Nothing to Hide

November 1, 2013

Nothing to Hide is a magic show, more precisely, a card trick show.

Director Neil Patrick Harris identifies two types of watchers of magic:  those who must figure out the tricks and those who just enjoy the illusions.

I fear I am one who cannot help but try and get to the bottom of it.  The first few tricks were impressive, but fairly well worn.  I assume practiced illusionists, as these two surely are, use special decks for some of their tricks.  I also surmise that at times they use audience shills, but this I don’t really know.  Derek Delgaudio and Helder Guimarães are masters of card handling and equally important, have fine audience interactive skills.  We are whisked into their world and seduced by their legerdemain.

Still I have to figure out their methods.  I was very impressed by one trick where numerous audience members took cards, myself included, then we participants stood and one of the guys proceeded to call off each card and the holder of that card sat down.  He got us all.  I was impressed and had them autograph my souvenir card in the lobby after the show.

But then it came to me.  I know how they did it and knowing it, I could perform that trick myself!

However.  Their final trick, where they divide the audience in two with a crime scene tape, then each does the same trick on his side of the tape with no possible interaction between them, then each comes up with the audience selected card of the other side - continues to mystify me.

So, whether you are like me and must try to figure it all out, or just enjoy some clever card magic, this is a worthwhile show to check out.  It is at the Pershing Square Signature Center on West 42nd Street.  Nothing to Hide.  Check it out.