puppetmaker | Rob Lake and the Muppets: a review

Last night with Caroline and Thinn, we went to see the magician, Rob Lake. The hook for wanting to go was the Muppets were also making their Broadway review. Might be a trial balloon for Muppets on Broadway.

Mr. Lake is a fine illusionist both with big effects and tabletop magic. He kept everyone’s attention. He starts with sawing a lady in half and it ends with a large vanishing act.

He is a believer in audience participation. I got picked for one trick because I caught a ball. It’s a mindreading trick. I stared at him as he asks and he says “The stare is scaring me.” I didn’t hear it as I was focused on him. Caroline told me what he said afterwards. I didn’t know scaring a magician was on my bucket list but apparently it was.

Rumors were flying that the Muppets were a cameo at the end. Would I have like more Muppets? Sure, but I am a Muppet fan. However, they did a good job of sprinkling the Muppets throughout. Gonzo got to perform some of his art. Kermit helped with a card trick. Fozzie told jokes and tried to get more time to tell jokes. They show up close to the top of the show and end it as well. Rowlf and Animal were under used but they were there. Miss Piggy stole the show of course.

I loved the Muppet bios in the front of the program.

A lot of people went into the making of this show go smoothly and it did work for me. I walked out entertained. I laughed very hard. I got to see the Muppets and a really good magician.

Just FYI, there is no intermission. It starts at seven pm and you are out about nine-thirty or so.

I was happy to see names of puppeteers I know in the program. Peter Linz was the puppet captain. I have known Peter for a very long time. He was friends with my brother Sean.

I am grateful I saw “Rob Lake Magic with special guests the Muppets.”