[Kids and Family – Magic United States – Australian Premiere] The Roundhouse, Garden of Unearthly Delights Fri 8 Mar 2024 Full of energy and New York pizzazz, Mario hits the stage running in a burst of high powered fun that remains rolling throughout his whole show. On his first visit to Adelaide, Mario pays tribute to those who guided him into his chosen field, celebrating the lives of scientists and artists who have inspired him. Their stories are cleverly woven into the magic, to take it into a new area of positive motivational messages. Mario definitely fits directly into the clown magic tradition, with great timing in his hilarious slapstick. The focus is squarely on nurturing family values. All the magic is both slick and silly. The failures at first always culminate in success, but only after repeated tries and relentless effort. One particular prop becomes a theme for his whole show, appearing in many different forms, including help from his robot friends. These robots turn out to be mischievous assistants, who want to have their independence and maybe even take over. Like wilful master’s apprentices, they misbehave and display everything from comic characteristics to babyish reactions. Mario himself is not afraid to throw the odd tantrum too. The wonderful thing is, these robots are his very own creations. Leading by example, he is constantly encouraging the children to make the most of what you have. His intention is clear: to excite us to be the makers of our own destiny. They respond gleefully and chant his phrases with delight to the point of exhilarated indoctrination. Mario takes every moment of the lively action to the limit, bordering at times on the edge of chaos. The children of course love these wildly erratic outbursts, allowing them to join in the playful taunting of their parents. The tricks are neatly tied up at the end in a final reprise, serving as a reminder of how well the audience’s contributions interact with the performer. Appropriate for all ages, Mario the Maker’s show delivers on all levels, pumping up our curiosity, and sending all of us off to experience the joy of discovering whatever gift it is each of us has to give.