Ariann Black's Las Vegas show gets reviewed by a local newspaper. Overall, the writer seems to feel that Black's magic production, despite being one of the few with a female star, feels a lot like the others on the strip. "Ariann Black: Secrets" is running at the Westin Casuarina.
"For one illusion in particular, known in the trade as 'Interlude,' this creates a gay subtext, via some gentle caresses before Lee appears to pass through Black's body," says the story. "Kinda hot for the straight-male demo. And the only new wrinkle on the usual display of doves, linking rings, bisecting boxes and levitations."
"many women have tried [to perform illusions]," says the story, "But few have expanded the vocabulary beyond the addition of fishnets and killer abs. Alas, Black is no exception in 'Secrets'..."
Read the entire review.
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Comments
Wayne! What I have just read? Where is your SUPPORT for our fraternity?
Here is my review of the article. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I will begin.
I have just read a review written by a professional journalist. Let us commence the proceedings with analysis of some of his comments; beginning with the remark: “few (women) have expanded the vocabulary beyond the addition of fishnets and killer abs. Alas, Black is no exception”. This is sexist and defamatory.
Next we read: The boutique property is classier than the Fitzgeralds lounge, where Black did an earlier version of “Secrets” in 2003.” And your point is? A) Fitzgeralds lounge needs a revamp? b) Fitzgeralds lounge attracts low class clients? C) All of the above. Fitzgeralds lounge should take this person to task for insulting their venue.
Moving on: “She worked as a specialty act in “Splash,” from which she saved some costumes and recycled them for this venture.” SHE is the cat’s mother – the lady has a beautiful NAME – Ariann! “saved some costumes and recycled them for this venture.” is SARCASM! This is the LOWEST form of wit. Talent instantly recognises genius, whereas mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself (George Bernard Shaw).
How is your logic? Try this little gem: The “Let’s put on a show” work ethic on display here is more impressive than the actual content.” What does this mean? Now try this: “If you’re a newbie to “Vegas-style” stage magic, this should fit the bill. If you’re ready for the next level, it will seem quite familiar.” Lets try that again: “If you’re ready for the next level, it will seem quite familiar.” If the ‘next level’ seems familiar to ‘this level’ then by inference, the ‘next level’ does not exist! This is written by a professional JOURNALIST – who presumably studied the English language. The rhetoric might be forceful, the grammar might be impeccable, but if the LOGIC is wrong then it is ALL wrong (Ayres – ‘Language Truth and Logic’ – around $3 from Amazon).
It gets better: “The letter grade also takes into account that while Black’s and other little shows occupy almost a separate tier of local entertainment, they technically compete with the big stuff”. The ‘Letter grade’ – are we back in HIGH SCHOOL? ‘Must do better’? And “Black’s and other little shows occupy almost a separate tier of local entertainment, they technically compete with the big stuff”. WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG! The ‘big stuff’ are competing with Ariann – it is THEY who are no further forward! The later remark “There also are illusions you would see in a bigger production” confirms this point.
And for playfulness: “nearly bumps the ceiling of a 10-foot stage intended more for corporate meetings.” It either bumps the ceiling – or it doesn’t – there is no ‘nearly’. What is a ‘more corporate meeting’ and what has this got to do with the show? Pressing on: what has the word ‘local’ got to do with the subject of ‘separate tier of (local) entertainment’? The show is certainly not in my locality here in the British Isles. Is it in yours?
Here is a little beauty: “The show is trying to do so much in this limited environment, the secrets of some illusions are at risk.” This begs several questions. I pose four: Q1: ‘What is a ‘limited environment’?; Q2: ‘At risk’ – says who? ALL illusion secrets are ‘at risk’ WHEREVER they are performed, which begs Q3: ‘Has a risk assessment been carried out, and if so, what did it REVEAL (LOL)’; Q4: ‘Are the risks higher than at other venues and if so, does it matter? Please add a few of your own – we need a good laugh.
And then we have: “The dancers usually perform between the illusions and are seldom woven into them”. Er – could it be that the dancers are there to add variety, maintain interest, pace and momentum, and provide illusion ‘set-up’ time? This comment is swiftly followed by a lovely grammatically incorrect sexist remark: “When they (the dancers) do get involved, they are choreographed exactly as they would be with a male magician.” Er – shouldn’t that read ‘When they do get involved, they are choreographed to provide misdirection.’?
Next we are treated to more sexism and bigotry, with a large smattering of atrocious grammar thrown in for good measure: “For one illusion in particular, known in the trade as “Interlude,” this creates a gay subtext, via some gentle caresses before Lee appears to pass through Black’s body. Kinda hot for the straight-male demo.” Please try to refrain from laughing – particularly at the gay subtext via some gentle caresses, and especially at the heat on the straight-male demo. Of course Lee ‘appears’ to pass through Ariann’s body – if Lee did it for real in the matinee that would be a showstopper right enough – but sadly – the evening show would have to be cancelled.
I don’t know what happened to the hot anguish the journalist felt for the straight-males, because “ the small crowd on this night needed her to be a little less mannered, a little more in their face” Says who?
Well that concludes my evaluation of the article. It only remains for me to issue my letter grade – ‘F’ – grow up and get a job within your bounds of capability and mental capacity.
The letter grade takes into account that while this journalist and other seedy little creeps occupy almost a separate tier of local entertainment, they technically compete with the big stuff – the BBC and ‘The Times’!
I don’t know about you, but I would personally refuse to buy the ‘Las Vegas Review Journal’ until they employ journalists that can write grammatically correct copy and give unbiased constructive opinions that might encourage people to go to Magic Shows. I went to see and meet Penn and Teller (and what a fabulous show it was). The auditorium was packed – standing room only!
Let us all join hands and wish Ariann and Lee every success in their brave venture.
Daniel
Thank you daniel for your review of the review.
everyone in the cast was confused by the article and the way it was written. Needless to say I have an email from the writer that reads like an apology. Saying that he has seen the illusions in shows before is like saying to a dancer I have seen first position before can you do something different.
Either way I have been offered a new room on the strip that will be opening late November. So we have closed this version of the show to prepare for the next one.
Thanks again Daniel.
Ariann
Hi Ariann
You have paid me the biggest compliment I have ever received EVER – and moved me deeply.
The fantastic results all around demonstrate that the pen is without doubt ‘mightier than the sword’.
On ‘first position’ – Darcey Bussell made a difference – and so will you.
Come on guys and gals – give it up for Ariann and her cast – this girl is going places!
Sincerely
Daniel