Review: "Invisible Tango" at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater

• Jill Weinlein, Chief Los Angeles Critic

Los Angeles, CA - Go see the one man show “Invisible Tango” starring Portuguese storyteller and master card illusionist Helder Guimarães­ premiers at the Geffen Playhouse. Under the direction of Frank Marshall (Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Seabiscuit, The Color Purple, Sully, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), the performer shares his personal perspective of experiencing serendipity through telling a story about the occurrence and development of events.

The show begins with a confession about a happenstance car accident in Los Angeles with a woman who tells Guimarães “Everything happens for a reason.” Looking out to the audience, he says “Does it?”

The 70s style living room set has a wall unit filled with curios that Guimarães­ has collected through his travels. Clown boxing gloves, a leather bound notebook, a dagger, bottle of Barcardi, wall clock and record player are all incorporated in the show.

Throughout the 80 minute performance, the illusionist selects an item that helps connect the pieces of his entertaining story. He takes a record from a stack, removes it from its sleeve, places it on the turntable, lifts the needle onto the vinyl, and smooth original music by American musician, songwriter, singer, and producer Moby fills the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater.

With a charming Portuguese accent and fun sense of humor, we learn Guimarães­ was drawn to a leather bound notebook while visiting friend who lived near a Buenos Aires antique shop. Purchasing this notebook, he curiously flips the pages, only to discover the author is unidentifiable. Throughout the show he starts “Putting the pieces of the puzzle together” of who owned this mysterious notebook, while performing mind stumping card illusions, and reciting poetry from “The Notebook.”

Guimarães­ invites audience members to become part of his show. “Sometimes the biggest mystery happens in front of you” he shares, while selecting a few lucky people. They help him in their seat or walk onstage to interact with the performer. Many are a little tentative at first, and then amazed at the end. This generous performer offers gifts of gratitude to those selected throughout the show.

In the midst of oversharing in this information age, Guimarães challenges our interaction with the unknown and explores how we can embrace chaos, fear and wonder.

This jaw-dropping show offers an entirely new perspective of magical illusions and leaves everyone satisfied at the end.  

Invisible Tango has now been extended through July 14.

May 7 - July 14, 2019

World Premiere

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater

Created & Performed by Helder Guimarães

Directed by Frank Marshall

Original Music by Moby

Tickets range from $30 to

Go online https://www.geffenplayhouse.org

No one under the age of 12 will be admitted to this production. There is no late seating and no re-entry while the performance is in progress.

The Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 208-5454.