“Now You See Me Live,” a stage adaptation inspired by Lionsgate’s hit film franchise, is coming to Broadway for a limited eight-week engagement this holiday season.
The live illusion spectacular begins performances Nov. 11, and runs through Jan. 3, at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, located at 302 W. 45th St. in Manhattan. Tickets are currently on sale.
Created by the producers behind The Illusionists and presented in collaboration with Lionsgate, Now You See Me Live brings the magic and mystery of the popular film franchise to the stage through a combination of large-scale illusions, high-tech effects, solo stunts and feats of escapology and mentalism.
The Broadway production stars four internationally recognized illusionists as the Horsemen: escapologist Gabriella Lester of South Africa, illusionist James More of England, illusionist Darcy Oake of Canada and mentalist Matthew Pomeroy of England.
Together, the performers bring their individual specialties to a production designed to recreate the sense of mystery and spectacle associated with the “Now You See Me” films.
The franchise follows the Four Horsemen, a team of illusionists who use their skills to pull off elaborate heists. Created by Boaz Yakin and Edward Ricourt, the film series has become a global success, with three movies released and more than $933 million earned at the worldwide box office.
“Now You See Me Live” has already traveled internationally, following sold-out engagements in Australia, Singapore and London’s West End. Its London engagement at the London Coliseum recently concluded after a successful run. The production will also appear at the MGM Grand Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas beginning October 15.
The Broadway engagement is part of an expanding global tour, with additional locations expected to be announced.
The creative team includes producer Tim Lawson, co-creator and creative producer Simon Painter, co-creator Adam Trent, creative directors Ash Jacks McCready and Kirsty White, illusion director Enzo Wenye, lighting designer Hugo Mercier-Bosseny and composer Evan Duffy. Jenefer Brown, Lionsgate’s president of Global Products & Experiences, serves as creative consultant.
The production has received strong reviews during its international engagements. The Sydney Morning Herald called it a “mind-blowing spectacle,” while The Stage praised its combination of elaborate tricks and emotional storytelling.
With its Broadway debut arriving during the holiday season, “Now You See Me Live” offers audiences an opportunity to experience the world of the film franchise through live performance, where illusion, technology and theatrical spectacle come together onstage.