Ever since the days of Siegfried & Roy, Las Vegas magic shows have leaned toward the bombastic. Blinding pyrotechnics, booming soundtracks, sexy assistants and dazzling lighting boost the theatricality of illusions while often doubling as devices of distraction. Now the purity of precision close-up magic has returned with the astounding Shin Lim: Limitless.
Rising to popularity through a series of YouTube videos, Shin Lim is often referred to as the “silent magician,” wordlessly performing sleight-of-hand and card tricks as an elegant ballet, with hand movements and body language choreographed to lush orchestral pieces. His piercing eyes and magnetic expressions draw you in, daring you to look away from the meticulous skill of his nimble hands.
The Vancouver, B.C. native studied piano at Tennessee’s Lee University until long hours of rehearsal resulted in carpal tunnel syndrome. So the 20-year-old student took a fateful break from music and dove into his passion for magic. Without formal instruction, Lim began studying videos of famous magicians like David Blaine. Further inspired by the elegance of David Copperfield and Lance Burton, he developed theatrical techniques that became fine-tuned by studying his own practice sessions. Within a year Lim placed sixth in the International Federation of Magic Societies World Championship. He then decided to formally abandon a music career and pursue success in the world of magic.
The glamour of Vegas was soon calling, albeit through the “voices” of Penn Jillette and Raymond Teller. Invited to the popular TV show Penn & Teller: Fool Us, the young performer successfully stumped the seasoned illusionists on two separate occasions. Always-silent Teller was particularly enamored with Lin’s dialogue-free style. Next came America’s Got Talent, with Lim winning both the flagship show in 2018 and AGT: The Champions a year later.
As Lim’s following has grown, so has his flair for theatricality. Even a devastating hand injury and corrective surgery hasn’t deterred the Canadian-American from his ambitions. Music continues to be a big part of the show; he’s even integrated his passion for the piano into some performances. Always present is the signature usage of smoke—emanating not only from props but out of his own mouth.
Still, the core of Lim’s style is intimate sleight-of-hand. As Jillette opined during Lim’s first appearance on their program, “The idea of doing card tricks (which are silly at their very core) really seriously and really, really importantly ... is wonderful.”
Following the path of previous AGT successes like Mat Franco, Tape Face and Piff the Magic Dragon, Lim’s full-length production recently joined a stellar lineup at The Mirage that includes The Beatles LOVE, Boyz II Men and AGT winner Terry Fator. With Limitless, the city’s newest star may prove to be one of the brightest.
The Mirage, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 13-16 & 19-23, starting at $39.99 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
