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Review: The Vanishing Elephant at Stage 42

By Anu Kapur, Publisher, Lower Manhattan Macaroni KID & Upper West Side Macaroni KID October 24, 2023

Recommended for ages 8 and older

Stage 42, 422 W 42nd Street

    The Vanishing Elephant at Stage 42 is an enchanting and mesmerizing live performance. From the moment the curtains rise, "The Vanishing Elephant" transports the audience into a world of wonder and intrigue. "The Vanishing Elephant" weaves a narrative around the life of Jenny the elephant, who is captured and taken from India to America, far from her family and her forever friend, Opu. The story unfolds beautifully as the elephant puppet, which grows from a child to a teen, captures the attention of the audience. 

    In addition to its visual splendor, "The Vanishing Elephant" also excels in its use of sound. The carefully curated soundtrack enhances the overall atmosphere, adding another layer of depth to the performance. The combination of visuals and sound creates a sensory experience that lingers long after the show has ended.

    The show is captivating and gently covers topics about animal traffickers and mistreatment. An interesting fact we learned is that "The Vanishing Elephant" is based on true events! In 1918, Magician Harry Houdini gained fame for his “Vanishing Elephant” act, making a five-ton elephant named Jenny disappear on stage at the now-closed Hippodrome Theatre, which is a few blocks from New Victory Theater. Step into the world of "The Vanishing Elephant" and prepare to feel a variety of emotions in a span of seventy minutes!