For months I've been excited about watching Nathan Burton live in Singapore but what I didn't realize was that I'd get to watch it twice...and to meet him to boot!
Nathan Burton's opening night was on Monday, December 9. The show was for invited guests only and my dad was asked to perform and do a short magic teach-in before introducing Nathan. Of course that was such an honour and then to have Nathan Burton acknowledge my dad during his performance was the icing on the cake.
We were seated at the fourth row for the Monday show. Awesome view indeed!
From escaping giant microwaves to bringing Barbie to life, nothing's impossible for comedy magician Nathan Burton who is one of the hottest attractions in Las Vegas!! With fantastic illusions and hilarious props, his zany antics left the audience of all ages in stitches. The acclaimed magician-cum-comedian from Las Vegas brought his larger-than-life brand of magic and whimsical humour to Singapore and the crowd loved him! I sure did!
For those of you who don't know who Nathan Burton is....
Nathan Burton was a magician from Season 1 of America's Got Talent. He was eliminated in the Semi-finals, but he returned for the Wild Card Show, where he was eliminated again. He returned in Season 4, where he was eliminated in the Vegas Round.
Nathan was born in Oakland, California and as he described on stage, he was bitten by the magic-bug at the age of four when he performed his first trick in front of his kindergarten class and although nothing turned out as it should have – he was hooked – and decided then and there that magic was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
You would think that someone like me who had grown up having a dad as a professional magician and who has done magic herself, that I would know the secrets to all of Nathan Burton's tricks..... I did know the trick but I was still left astonished and entertained and not to mention a belly ache from all the laughing.
Nathan possess the ability to create a myriad of mind-blowing illusions from magically making himself vanish on stage and reappear in the audience in the most astounding way. He blends original stage illusions, comedy, street magic and showgirls to create a fast paced, contemporary and riveting performance amidst his mischievous and masterful magic.
Then comes the bigger surprise....something I wasn't expecting at all because all the advertising said was Nathan Burton in Singapore with sleight of hand magician Armando. Now don't get me wrong, even though Armando only came out for a ten minute performance where he showed us an awesome close up trick, I still found him rather amazing. But going back to the big surprise was funny man Russ Merlin!! I did not know he was performing with Nathan Burton. Oh my god! I love this guy!!! I've been a fan for the longest time and I finally get to see him perform live!! I'm over the moon.
I knew Russ had performed in Singapore in the late 90's which pretty much pissed me off because I was in the USA then. And when he was back in USA I pretty much never got to hit Las Vegas to catch him and now I am back in Singapore and I get to fulfill my dream.
There's no shortage of laughs when it comes to Russ Merlin. This guy is a riot!
When it comes to explosive comedy, Russ Merlin has made a name as the master of the unexpected. Nothing is quite as it seems when it comes to this world famous prop comic. You never know what could come next as Russ will take the hand of the audience and guide them on an electric ride full of hilarious antics and the best part, the audience is never left out!
Russ Merlin puts on an energetic, hilarious and interactive show that will keep the audience laughing. His professionalism and entertaining skills makes him one of the most sought after entertainers. Russ Merlin is like a variety show all on his own. It is no surprise that audiences from all over the world will tell you that Russ Merlin is one of the premier acts of its kind anywhere in the world.
His blend of magic, comedy and audience participation is what makes the show such an enjoyable experience. One of the highlights of the act is a routine that Russ has been developing by himself for the last several years. Throughout the evolution of his act, he has created one piece that has become a highlight for all those who see (and participate in) it. Four chairs are set on stage and volunteers are asked to participate. Once on stage the volunteers have masks placed on their faces. The best part is they don’t see just how ridiculous the masks look, which makes the next part of the act even funnier. Each person on stage is given an action to perform throughout the rest of the routine and what follows can only be described as hilarious. I suffered side-splitting laughs.
However, the mask routine is only one of Russ Merlin’s many talents. He is also an accomplished magician performing some great sleight of hand with coins, balls and other props as well.
Russ knows just how to make any audience across the globe laugh till they drop!
And OMG I got to watch him not once but twice this week!! *scream*
(I'm totally sounding like a screaming adolescent teenage girl right now)
I swear today would be the second time I've watched the whole Nathan Burton, Armando and Russ Merlin show (front row today though...eeks!...*happy dance*) yet I laughed at the same routine and jokes. These are real entertainers. No matter how many times you watch them, you still leave the room in stitches. Today, I took my kids with me and they had a great time.
Alright...so let’s move on to the after show bit....
After the performance on Monday, my dad and I met Nathan, Russ and Armando after the show. We took photos and introduced ourselves and talked. Took a lot so I would remain claim and not sound like a nervous blabbering baboon while talking to Russ. The guys were awesome. Very down to earth and obliging. I managed to stay calm till Russ almost blew my "act" when he insisted both he and I took selfie together! My hands were shaking and I couldn't even get the camera on my phone right! Ha.
Great way to end a blue Monday.
Round Two.....
For tonight's show, about 60 members respectively from the two magic associations in Singapore joined my dad, kids and I together with members of the public. It was full house!!
After the show, we had to wait for the guys to have our private meet and greet session. But my kids wanted to purchase the DVD and get it autographed. So we did. Nathan, Russ and Armando remembered me which thrilled me to no end. My kids met them and we took photos together.
Finally, it was time for our private meet and greet between the members of the magic associations in Singapore with Nathan, Russ and Armando. We took photos, talked and Armando even showed us a few more close up magic. The guys were amazing. They stayed and chatted for a good hour. They didn't rush us or make us feel rushed. It was an insightful meet up.
And to end my whole dream come true, meeting Russ Merlin finally ..... Boomz! As I'm in a conversation with him about the years he worked in Singapore, magic, my kids performing, my events company....he goes on to ask if my kids are of Caucasian mix and I reply yes. Then he asked if I am Eurasian (I love a smart man)? I wasn't embarrassed to let him know how smart he is because many have assumed I am Pinoy (WTF?) and he goes on to say he loves Eurasian girls. Talk about wobbly feet after that!
I had a great week. Thank you Nathan Burton, Armando and my favourite Russ Merlin!! You're three amazing individuals....talented, down to earth and real.
Oh did I forget to mention the tweets and retweets Nathan had given me? Yeps! Now if only Russ Merlin is on social media but I guess it's a good thing he's not or I'd be charged with Internet stalking. Ha.
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