A Review by Elyse Trevers

There are two types of people who love magic shows. One asks how’d he do that and tries to figure it out. The other type goes “wow” and sits there with her mouth agape in astonishment. I’m in the second group.  Both types will delight at Asi Wind’s Inner Circle. 

Asi Wind, an Israeli transplant, invites us to join him in an intimate circular theater at the Judson Gym. The setup resembles a small Greek amphitheater with a large round table in the center.

Several people sit around the table and often help shuffle the cards. As we entered, we each selected a blank red or black playing card.  We were instructed to write our names on the card and our  initials in the corners.

Instantly, we were all invested. Asi Wind had us involved. Handing in our cards with our names on them, we knew he might select us and there was no way to hide. With our names in his hand, he had full control. With some help from the audience members, he performed a series of mind-blowing tricks.  

Whether it was revealing a name written and carefully put in the pocket of an audience member, cards folded up and somehow placed on someone’s person  or picking a specific card, he went from one trick to another. The audience ‘volunteers’ who participated showed shock and surprise as did the rest of us.  

Wind explained why he had changed his name but also noted how our names resonate with us. Asking if anyone ever wanted to change their name, he selected two in the group and figured out their names. (Siobhan-really?) 

Some of the astonishment came from the trick and even more so from our reactions. He noted how we respond and react to our names. He called out someone in the audience and then instructed him to show no response when his name was called again as we all stared at him.

Then he chose another card -a red card- my red card! “Is there an Elyse here?”  He roamed through three-quarters of the small theater and then stopped right in front of me.  Then he handed me my card. How did I give it away? No matter- “Wow.” (Remind me never to play poker with this guy.)

That was probably the least astounding trick he performed during the show but that totally connected with me and won me over. 

In between his tricks. Wind chatted and his charm was evident, even with the youngest in the audience. When someone’s phone rang, he took it and began to speak, raving about the show and sharing his website. 

He assured us that each show is different since each audience is different. I’m sure the tricks are the same. 

I don’t want to know how he did them. I just know that he did them. We were all in awe and I, for one, would go back and bring my friends with me.