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Shin Lim at Palazzo Theatre – A Guest Review

Returning guest columnist Daavid Hawkins attends the all-new LIMITLESS at Venetian Resort…and offers his take to VEGAS 411 readers.

It’s been a full year since guest columnist Daavid Hawkins penned a review for VEGAS 411. His previous submission explored ABANDON at Vegas Theater Company. The glowing review got plenty of mileage, and we’ve been asking Daavid to submit another piece ever since.

Daavid Hawkins of The Hunger Games Exhibition, AGT Superstars, Cirque du Soleil, and Spiegelworld

A slightly eccentric gentleman, Daavid’s a familiar face to Vegas guests and residents. He’s dabbled in productions up and down the Strip, and this season is hard at work creating costumes for Halloween. Mr. Haawkins couldn’t resist telling our readers about magician Shin Lim‘s all-new LIMITLESS. The successful production recently moved from the now-defunct Mirage to Venetian’s Palazzo Theatre. Will magic strike twice?

Shin Lim LIMITLESS – A Guest Review by Daavid Hawkins
Shin Lim – Limitless” opened at the Mirage in October 2019 and ran successfully for four years. After a brief hiatus, the AGT Season 13 veteran has returned, this time to The Palazzo Theatre at Venetian Resort Las Vegas. It runs Thursdays – Mondays at 7:30 pm. Tickets range from $45 to $250 per seat (don’t forget service fees, taxes, etc.).
The story follows Lim’s life, experiences, and adversities. Each segment features sleight-of-hand and close-up magic. Peter Antoniou (from AGT Season 16) is “The Narrator”, who offers a unique take on psychic abilities, mentalism, and comedy. The two accomplished gentlemen share the stage with performer Casey Thomas. An Australian dancer/aerialist, Ms. Thomas has nimble hands of her own. She’s also married to Mr. Lim.
Casey Thomas
Having attended LIMITLESS during its final weeks at Mirage, I was in a compare/contrast mindset this time around. Palazzo Theatre is larger in respect to the number of seats and stage size. Video screens are mounted along the walls, so minute details of the closeup work can be seen.
The first few rows (VIP1) are for “superfans” wanting to examine details with their own eyes. Seats are serviceable and include cupholders and armrests. The next five or so rows (VIP2) are cushioned leather and couch-style. Each pair has a cocktail table for drinks and snacks. Tres chic! VIP2 is less expensive by about $100, but the view still can’t be beat. All seats beyond that are comfortable and roomy. The balcony appears to be currently unused.

The larger stage accommodates more video screens with improved graphics, which add to the ambiance and enhance storytelling. Newer equipment offers sharper images of the closeup magic. However, that is a double-edged sword! The crisp images are a joy, especially for those further back, but can sometimes show things a bit TOO clearly (if you get my meaning).

Palazzo Theatre has a dynamic sound system that is obviously in the right hands. The music and mics are clear and loud enough to envelop the audience…without having to shout or sacrifice characterization. The tech team understands there is more to sound design than volume.
During the performance I attended, audience members were quiet and attentive. They gasped and applauded in amazement at the appropriate moments. Completely silent crowds can often lead performers to believe that the show is going poorly. That’s not the case with this spectacle.

Shin Lim and Peter Antoniou are adept, masterful performers. There were times during Lim’s acts when I felt so drawn in that I had to question my eyes. His skills with playing cards are only matched by his talent on the piano. Both are extremely fluid and captivating.

Antoniou charms from the moment he takes the stage and it continues throughout the show. We, the audience, know that magic tricks are meant to fool us. Antoniou’s presentation makes us not care…and want to see more. The pairing of these two stars makes the ninety minutes fly by. When the show’s over, you may think it’s only an intermission.

The only downside to the evening was attending during an event at Sphere. I was charged $30 for “event parking” despite having tickets for a different venue. You might want to check Sphere’s show schedule before booking Shin Lim tickets. If there’s an overlap, I recommend avoiding the area at all costs. 

Shin Lim – LIMITLESS performs Thursday through Monday at 7:30 pm. Tickets can be ordered here. The show is appropriate for all ages. 

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