Matti McLean is in Montreal Fringe supporting SOLOVELA
A Magician
Magic on the Fringe circuit can be very difficult to execute, but Jordan is here to give it a shot combined with storytelling and an exploration of his childhood.
I find the most fascinating part of this show his storytelling. I love finding out more about him and his history- especially when it comes to how he got a fascinating experience working with some big magic hitters from a very early age. I do wish he went deeper into the experiences and had a more consistent storytelling through line.
The tricks are well done and come at you fast and quick. He clearly knows what he is doing but I feel like the show is done a disservice by being in such a wide venue. I feel like Jordan would shine in a venue where he can be still and focused on one area instead of having the need to walk back and forth across such a wide stage to showcase the tricks to everyone. There is considerable skill and knowledge here and he has a great deal of charm to be able to carry it. I also think the more focused approach would benefit the storytelling as well and give him some much needed space for stillness and anchoring instead of having to play to such a wide space.
As a magic lover who has seen way too much "how it's done" videos for my own good I still found myself enjoying the process. I do think a director stepping in to give him the ability to truly shine in such a different venue would truly help him shine, but Jordan does a great job of being sweet and endearing in a way that has you rooting for him.
He does tackle heavier themes towards the end that could have also been included much earlier -and while he markets this as an 18+ show, I think that the message of self acceptance and the themes of dangerous family dynamics could make this a fantastic show for slightly younger audiences who would be the most in need.
All that aside, I enjoyed the production and think Jordan is a great performer with some fascinating stories and am eager to see what he does from here.