Ava McDonnell
On Friday, Dec. 5, The Magic Studio brought the wonder of the season to life this week with its Holiday Spectacular, a fast-paced, laughter-filled showcase of illusions, daring stunts, and sleight-of-hand artistry. Hosted by the charismatic Nathan Coe Marsh, the evening unfolded as a seamless blend of comedy, suspense, and holiday magic.
The show opened with Jafo who has performed over 40 thousand shows at Universal Resort Orlando. He also has appeared on Fox Television, at The Orlando Improv, and his magic has been seen on two episodes of the Penn & Teller: Fool Us television series.
Jafo set the tone immediately with a silent, playful routine performed using a miniature poker table. His precise close-up hand magic was executed without a word, but pulled the audience in, rewarding every lean-in moment with clever reveals.
Next up was Ari Rose, whose act combined physical skill with bold theatrical flair. She has been practicing magic for only three years and according to Marsh has “improved more than any magician I have ever seen.” Suspended upside down in a straightjacket, she managed to free herself just in time to reveal that she held the exact playing card chosen moments earlier by an audience volunteer. She followed with a whimsical “Santa’s wishlist” routine, ending in a surprising (and hilarious) reveal of a stuffed beaver seemingly plucked from thin air.
Giovanni Livera has received Gold Cups International Award of Excellence in Close-up Performance from the International Brotherhood of Magicians, an award that has only been bestowed seven times in the four decades since it was created. He took the stage with an ultra-close-up coin routine that was equal parts mesmerizing and fun. Even projected for the crowd to see, his coin work remained baffling; coins appeared, vanished, multiplied, and danced with a kind of joyful energy.
Then came Dan Stapleton, who has been seen on America’s Got Talent, introduced one of the night’s most suspenseful moments. Bringing an audience member onstage, he demonstrated a classic guillotine illusion, one sharp enough to slice carrots cleanly, yet somehow sparing the volunteer’s head. Gasps turned into relieved laughter as the trick landed perfectly.
Jafo returned for a second set, this time featuring coins rather than 8 balls, showcasing the same crisp precision and visual cleverness that made his opening so compelling.
The night closed with Michael Barron, who delivered an elegant floating table illusion. With gentle, graceful movements, he guided the table through the air, inviting both awe and a sense of childlike wonder. It was a fitting finale for a holiday-themed magical evening.
From start to finish, the Magic Studio Holiday Spectacular lived up to its name: a small, high-spirited celebration of magic in all its forms, anchored by standout performers and guided by Nathan Coe Marsh’s quick wit and infectious enthusiasm. It was a night that left the audience amazed and ready for the holiday season ahead.
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