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Sam Eaton's The Quantum Eye Reviews
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| 16 |
TAKE IT FROM A MAGICIAN: QUANTUM EYE IS A BLAST Review by: Scotch, Aug 20, 2007 |
You've seen all of the stellar reviews below, so you know by now that Sam Eaton must be doing something right. I saw Quantum Eye in August 2007 while visiting NYC from San Francisco and enjoyed every minute of it -- GET UP AND GO SEE IT!
I'm a magician who's been doing magic for over 30 years, which means I've seen *a lot* of magic, big shows and small, from Vegas to Paris to Hollywood's Magic Castle. The great thing about Eaton's ... read more show is that you're right up close in a stripped-down performance space with a few chairs, a low-key bar, and a few spotlights overhead -- in a word, it's street magic without the street: raw, off-the-cuff, with warts and all. It was refreshing in an age of TV camera effects and screaming stage productions.
Eaton's work is *amazing*. His predictions were downright scary, he pulled names out of ladies' heads, memorized an entire deck of cards, and much more -- old time parlour magic at its best.
Yes, there were a couple of hiccups, but only when he was dealing with drunks, the young, or the otherwise mentally challenged. It's not Eaton's fault if a volunteer who looks like she's reeling from too many Merlots can't remember her card, or can't fix an image in her mind for Eaton to pick up on.
For the detractors who say Eaton's show is too slow, I say not at all. Mentalism is like jazz or stand-up comedy: the performer has to take a little time to crack a few jokes and get to know the people watching him, *especially* if he plans on reading their minds. Watching Eaton in the theater's stripped-down space, you get the feeling that you're in on something special -- it's relaxed, like how magicians might do tricks for each other backstage when they're not performing, little amazing miracles without all of the fancy hooplah. There are a few lights and some musical chintz, but they seemed to me like a postmodern joke -- a nod to the process and trappings of stage that Eaton eschews.
Bottom line: Want an exciting evening of mind reading and other impossible mental feats in an intimate performance space where anything might happen (especially given all of the excited drunks)?? THEN CHECK OUT QUANTUM EYE!!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 17 |
two thumbs up and a big toe as well... Review by: Smuckers, Aug 11, 2007 |
I have seen The Quantum Eye twice once with friends after an evening out and once with family including small children and I must give a definite thumbs up to both experiences. I was looking for info on another show and was taken aback by the two neagative reviews on this site. I'm no psychoanalyst, but it's certainly obvious by the length and obvious denial in his review that betrays an agenda to smear a great show.... read more.(seems a bit too contrived Brooklynite) I can convey that I saw two unique and entertaining shows which seemed to use audience participation to the extreme fun and amusement of all. The host, was quick and off the cuff and thoroughly entertaining. PPl please save your 500 word diatribes for your diaries and secret manifestos.
ps loved the music
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Family
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Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 18 |
Fun little show for the family! Review by: newyorker, Aug 10, 2007 |
| I saw this show as a skeptic and not to much knowledge on the whole magic thing.The Quantum Eye was a lit of fun and very entertaining. There is audience involvement so if you are with a group of people it is a blast when a friend from your group gets chosen to go on stage. Eaton does some great tricks that leave you wondering on to how he figures it out! This show is highly recommended for groups and a nice family outing. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| 19 |
Loved it Loved it Loved it - and yes, he read my mind! Review by: mastermind, Aug 9, 2007 |
The Quantum Eye Rocks!!! Alright, I've never been quite a 'believer' and was definitely skeptical about this show... at first. He blew my mind! I've been trying to figure out how he did it since I went and am still clueless. I volunteered for one of his demonstrations and he completely read my mind. It was incredible! I recommend this show for everyone - kids included! I'm probably going to have to go one more time to see ... read more if I can figure out how he can read minds.
Awesome Show!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 20 |
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Review by: JWizardM, Aug 4, 2007 |
JUDGEMENT: The show was bad. I love magic, but this was the worst magic show ever NUMBERS: I saw Sam Eaton's "Quantum Eye" on 7/13/07 for $35-student ticket-plus the $3.00 online fee. Broadway shows like "Spring Awakening" charge $26.50 for student tickets. WHY IT WAS BAD: He presents seemingly 5 tricks in the entire 70 boring minutes. If he sped up and did more magic, perhaps the show would have a chance. He has no confidence and no stage ... read more presence. He's so quiet that he requires a microphone that doesn't help. Eaton failed three tricks: 1 His 11.5 minute opener trick ended with him incorrectly guessing which of four volunteers held the only green mint; 2 the first of three boxes malfunctioned in a trick with a card locked in them; 3 he had a lady pick a random word from a book he provided then very awkwardly failed to "read her mind" -- it definitely wasn't part of the show to mess up. He walks into the audience, including the rear, during parts of the show for long periods. As we left, there was an overwhelming consensus of audience members feeling upset at the money wasted.
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Unfortunately miserable in every way Review by: Brooklynite, Jul 29, 2007 |
| I love magic and mentalism, and have been to see a handful of such shows in NY over the past several years: Ricky Jay, Marc Salem's "Mindgames", Steve Cohen's "Chamber Magic", Gerry McCambridge, Eric Walton's "Esoterica", to name a few. I always go in with great hopes and expectations, since I love the experience of seeing a truly great performer and entertainer in this wonderful field. Let me also make clear that I have no connection with ... read more or against Sam Eaton or any other performer, and have nothing to gain by writing a good or bad review. But I feel morally obliged to art, theater, and magic lovers to say my piece. Sorry to say, I was more than underwhelmed at Sam Eaton's performance; in fact it was the second-worst I've seen (and far far below all those above it). Every piece Eaton performed took far too long to stay enjoyable, interesting, or even understandable. His voice was too soft to be heard, much less to be commanding or entertaining. He stumbled over his lines, many of which were garbled and improvised. The set selection was terribly constructed, beginning with a piece that isn't impressive enough to be an "opener", and ending with one that is a massive letdown as a "closer". Some of the effects of which I know the secret, Eaton performed in such a terrible way that no one realized how difficult they were--e.g. in the card memorization effect, he stood right next to the subjects and for all anyone knew could have been peeking through his squinted eyes. He "failed" at 2 effects, 1 partially and 1 entirely; furthermore he left himself no "outs" (a magician's terminology for a way of dealing with a mistake), and everyone groaned in sympathetic embarrassment. Knowing some of the mentalist literature, I know that some of the effects are literally word-for-word from certain recent (though well-esteemed) instructional books. Eaton made errors in presentation that so deflated the effects, in such an obvious way that my generally happy and easy-to-entertain wife was groaning and wanting to leave. Eaton chose children to "volunteer" for certain effects for which their hands were too small, which ruined the routines. Many of the more "original" pieces and patter made no logical sense. There was absolutely zero production value, no set dressing of any kind (the stage was bare, showing all ropes, pulleys, etc. in the background, like an abandoned theater), and the "music" was inaudible, staticky, stop-and-go, and out of context. I must say I did like Eaton's personality; he seems like a nice guy. I just don't think he should be in this business, and I can't believe anyone has been entertained. I hope I'm wrong and just saw him on a terrible, terrible night in an alternate universe in which nothing that was supposed to happen did (in fact it was raining terribly and the crew was allegedly late, so maybe certain props were missing. I hope.) Be that as it may, this was my experience and I certainly wouldn't recommend the show; it degrades the beautiful art of mentalism. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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GO GO GO GO! Review by: LEC, Jul 26, 2007 |
GO SEE THIS SHOW!
It's a ton of fun. You WILL be amazed . . . guaranteed! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I have one thing to say about this show ... Review by: Keith , Jul 12, 2007 |
| FANTASTIC! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 24 |
Go see this show ... it is wildly entertaining and very intelligent Review by: DavidNYC44, Jul 9, 2007 |
| I had a blast! Spectacular show. I am definitely going to go back. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 25 |
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SHOW Review by: Kathryn J., Jul 3, 2007 |
| Sam Eaton's show was thoroughly enjoyable. And my children were entertained for the entire duration. They are still raving about the great time that they had. I would highly recommend that everyone go see The Quantum Eye. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 26 |
ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL ! Review by: Dhalia , Jun 26, 2007 |
| This was a thoroughly entertaining show. I only visit New York maybe every other year. So, I make sure that I try to see the best that the city has to offer. I came across this show quite randomly. What a delight! I highly recommend that everyone see Mr. Eaton. Not only does he have talent, he embraces class! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 27 |
Sam Eaton ... please come to San Francisco! You're show is wonderful! Review by: Danny63, Jun 22, 2007 |
| Just wanted to thank BroadwayBox for letting me know about this show. My family and I just visited New York last week and saw The Quantum Eye. It was excellent! And what an interesting title. Does anyone know if the show goes on the road? I hope that Sam Eaton (the magician) comes to San Francisco at some point. If not, then I'll have to return to New York. Thanks again! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Kids
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 28 |
Is it possible to give someone more than 5 stars? Review by: Eliza, May 22, 2007 |
| I saw Sam Eaton perform for the first time about a year ago. I was so impressed by him that I hired him for a private party. He did a fabulous job and I highly recommend him. I am thoroughly impressed with every element of his show, from his unique performance style to the originality of his "tricks." On a personal level, Mr. Eaton is such a charming and professional man. Go see his show and have a lovely time! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 29 |
You MUST see this show Review by: Drew, May 17, 2007 |
| I've been to tons of magic shows around the world. I would rate this show as one of the best that I've seen. My fiance and I are really into this particular type of magic (mentalism). It really makes you think how they do it. Sam Eaton did things that I've never seen performed before. Go see it! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 30 |
Leave your secrets at the door - the Quantum eye is watching. Review by: Joy at Speak The Speech, May 13, 2007 |
Sam Eaton is a warm, friendly, boyishly sweet guy with an easy laugh... and he's also your typical, every day mindreader. Of course, we pooh-pooh at the idea of genuine ESP - we're all too jaded and sophisticated for that nonsense... aren't we? But deep down, admit it: you WANT to believe in magic. For approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, 2 shows every Friday night until December 28th at the Jewel Box Theater, Sam Eaton allows us to believe. ... read more And you know what? It's fun!
The atmosphere in the lobby before the show is a mingling of skepticism and a desire to be amazed - and a sense of community. We're all in this together. You are seated after everyone has arrived, and the seating is done with a purpose. So no switching seats! If you're afraid of 'the front row' and you are seated in the front row: get over your fears. Nothing bad will happen to you. Audience participation is a necessity in this performance and volunteers are welcomed... although sometimes not always chosen.
Everyone espouses a desire to know "How it's done" - and I would suggest that you can find out how to do any of the illusions you see at any mentalist show by simply doing a bit of research on the Internet, in the library, at a magic shop. But the truth about magic is that no matter how much we say we want to know the secret: we really don't. Those who really want to know become magicians. The rest of us want to believe.
Go see this charming, intimate and astounding show. You will want to know how he does it: but I can tell you right now. If you promise to keep it a secret. Ready? It's magic. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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