An Amazing Afternoon With The Amazing Max

Last weekend, my kids and I joined dozens of other families at the Manhattan Movement and Arts Center near Lincoln Center to see one of the hottest magic shows in town, “The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things.” Having had no idea what to expect, we were thrilled by an hour of high-energy, fist-pumping fun.

The front of the theater where we were seated was a “magic carpet” where audience participation was mandatory. From the moment the music started and the show’s star rode in on his toy car until the last magic trick of the show, we were mesmerized by Max’s magical singing, dancing, and wonderful tricks.

With the help of his mind-reading pig–who goes by the name Hamlet–Max made an everyday drawing pad come to life for one lucky birthday girl. He even guessed the name of one mom’s childhood best friend simply by looking into her eyes. Then, he turned an ordinary sheet of paper into snow that filled the entire stage like a winter wonderland.

One highlight for me was when my seven-year-old son, Jared, was offered a chance to participate in the show–even though it involved borrowing my wedding band! Without giving too much away, my ring magically disappeared and then reappeared inside a series of boxes that had remained untouched on the stage. At the end of the performance, Jared was given his very own Amazing Max magic wand, which he now proudly waves in the air, proclaiming that he’s “The Amazing Jared”! To add to the excitement, at the end of the show, all of the children were allowed to meet The Amazing Max and take home his autograph.

All in all, The Amazing Max put on an incredible show. So, I just have to pump my right fist in the air and proclaim: “The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things” was truly AMAZING!

“The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things” is playing now through January 13, 2013. Shows take place on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.