B'way Review: Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets

Rob Lake (l.) with the Muppets
in Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests
The Muppets
Credit: Evan Zimmerman

“Now this show has some real star power,” declares Miss Piggy, the porcine puppet star, late in Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets, now in an abbreviated run at the Broadhurst. The glamorous felt pig is not wrong. The family-friendly special attraction does feature some fun-filled fare for the kiddies, but lacks a strong driving force. Lake himself, who gained recognition as a finalist on America’s Got Talent, is a genial enough presence, attractive and self-effacing, but his demeanor is so mellow and laid-back, his impressive illusions produce mild smiles rather than astonished gasps. Unfortunately, the show has not sold enough tickets to justify its original limited holiday-season run and, after delaying the official opening twice, producers have decided to shutter after only four performances and 15 previews. 

There could be several reasons for this disappointing box-office performance. The high price of Broadway ducats may have kept families with multiple children away. In addition, the similar Jamie Allan’s Amaze! is still running Off-Broadway at New World Stages until Feb. 22 and parents may have opted for the more affordable and intimate alternative. Lake’s efforts suffer by comparison with Allan’s not just in the economy department. Allan’s venture had a narrative arc and structure, offering details on his childhood obsession with legerdemain, his parents’ show-biz credentials as well as the history of magic in vaudeville and popular entertainment. In short, we get to know Allan as a person, not just as a performer. Lake briefly touches on his background, but we are not offered similar insights into his development as a magician. In addition, several of the illusions in both shows are similar.

Rob Lake in his show
Rob Lake Magic...
Credit: Evan Zimmerman

The program credits do not list a director or writer. Lake created and conceived the evening. Bethany Pettigrew is down as “Creative Consultant” and Kevin J. Zak is credited with “Additional Material.” Perhaps a stronger creative hand behind the scenes would have crafted the show into a cohesive whole. As it stands, the illusions do not feel connected and the usually delightful Muppets seem like cameo performers. Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Rowlf the Dog, Gonzo the Great and Animal the drummer appear early in a taxicab, exchanging slightly amusing banter with Lake. Fuzzy later shows up in a box, delivering elementary-school level gags. It’s significant that Miss Piggy does not show up until much later and her campy, imperial tone is much missed. I did enjoy Gonzo’s quips about the supposedly upper-class Broadway audience as he prepared to be shot out of a canon. “Good evening, Cultural Elite! Here’s a trick you can tell your butlers about!” he cries in the one of the show’s few instances of adult humor.

There is also a guest shot with a current Broadway performer helping out with a pick-a-card trick. Jak Malone of Operation Mincemeat was the celebrity at the performance attended. Audience members are also called upon to ascend the stage to assist in the proceedings and it must be a thrill for them, each seemed genuinely astonished at Lake’s efforts, enhanced by assistants videoing their reactions. Jessica Forcha, Jennifer Orf and Natalie Vatalaro are sexy and vibrant stage assistants. 

Even given the show’s weaknesses, this is a cute distraction for families wishing to expose their children to Broadway. Too bad it will disappear so soon.

Opens Nov. 14 and closing Nov. 16 after 4 performances and 15 previews. Broadhurst Theater, 235 W. 44th St., NYC. Running time: 90 minutes. telecharge.com.