It is wonderful to see a show that not only lifts your spirit but delves into that childlike side of us that so many of us have forgotten about. It is marvelous to go to a production that tells children they have a right to dream, and their dreams should be supported. You also see what can happen when a young man’s dreams of being a magician are not only supported by his parents, but seemingly by the cosmos as well, when everything seems to fall in line for him to become a successful, innovative magician.
This is certainly the case with Jamie Allan, the UK-born magician who, as a child, appeared on the BBC, conquering audiences, and decades later is still spreading his magic touch. Now, as an adult, Jamie has created “Amaze,” which is playing at New World Stages located at 340 W 50th Street and has been extended for a fourth time, now playing through January 31, 2027. “Amaze” utilizes modern illusions, incorporates holograms, laser beams, 3D video mapping, and interactive social media in his production. The Drama Desk Awards nominated it for Unique Theatrical Experience and Outstanding Puppetry. “Amaze” is a show you will not forget, and in fact, you will want to share it. It is much more than a fabulous, entertaining magic show.
Jamie recently spoke with AmNews. A Q&A follows:
AmNews: Jamie, when did you know you needed to create this show?
Jamie Allan (JA): I think, as a creative, my show has always been constantly evolving. I’ve always wanted to add something new, tweak a routine here, add something there. And this was a natural progression from my previous shows. Plus, I always wanted to make the show more unique and personal, give it a story, to talk about how I got here, and pay homage to my incredible parents.
AmNews: What do you want this show to do for the children in the audience?
JA: I hope it inspires them to believe that you can achieve anything their heart desires, and know that it is possible for a little kid to make their dreams come true.
AmNews: How did you decide which tricks to include?
JA: Everything in the first part of the show is slightly more traditional magic, all of which was selected because it supports the narrative. There are actually many narrative threads that are foreshadowed and back-referenced throughout the show, so it’s quite a puzzle. Selecting magic that would be impactful but also help us tell the story was one of the more challenging aspects. The second half is a lot of my greatest hits, a lot of our original magic you won’t see anywhere else, whilst still supporting our story.
AmNews: Why is it important for a child as young as seven to have parents who completely believe in their dreams?
JA: I think it’s crucial for children and young people of all ages to receive support from their families and friends. Having a dream is deeply personal and striving for it when others seem to believe it’s unattainable can be soul-destroying. Believe in your children and watch them thrive. I wouldn’t be where I am now without my parents’ support.
AmNews: After your mother, your biggest supporter, passed, how were you able to find your dreams again?
JA: I think it was a classic situation of wanting to carry on fulfilling my dreams for my mom‘s sake. And ultimately the same with my dad — I wanted to do everything that they couldn’t, and do it for them and keep their memory alive.
AmNews: Martin Noble was your mentor. To whom do you want to pass your magic on?
JA: I would hope that one of my own children would take an interest in magic but I would never want to push them into it. I love helping young performers. Right now, I’m fully behind my own understudy, Harry De Cruz, who one day will be a force to be reckoned with, and he’s already incredible. He will do great things, and I’m really proud of the help we have been able to give him.
AmNews: How do you want the audience to feel at the end?
JA: I don’t want to push any particular feeling on the audience, because I believe so many people take away their own emotions from the show. For those that have lost a loved one, they connect with it on a completely different level [than] the 80s kids that feel nostalgia. And then there’s the young kids that don’t remember that time, but just get to watch someone who made their dreams come true. And watch the impossible become possible, if only for a moment.
AmNews: Why should people of all ages come to experience ‘AMAZE?’
JA: Magic is truly one of the greatest live entertainment forms, and it’s why it is the oldest form of entertainment. It’s so diverse and constantly evolving and constantly surprising you — you never know what to expect next. It can be a feeling of wonder, on a grand scale, incredibly clever, or simply beautiful. We see everybody of all ages at Amaze, from retirees to young families, to date nights, and all of them bond in the moment. And that is so unusual in today’s world, to see such a diverse group of people bonding over a common experience. It’s truly humbling to watch.
For info on “Amaze,” visit amazemagic.com.
