Mindplay

Reviewed by Joseph Klink
Geffen Playhouse
Through January 8 

RECOMMENDED

Directed by Andrew Neisler and co-written with Josho Koenigsberg, Mindplay is the creation of performer and mentalist Vinny DePonto.

The show is staged in an intimate space that frequently floods with blue light and shadow (lighting design, Pablo Santiago) and involves participation from members of the audience through their own memories and self-reflection. DePonto has the gift of creating trust by virtue of how he speaks and listens. Audience interaction is interwoven with DePonto’s various sleights-of-hand and the production’s wonderful design elements. There’s an element of surprise too, visually and otherwise. It matters not if you come in believing in mind tricks or mind-reading, or if instead you are among those of us who are skeptics. As performer, DePonto communicates his ideas with a personable warmth, so that each minute we’re there seems filled with sincerity.

It’s been over 10 years since I last saw a mentalist perform. I participated in the show at the time but in the end I was disappointed. My experience at Mindplay — which incorporates a narrative, as opposed to none — was different.  However, because of the nature of the material, I am bound not to be too specific, so as to leave the evening a mystery. But if you’re curious, even a little, follow it and let that lead you to this unique experience.

Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., West L. A.; Tues.-Fri., 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2:30 pm, Sun., 1 & 7 pm; thru Jan. 8. Running time: 80 minutes with no intermission. www.geffenplayhouse.org