Maxwell Blade's Theatre of Magic & Comedy — Attraction in Hot Springs

I would like to be able to support a local entertainer, and I would prefer to give a good review. Unfortunately, the quality was just not there. The 8:00 show started 18 minutes late. They performed for approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, then announced they were taking a 10-minute intermission. The intermission lasted 15 minutes then they returned to the stage for 20 minutes. The show was done at 9:50 pm even though it was advertised at a 1 hour and 45 min show. The magician Max performed was old, worn-out tricks which anyone over the age of 18 has seen multiple times. He sells most of them to kids at a table by the stage. These tricks, illusions, whatever, involved antiquated and duplicated acts we have all seen over and over and there was nothing new. The old disappearing assistant, red sponge balls, beer bottles in empty cylinders, brass cups and the disappearing ball, and sawing an assistant in half (sorry, you could see the fake head was a mannequin a mile away), were old unworthy of a live paid performance. His protégé Johnathan Earland was much better. Max Blade's vocal tones and speaking voice was so fast and mushed-mouthed together, no one could understand what he was saying. It was very distracting. I saw numerous other people looking at each other, asking, "What did he say?" all the way through the performance. My apologies if he has a physiological issue that causes this, but he really sounded like he was high. The fact he failed and fumbled several of the tricks, coupled with his mumbled speech and tardy start time, really brings to question if he actually may have been under the influence. For some reason, Max decided to subject the audience to a couple of Elton John songs he sings with an Auto-Tune and then adds ear-bombing reverb in numerous wrong places. It was awful. I will extend my complements to him if he was actually playing piano. It was somewhat good. But alas, I have a sneaking suspicion it was a recording. He announced he has been doing magic for 29 years. I believe it. Sorry Max, it wasn't worth...

Experiencing a magic show brought to life by the incredible Maxwell Blade is akin to entering a world where the lines between reality and the truly extraordinary blur beautifully.

The show begins subtly, preparing the audience for the wondrous spectacle that’s about to unfold. Maxwell's welcoming and engaging persona warms the crowd, setting the atmosphere for a grand evening of intrigue and delight. His stage presence is commanding and enveloped in an aura of riveting mystery - a perfect embodiment of a true magician.

Blade’s craftsmanship and dexterity are nothing short of extraordinary; each act is meticulously curated and executed to induce a sense of awe and wonder. From elaborate illusions, card tricks that defy comprehension to expert manipulation of everyday objects – his repertoire of tricks is vast and endlessly fascinating. The surprises just kept coming, leaving us on the edge our seats, eagerly anticipating the next enchanting act.

His interaction with the audience was one of the highlights of the show; it was intimate, fun, and inviting. Not only were audience members involved in some of the tricks, but their shock and disbelief also added a layer of realism to the grandeur unfolding on the stage.

Accompanying Maxwell's performance was the enthralling music score and brilliant lighting effects. These critical components elevated the excitement, suspense, and aesthetic appeal of the show, making it all the more immersive.

Maxwell Blade effortlessly marries storytelling with magic, crafting a spectacle that leaves the audience spellbound and wanting more. His passion for magic is palpaciously evident in his stunning performance and his insatiable desire to create moments of absolute disbelief and unblemished joy.

The Maxwell Blade magic show is undeniably extraordinary - it evokes a sense of childlike wonder and amusement, captivating audiences of all ages. I still can't figure out how he makes the bottles appear out...

Full disclaimer I am a magician so this review is from a magician perspective.

We saw Maxwell’s show about 10 years ago at the old location. I always try to see local magic wherever we go. At the time, it was a great, family friendly show and I loved that it was a quaint, intimate, setting.

We just went back to Hot Springs for a birthday surprise from my wife to me, and part of the trip included going back to see the Maxwell Blade show at the newly renovated Malco Theatre. The oddity museum was free and we ran into Maxwell who was so hospitable and kind. He showed us around personally! He was humble and generous with his time. We came back for the show and the theatre is beautiful. I can tell he poured his heart and soul into this theatre. Every aspect was well thought out from the set design, props, lighting, sound, etc. The operation has grown to include 12 staff members, and now includes some very large illusions that you would typically see on a Vegas stage. Maxwell retained elements of the old show, as well as new ones. His routines are honed over thousands of performances, and you can tell. Routining magic is incredibly complicated and challenging. What he has done with this show is nothing short of impressive and I applaud his efforts and staying power for providing family entertainment for so many years.

You can tell he loves to perform and is passionate about performing art. If you’re in the area, you owe it to yourself to...