THEATER SHOW
CarneyMagic
CarneyMagic is a theatre show that blends mind-blowing sleight of hand with intelligence, taste, and wit, into a unique evening of pure entertainment.
This is definitely NOT your typical “magic show”.
Carney’s approach is smart, engaging, and often hilarious.
The stage is set.
1 / 7
CarneyMagic is a show about Secrets, Mentors, and the Beauty of a Perfect Illusion. Pin-balling between jaunty comedic riffs and astonishing sleight of hand, John will have you reeling with his hilarious audience participation segments, as well as his embodiment of multiple characters.
Regarded by his peers as one of the top sleight of hand performers in the world, Carney has won more awards from Hollywood’s Magic Castle than anyone in their history, as well as the Academy of Magical Arts prestigious Masters Performing Fellowship.
Adult Smart • Family Friendly
Bookings, Questions, and Quotes
“High Energy … Combines magic tightly and inventively with his comedy”
“Knocking em’ dead … Personable and funny … Got you laughing as much as mystified”
“… smart, engaging, and hilarious … Carney has the knack and charisma to delight us in a spectacle we all crave … amazing surprises in store throughout every moment of the show.”
… the commercial appeal exceeded our expectations, and we sold the theater to capacity. The reception was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, and John received a well-deserved standing ovation.
John’s thoughtful script, his embodiment of several characters, his theatrical flair, and his amazing sleight of hand filled the stage, and brought forth a tremendous response from our patrons.
Artistic Director
The Colony Theatre Company
I wholeheartedly recommend CarneyMagic … Carney’s engagement here was successful on many levels, and I was proud to present it … an intellectually robust theatrical performance.
KPC rarely books magic shows for their own sake, but the sophistication and aesthetics of Carney’s show sets it apart.
Executive Director
Kirkland Performance Center
CarneyMagic was delightful and so is John! We had such a wonderful response to his short run that we’ve already booked him for a longer one. His abilities as a sleight-of-hand magician are mind-boggling, but what made the show so wonderful was his engaging presence, wicked sense of humor, and the warm and touching story that he weaves through the show. His interplay with the audience volunteers was hysterical and thoroughly respectful. I’m still shaking my head at a couple of his illusions!
Artistic Director
Sierra Madre Playhouse
I found John Carney’s performance a breath of fresh air. CarneyMagic isn’t your typical “magic show”… it’s a theatrical experience. Part stage play, part comedy show, and a heavy dose of audience amazement. Audience feedback was incredibly positive. John is a gracious performer with a definite command of his craft and his audience. I’d be happy to sing his praises to anyone who reaches out
Executive and Artistic Director
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
It was our great pleasure to have CarneyMagic here for two nights. Both performances sold out and the audiences were enthusiastically entertained by the magic and the comedy. We look forward to a return engagement.
Artistic Director
North Coast Repertory Theatre
Carney’s one man show with comedy and magic was AMAZING! Our audience was delighted by his talent and skill. It drew our tried and true followers and first timers as well. Highly recommended!
Artistic Director
Coachella Valley Repertory
CarneyMagic is a thoughtful play that takes you on an incredible journey, illuminated by storytelling, humor, and magic … truly an unexpected delight!
The show appealed to a wide audience, with all the positive word of mouth selling out our last two shows. We’re already talking about a return run!
Artistic Director
Adobe Rose Theater – Santa Fe
Audience reviews from TripAdvisor, 2011. Transcribed from the original screenshots. Some reviewer names were cropped or abbreviated.
The small show stage and theater helped to make the performance seem very intimate. John Carney was able to make magic with the audience as well as perform magic on the stage. His charters were very endearing, and touched a part of your heart that most modern performances are not capable of doing. I would highly recommend his show.
Da-Ghee · September 23, 2011
We went with our 2 daughters to John's magic show and I haven't heard my 13 year old laugh that much or be that entranced like that in a long time. He was funny, amazing and a little bit crazy but in a good way. He not only is a great magician but a great actor. I would really recommend to see this before he disappears the end of Oct. Hope he comes back next year so we can go again. He fooled us all and we all had some great laughs. A great value for the whole family. If you are any where near Galena go to this show.
TripAdvisor reviewer · September 1, 2011
I didn't know what to expect from a small tourist town show. So I went in open minded. I was amazed by the show. I own The Atomic Toy Co. in town and sell some magic tricks but he blew me away!!! His audience participation was perfect. He seemed to get everyone involved. His act was family friendly. Most of his tricks were "slight of hand" so you are always trying to see how he does it. My daughter and I had a 2 hour ride home and we couldn't stop talking about the performance. He is in Galena, IL until the 22nd of October but I hope that he will make more appearances.
TripAdvisor reviewer · August 21, 2011
My girlfriends and I went to the show after dinner. It is a small venue and we all enjoyed the magic and comedy of Mr. Carney. His characters are the greatest parts of his act second only by the tricks that, just when you think you are on to him, he blows you away with a big surprise. Check it out- great fun & great deal for the money!
TripAdvisor reviewer · August 20, 2011
John Carney is a first class magician and can get the young, the old, the skeptical and the not easily impressed to join in on the fun and entertainment faster than any entertainer I've seen. His material is clean enough for 10 year old kids and entertaining enough to keep us tattooed biker guys laughing too.
Galena is fortunate to have John's show in town. I hope more big time show biz folks will experiment with playing to an intimate size crowd that become raving fans. I felt obligated to write a review because his show on Letterman and the show I witnessed with 50 people in the Galena theatre were done with equal enthusiasm. He loves his job and it is apparent.
indiana b · August 20, 2011
John Carney's show was so delightful; funny, skillful and completely engaging. I brought my parents and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Seeing magic up close and personal like this is what makes it truly amazing. I highly recommend this show!
tgoddess · August 14, 2011
I've been to Vegas, I've seen David Copperfield, and I've seen the 'illusion' show in the Wisconsin Dells. Out of all of that CARNEY takes the cake.
This show is funny, intriguing, and theatrical. The illusions are sleight of hand based, and happen close up, right in front of your eyes. People participate from the audience, things seem to dematerialize and materialize right at his fingertips, and things that are surely absolutely IMPOSSIBLE happen still. Carney even performs as two of his 'mentors' and these characters seem real, and sincere, even though we know it's him.
Everyone in the sold out crowd was laughing and gasping the entire time! The show concluded with a standing ovation!
If you think magic is 'just for kids' or if you think he'll 'make fun of you on stage' or 'you'll be able to figure it all out' you are wrong, wrong, WRONG! This is fun for any age, though probably best experienced by teens and adults.
Joe D · August 13, 2011
We very much enjoyed this show, from my 7 yr old son to my 67 yr old father. Amazing...don't know how he does it. Very intimate setting, yet I can't tell how he does the tricks. And the price is reasonable.
Lizfrom19… · July 24, 2011
Carney is a talented and charismatic magician. He's also one hell of a character actor and entertainer. He raises close-up magic to its highest level of art and on more than one occasion, during his performance, he left the crowd absolutely dumbfounded and speechless. This is no corny vegas act - full of gimmicks - this is magic at it's most pure and skilled form. I'd take anyone to see it - it's just plain universally good. Honestly, I wasn't expecting to encounter this kind of talent in Galena. If you get the opportunity - SEE THIS SHOW - it's a must do if you're anywhere near Galena!
lazlounde… · July 21, 2011
CarneyMagic Show in Galena, IL Perfect entertainment from start to finish. He was polished, professional, and a delight to see. The magic was amazing. I will be back with friends to see him again.
DarrellP3… · July 21, 2011
This was super entertainment. His comedic timing was fabulous and he had some incredible magic tricks. Never a dull moment. You can get an idea of what this is like by viewing his appearance on David Letterman (on Youtube), which is VERY good, but just a small sample of his entire show. It is rare to find someone that can be such great entertainment for all age groups - nothing offensive for kids.
LWenck · July 21, 2011
So fun! Just what Galena needed - evening entertainment. This show is funny, John Carney is charming and likable, and he had my clan (kids and grown-ups) really laughing. It's a very family-friendly show, but it's not a "kid show".
I don't know how he does what he does, but it was actually fun to just be fooled. John's show is kind and earnest, and as a result his audience is happy to participate. The magic in this show was interesting and different, I really liked it. I don't want to spoil the fun, but just know that there's cake involved. Everybody likes cake!
Galena is a really fun town with an old-time feel. The only thing it was missing was a fun thing to do after dinner with the family or a group of friends. This show is a great fit for the Galena vibe - Go see this show!
JenMau · July 7, 2011
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