Audible gasps could be heard earlier this month at the Stage and Forum Theatre, where Todd Diamond was making objects appear and disappear, as well as peering into volunteers’ eyes to see what they were thinking. “How did he do that?” wide-eyed patrons marveled.
The agile, lanky illusionist will deliver his personal blend of comedy and magic to three shows at The Boutique Theatre, upstairs at Nacho Daddy’s, 287 Basilio Badillo in the Zona Romantica district of Puerto Vallarta. The March 19, 20 and 21 shows wrap up his season performing in Mexico.
“What you’ll see is the result of 20 years of practice, and award-winning sleight-of-hand tricks. I’ve learned from some of the best in magic,” the entertainer said. “The second half of my show is when I do mentalist work, and read people’s minds, to show we’re all connected in this crazy world.”
Diamond uses constant interaction with the audience. “My show is different in the sense that I combine comedy and magic, and in how I put it all together. It’s hard to describe myself. My show is messy. Cards end up all over the stage. Mom would not approve.”
Diamond was drawn into the world of illusion when he saw a live performance of David Copperfield. His hobby soon turned into his profession, as he added mind-reading and pickpocketing to his repertoire. In the last two decades, Diamond has performed in late-night spots from New York to California. He has entertained scores of Fortune 500 companies, and has fooled some of the biggest names of stage and screen. He has also appeared in more than 17 countries, including a recent run of TV specials in Indonesia, which were seen by millions of viewers in Indonesia, China, Singapore and Malaysia.
Diamond has performed at various stages in Mexico, wrapping up a recent engagement at the Stage & Forum in Nuevo Vallarta. His show at the Boutique Theater will be the last chance Mexico audiences can see him this season. Diamond is grateful to the warm reception he’s received here.
“When I got here in Puerto Vallarta, the response has been, ‘Wow, I’ve lived here 20 years and never seen a magician.’ It’s been an interesting experience. People here have been very welcoming and supportive.”
Since 1997, Diamond has been a professional entertainer, as well as a stage and tour manager. He has worked with entertainers Doug Pinnick and Kirby Van Birch, as well as being a manager for the Chinese Acrobats. His hobbies are reading, business, video gaming, competition shooting, computers, theater, film, and creative writing.
A dinner-and-a-show option is offered at 5 p.m. Diners can choose a steak, chicken or vegetarian meal, or order off the regular menu at the “Mex-Tex” restaurant. Show-only tickets are also available.
The Boutique Theatre also presents Mikki Prost in “Forever Patsy,” the Patsy Cline tribute show that nearly always sells out. Her next shows are March 17 and 31.
For information call 322-192-4616. Tickets for all shows are available at www.vallartatickets.com.
