The Great Marzini

I am a magician so, when I go see a magic show (and I try to see all of them at Fringe every year), I'm extra judgemental. Is the magic original? Is the character interesting? Do I leave feeling like I've seen something artistically crafted or just thrown together from junk in magic shop? This show, the answer to every question is yes, yes, and yes to the first part! Marisa is a phenomenal performer in every sense of the word. Switching between her illustrious grandiose (but very in debt) magician persona, to her self, made the show so much more interesting than a run of the mill magic show (like mine hah). It had an ebb and flow to it that you don't see in fringe shows, and you NEVER see in magic shows. It's one of my faves this year.... full review

I say! This is funniest “magic show” in town and Marzini owes me money.... full review

Such a fun show and world! Marzini's real magic tricks are alternately impressive and great joke fodder. The core concept and old timey world of the show were a hoot and Marissa plays with them and really explores, bringing the audience along as those Marzini owes big time— while also acknowledging the reality of the times she's inhabiting, from her own voice. ... full review

My overall impression is that the lead, Marisa, truly showcases her range as a multi-hyphenate performer. The show included so much more than I expected: singing, magic, improv, clowning, and genuine dramatic vulnerability. I was also impressed by Marisa's storytelling and writing. The piece feels imaginative and emotionally engaging. I could easily see it finding an audience at the Edinburgh Fringe or The Elysian's Spaghetti Festival in Los Angeles!... full review

A hilarious vaudevillian callback to entertainment from another time. Marzini is a lovable and mischievous rogue. Marisa Llamas pulls out all the stops with slapstick magic, interactive theater, a puppet show, and a high-stakes game that had everyone completely invested. The show is packed with charm, surprises, and a genuine love of entertaining an audience.... full review

This was hands down my favorite show of Fringe. Marzini (who's definitely a man, definitely Italian, and it's definitely 1872 or whatever) has one final show to repay his debts before his execution. The show finds time for magic tricks, shadow puppets, a musical number, a critique of Orientalism, walk-on roles for the audience, a tragic backstory, and the voice of Marissa herself, peeking out from her character and showing us why this story was important to her.... full review

A magic show with a side of comedy and acrobatics and money trouble... full review

I was charmed and tickled by the Great Marzini. I loved magic as a vehicle for telling a story in an original way. I could watch Marisa all day!... full review

I LOVED this show! What I loved the most is that it was transportive. Marisa took us on a journey back in time while creating a powerful allegory for being an artist in 2026. There was magic, song, audience participation, breaking the 4th wall, and special effects. It was a delight to be able to pay off Marzini’s debt. Even though he owed us a lot of money, he made us laugh and cry all the way to the bank. We couldn’t let him down after that brilliant performance. I can’t wait to see what Marisa does next. I hope this isn’t the end of The Great Marzini.... full review

Enjoyable, clever show that had my attention from the start! Marissa devises multiple ways to tell the tale of The Great Marzini, who is charismatic, in a real pickle and needs to solve the problem he has created for himeself. Loved the egg bit! The balls! The magic trick at the end! And the shadow puppet moment!... full review