With a gasp-inducing ability to subjugate a deck of ordinary playing cards to his will, "conjuror" Guy Hollingworth proceeds to chronicle the history and trickery of this engrossing tale. Directed with a refined hand by Neil Patrick Harris, this story surrounding the illicit activities of two turn-of-the-19th-century card sharps is edge-of-your-seat material, based on a still-in-print how-to book on cheating at cards, first published in 1902 and bearing the same name as this production. Hollingworth introduces us to Milton Franklin Andrews and Samuel Wilhelm Erdnase, chums since boyhood, who supposedly perfected their skills and became the scourge of card tables across the country. Along the way, their illegitimate occupational path led to shocking results.
And here is where the conveyance of any further expository points comes to a crashing halt. For if one expects to learn in advance the effect of Hollingworth's astonishing talents, as he deftly demonstrates examples of legerdemain from the book in conjunction with the jaw-dropping twists and turns of the narrative, you won't find it divulged by this reviewer. Suffice it to say that Hollingworth's real-life career as a British barrister serves him well. He possesses a remarkable aptitude for laying out the particulars with alacrity, drawing one in and then delivering a punch line or revelation that pushes you back in your chair.
Harris, along with David Babani, has designed a playing space where Hollingworth's tools of the trade are always within arm's reach. A centerstage card table draped in green cloth provides ample room for demonstration occasionally augmented by an overhead-mounted camera that projects, in real time, Hollingworth's manipulation of the cards onto a large screen mounted directly behind him. Uncredited lighting follows this master of prestidigitation around the environment even while he engages front-row audience members as foils for his artistry both at their seats and while joining him onstage. Between Hollingworth's impressive showmanship and a shockingly unpredictable conclusion, this is must-see theater for audience members of all ages.
Presented by The Menier Chocolate Factory at Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center's Edye Theater, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. July 13–Aug. 7. Wed.–Thu., 7 p.m.; Fri., 7 & 9 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., 4 & 7 p.m. (310) 434-3200. www.thebroadstage.com.