About the Show
GATHERING THE MAGIC is a solo performance event in which master magician Nelson Lugo combines slice-of-life storytelling with sophisticated stage magic to produce an extraordinary theatrical experience. In the style of NPR's The Moth combined with classic turn-of-the-century magic, Nelson Lugo lures his audience into an intricate web of pop cultural influences and life lessons as he presents magic in a whole new way.
GATHERING THE MAGIC is a 90 minute exploration of one magician’s journey: A timeless tale of “boy meets magic kit/boy becomes magician,” packed with pitfalls, triumph and adventure.
Descended from a genuine Santeria, Nelson Lugo has evolved his singular magical style for more than 15 years, showcasing classic prestidigitation with a wink and a nod to the nerd culture that has shaped him. GATHERING THE MAGIC is in its essence a love story which asks if there can be truth in deception, for it’s not always so important HOW a trick is done, but WHY.
Press
"The show provides entertaining insights into human relationships with wit and humor..."
"Lugo is a charming performer..."
"Nelson Lugo's stories are captivating..."
"GATHERING THE MAGIC is genuinely affecting..."
"For stage magic this is a step forward."
"GATHERING THE MAGIC is a highly polished, energetic hour and a half..."
"...the show, and Mr. Lugo, are an utter delight."
"...I’d easily go back for anything Mr. Lugo presents."
"Lugo is a fine raconteur and eminently likable."
"Lugo’s offering is charming and entertaining."
"Tales are told with excellent pacing and focus; humor emerges deftly."
And check out this interview with Nelson in Stage Buzz
Additional Info
Featuring an eclectic line-up of opening acts!
Jan. 30: Killy Mockstar Dwyer
Jan. 31: Killy Mockstar Dwyer
Feb. 7: Schaffer the Darklord
Feb. 12: Killy Mockstar Dwyer
Feb. 13: Killy Mockstar Dwyer
Feb. 14: Opening Act: Eli August & The Abandoned Buildings
Feb. 15: Opening Act: Eli August & The Abandoned Buildings
Written / Performed by Nelson Lugo
Directed by Paige Blansfield
With Additional Material by Richard Lovejoy
Magic Consulting by Richard Laufenburger
The Feb 8th matinee of Gathering The Magic will be a pay-what-you-will performance! This is how it's going to work: online tickets will still be $15 dollars and that guarantees you a seat as well as priority entry into the theater. The pay-what-you-will offer can only be paid at the box office and is on a first come / first serve basis. The suggested donation is $15 and you are welcome to pay less or even more than that amount. ALSO, for this performance only the theater will also accept Magic the Gathering Booster Packs as currency. That's right! Two (2) Magic the Gathering Booster Packs is equal to a single ticket to the show.
For those of you who are caregivers to burgeoning magic fans - please consider this show to be PG13 for adult language.
About Nelson Lugo
Nelson Lugo is a Magician, Sideshow Artist, and Batman enthusiast. He was featured by TimeOut NY as a New York Entertainer to watch and co-hosts a podcast called "The EPIC PIEcast" for NerdyShow.com. He's been a guest speaker for The Sunday Assembly NYC, a guest singer for the BTK Band, a storyteller at Adam Wade's Whatever Happened to the Nerds, and was featured on the Story Collider podcast twice. On top of everything else, he's also writing a series of Steampunk inspired children's books.
This show is part of Flint & Tinder, The Tank's flagship theater program. For more shows in the series, please click HERE!