Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter

Reviewed by Reza Vojdani
Malibu Playhouse
Through August 3

Malibu Playhouse’s world premiere of artistic director Gene Franklin Smith’s Flim Flam: Houdini and the Hereafter (directed by Thomas James O’Leary) examines the life and spiritualism of famous magician Harry Houdini (Rick D. Wasserman). Perhaps best described as historical fiction, the play centers around Houdini’s friendship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Peter Van Norden) and their mutual interest in psychics, andvalidating what is real and debunking “flim flam” — a flashy trick to make someone believe a lie is the truth. The men’s wives, Bess Houdini (Melissa Kite) and Lady Jean Conan Doyle (Gigi Bermingham) are paired against them, attempting to support their husbands while dealing with their own personal struggles.

Though initially portrayed as a stubborn and staunch non-believer in the supernatural, Houdini’s persona and character development comes off as detailed and introspective. In contrast, Doyle’s portrayal is single- and simple-minded through their numerous scenes of debate, which fall into a predictable pattern of viewpoint and counter-viewpoint;  enthusiasm and skepticism. The interplay between the two couples follows a similar pattern. Still, the story of how reality and “flim-flam” seep into the larger society keeps the action so engaging, it masks Doyle’s simplistic rendering.

Houdini’s critical view of swindling provides valuable insight to the nature of mystery and belief in an age without the Internet or instant access to informational media.

Stylized props and magic tricks (courtesy of Magic Consultant Jim Bentley) keep the action grounded in both its more serious and surreal moments: The illustrious magic tricks provide levity and wonder, with effective, surreal lighting (by Leigh Allen). Musical director Beverly Craveiro’s period piano accompaniment spreads icing on the design cake.

By the end of the play, apart from the well-executed theatricality and staging, we’re left with an experience that asks us to consider and reconsider the “truth” behind psychics, spirituality, and the afterlife. Though Smith provides a near definitive answer to the question of whether spirits and true mediums exist, the play also invites us to question if we are ever really seeking the truth, or if we settle for the “flim flam” — just enough razzle dazzle to make us believe a lie as the truth. Just like a good magic trick, the show saves its best surprise for the end.

Malibu Playhouse, 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through August 3. (310) 589-1998 malibuplayhouse.org/flim-flam/