Catch Jeffrey Wang on May 31: Where Magic Meets Comedy on Stage
This coming Saturday evening (May 31), talented magician Jeffrey Wang will be taking to the stage at Nanyang Theater with a show that masterfully blends comedy with magic. Fascinated with magic from a young age, Wang has honed a unique style that combines wonder with laughter, and some career highlights have included membership at the prestigious Hollywood Magic Castle and appearing on the US TV series Penn and Teller: Fool Us.
Ahead of his upcoming show, we talked to Wang to find out more about how he first became interested in magic, what inspired him to combine it with comedy and what audiences can expect from his performance this Saturday.
How did you first get into magic, and how long have you been doing it for?
I've loved magic since I was a child, but back then it was just a hobby. Later, when I went to study in the U.S., I became a member of the Hollywood Magic Castle. Now, I've been working as a professional magician for about three years.
What inspired you to blend comedy and magic, and how did you get started in this unique niche?
Many magicians have always loved combining magic with comedy. I’m certainly not the first to do it. I just really enjoy bringing that mix of wonder and joy to the audience.
What was your first performance as a comedy magician like? Did any tricks go hilariously wrong?
Initially, I started adding jokes into my magic performances and found the audience responded really well; that's how I ended up specializing in comedy magic. As for whether there are “hilarious fails,” many of those are actually intentional! I deliberately design moments where the magic appears to go wrong, turning them into punchlines.
What have been your most magical moments on stage so far?
I've appeared on numerous TV shows, performed at Spring Festival Galas for top universities, and stood on award podiums at magic competitions. Every time the audience applauds or gives me a standing ovation, those are my brightest stage moments.
You appeared on Penn and Teller Fool Us. Can you tell us a bit more about that experience?
Fool Us is an incredibly prestigious TV show, and appearing on it is a dream for many magicians. It took tremendous effort on my part to convince the producers and earn my spot on that stage. The show was filmed in Las Vegas over the course of a week and was eventually broadcast nationwide across America.
Are there any magicians or comedians who have especially influenced your style or approach?
I really admire Mac King and Mat Franco. Their magic styles have greatly influenced my own performance style today.
Can you tell us a bit about what people can expect at your upcoming show?
In this performance, you will experience a blend of amazing magic effects and subtle humor, accompanied by moments of interaction with the audience. Please settle in and enjoy the show!
Finally, do you have any advice for aspiring performers looking to combine magic and comedy?
My advice is to watch more performances by great, classic magicians to develop your artistic taste. Only by seeing enough shows will you truly understand your own preferences. Then, you can start incorporating your personal ideas into your performances.
Magic Comedy by Jeffrey Wang will be taking place on Sat, May 31, at Green Box, Nanyang Theater at 7.30pm. Early bird tickets are RMB 100 and standard tickets are RMB 150. Tickets can be purchased by scanning the QR code in the poster above.
Greenbox, Nanyang Hutong #6
6 Nanyang Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区南阳胡同6号
READ: Inside the Rise of Chinese DJ Duo 鱼头泡饼 (Fish Head Pancake)
Images: courtesy of Jeffrey Wang