duet that also perfectly sets up and accompanies a romantically themed magic trick. While the trick might start in the expected way, the reveal is unusual, with specifics that may even make it unique at this Fringe. Novelty is rare and not required at magic shows, but it’s certainly nice to see when it happens.

While Lipinski is demonstrably hugely talented, he may benefit from adjusting the angles of his magic at times to preserve the illusion for the full audience. This is particularly noticeable from the first couple of rows when he performs his card finding routine. His sleight of hand doesn’t feel clumsy, it just looks like he may be more accustomed to performing it for individuals rather than both performing for a specific participant plus a whole audience at the same time. That being said, the card finding is a great routine that, at the reviewed show, earned specific compliments from the participant, who was evidently trying unsuccessfully to work out how it was done.

Like all magicians, Lipinski uses participants at times to make the magic more magical. Audience participants are obviously a benefit to the magician, but Lipinski particularly excels at making participation feel like a real benefit to the audience members who undertake it as well. Whether it’s a uniquely magical souvenir or a routine that makes the participant feel like they had a hand in making something magical happen, this is an especially positive show to participate in.

A properly mixed bill, there is a significant proportion of music mixed in with the magic. This is not a music review site, but both Lipinskis are definitely pleasant to listen to. Igor Lipinski in particular, as the primary star of the show, demonstrates his musical art in a way that almost feels educational. Those who come to the show more due to the magic may find a new appreciation for the ways that a pianist as skilled as Lipinski can manipulate a tune to his will.

Piano Illusions has something for everyone. It’s a perfect dual ambassador, bringing magic to the music fans and music to the magic fans, while ensuring that it will be a memorable evening for both. Lipinski is an exceptional talent whose Piano Illusions are a worthwhile addition to any Fringe itinerary.