The star and producer of the game-changing TV prank show The Carbonaro Effect, lifelong magician Michael Carbonaro set off on his first-ever theater tour in 2016. He elevated his live performances last year when the legendary Penn & Teller asked Carbonaro to fill in at their Las Vegas showroom during the duo’s summer tour, and the series was so much fun, he’s back for more this month. He’s excited to bring back his unique blend of comedy and illusions, especially because Las Vegas affords him the space to perfect his craft.

What did you learn from last summer’s initial series of shows in Las Vegas?

One of the great parts about getting to be in residency in Vegas last year was I got to really sit and look and explore all these routines, and take the time to adjust them to make them better. I had all afternoon to not get on a plane and fly to a new city and reset the show, but to take look at maybe this one moment that’s not getting the laughs as loud as it could, or see that not 100 percent of the audience is being fooled here, and why. So now I’m looking forward to swinging things in and out, which is something I’ve seen Penn & Teller do all the time, shuffle stuff around and see what works better.

Obviously those first shows were successful since you’ve been asked to come back, and that must be very rewarding.

The whole experience was way better than I thought it would be. Not that we should be searching our whole lives for validation or worthiness or career stature, but it sure is nice when you get it, and I was over the moon when the guys asked me to take over for them. Of all the things I’ve done, this really makes me feel like I must be up there if they trust me to do this. … And their work still influences me so much. I was a Copperfield kid, I loved David Copperfield and those were my two pillars, him and Penn & Teller, but I loved them both in completely different worlds. Penn & Teller always took an edgier approach, let you peek behind the curtain with that wry sense of humor.

Photo by: Bryce Craig

Beyond your live performances, are you developing any new TV projects or maybe a new version of The Carbonaro Effect?

I am. I’ve taken almost the last two years in developing a new TV project and we’re just in the pitch stage now, but it’s a big one and I feel like it’s the next phase for my career. I’ve had so many people come up and say, “I love the show so much, I wish I could be on it, but I can’t because I know who you are.” I’ve realized that’s not a very good business model. You want the audience to come along with you. So this new show answers that question—there’s still the sense of playing with pranks, but it’s more about bringing them onboard, almost like the live show. There are all these different perspectives going on because it’s part real magic show with a live audience, but you get to go backstage and see the antics behind the scenes. I think it’s the next level of what magic could be on television.

It sounds like you’re blending what works for you onscreen and onstage.

There’s a difference between someone who doesn’t know they’re about to be fooled (like on TV) … and this amazing, electric energy from people in your presence who know something is going to happen but they don’t know when. I like getting to play with both. And on the TV show, I’m almost playing the straight man because I have to be realistic in the face of these outrageous things, where in the live show, I can show off and be part of the fun.

Is there something new in these live shows you’re particularly excited about?

Every night in the Penn & Teller Theater, I’m going to make two people from the audience disappear onstage, so if you’re looking to get rid of someone, keep that in mind.

Rio, ticketmaster.com

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