| Threshold | Cosentino |
| Written by Stephanie Glickman |
| Monday, 04 August 2008 01:41 |
 He’s a magician on a mission. With his assistants, riggers, pyrotechnicians and manager in tow, Melbourne boy Cosentino is touring his blend of magic, illusion, escape acts and dance to the far reaches of Australia. There’s nowhere he won’t travel and no trick he won’t attempt, even if his mother fears for his life. The rigours of transporting cumbersome gear, from electric chairs to metal-spiked 2x2 metre Perspex boxes in an unrelenting touring schedule would make most people’s heads spin. But for Cosentino and company, this is all in a day’s work Already on his 4th national tour, the guy is only 24 years old. With youthful exuberance, he oozes love and passion for the art form that took him from shy suburban boy to a national champion by the tender age of 17. Now his sights are on Vegas and nothing’s stopping him! There’s no doubting Cosentino’s remarkable and varied skills, all the more impressive for his young age. He’s flexible – he contorts, submerges and shackles himself in a steel drum full of water. He’s nimble – he wriggles out of a tightly tied straightjacket. He’s dexterous – he picks locks with the smallest of wires. He’s quick – he disappears from stage and reappears seconds later at the back of the auditorium. He’s strong – he bends spoons and wine glasses and, apparently, he’s psychic too, as he can guess numbers that people are thinking of in their heads. He’s got a tanned, waxed body that’s toned to elite athlete standard and he dances with a unique blend of popping, locking and hip hop. Threshold: The Art of Illusion, Dance and Escapes is a packed show and never for a moment does Cosentino’s enthusiasm waver. He hops around stage faster than his limelight-hogging pet bunny Mr. Snuggles and he introduces every act with the most detailed of details. He cracks corny jokes, pulls animals out of hats and scarves out of soda cans and glides through Michael Jackson-inspired tight spins and moonwalks. He cruises the crowd for “a lady” to help him with his next trick, holding her hand as he leads her on stage. He’s emphatic about how “good, good, good” everything is and how appreciative he is for his wonderful audience. Cosentino’s dedication to his chosen craft and showmanship is superior to most and he’s clearly an inspiration to his fans. Unfortunately, his incredible passion is so great that his desire to share everything with us is the show’s weakness. Videos demonstrate the intense preparation he goes through to achieve his hardest acts. They include interviews with diving specialists and engineers, footage of him flexing his ultra-toned body at the gym, and his family expressing concerns for his safety. He’s got plenty of live commentary on the history and description of his props and he encourages the audience to check their authenticity in prolonged inspections. And, in what can only be described as an Oprah Winfrey moment, he stands front of curtain, thanks everyone from his sponsors to the venue’s floor staff and then sits down and proceeds to gives us a lengthy and somewhat repetitive monologue about his childhood entry into the world of magic. He spares no expense explaining why he performs with masks and how his profession has built his self-esteem. It is touching stuff, but not ideally placed after the build up and execution of his wham-bam finale of the water drum escape. When a solo show clocks in at three hours, there’s a lot of truth in the old adage, “Show don’t tell.” Cosentino has everything going for him – talent, great material, a supportive family, youth, confidence and passion. He’s on his way to building himself up as a brand identity and there is no doubt he will be a world class magician in the future. He’s billed as the director, creator, choreographer, costume designer and set designer (not to mention main performer) of this show. Perhaps this is too much. What Cosentino needs next is to step back and have an impartial outside directorial eye tighten up his shtick, find a better pacing and more succinctly meld his earnest sentiments and personal history with his daredevil antics and magic. This would strengthen the show and give better bang for audience’s buck. It may be hard for fans and family to believe but, as adorable and endearing as he may be, there’s only so much Cosentino a general punter like me can take! Cosentino Entertainment and Regional Arts Victoria present Threshold: The Art of Illusion, Dance & Escapes Cosentino For further information visit www.cosentino.com.au TOUR DATES Friday 27th & Saturday 28th June ESSO BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale (VIC) Bookings: 5143 3200 Friday 4th & Saturday 5th July WESTSIDE PAC, Mooroopna (VIC) Bookings: 5832 9511 Thursday 10th, Friday 11th & Saturday 12th July Theatre Royal, Hobart (TAS) Bookings: 5434 6100 Friday 18th & Saturday 19th July The Capital, Bendigo (VIC) Bookings: 5434 6100 Wednesday 23rd July Portland PAC (VIC) Bookings: 5522 2263 Saturday 26th July The Town Hall, Kyneton (VIC) Bookings: 1300 888 802 Wednesday 30th July Robinvale Community Arts Centre (VIC) Bookings: 5026 3253 Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd August Clocktower Centre, Melbourne (VIC) Bookings: 9243 9191 Friday 8th August Esperance Civic Centre (WA) Bookings: 9083 1566 Saturday 16th August Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (WA) Bookings: 1300 661 272 Tuesday 19th August Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (WA) Bookings: 9550 3900 Thursday 21st August Moora Performing Arts Centre (WA) Bookings: 9651 1401 Saturday 23rd August Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton (WA) Bookings: 9956 6662 Wednesday 27th August Camel Lane Theatre, Carnarvon (WA) Bookings: 9941 1146 Saturday 30th August Walkington Theatre, Karratha (WA) Bookings: 9159 6890 Friday 5th September Darwin Entertainment Centre (NT) Bookings: 8980 3333 Wednesday 10th September Cairns Civic Theatre (QLD) Bookings: 4031 9555 Saturday 13th September The World Theatre, Charters Towers (QLD) Bookings: 9787 8472 Wednesday 17th September Mackay Entertainment Centre (QLD) Bookings: 4957 1777 Saturday 20th September Brolga Theatre, Maryborough (QLD) Bookings: 4122 6060 Friday 26th September The Events Centre, Caloundra (QLD) Bookings: 5491 4240 Tuesday 30th September Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree (NSW) Bookings: 6552 5699 Wednesday 1st October Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree (NSW) Bookings: 6552 5699 Friday 3rd October The Hills Centre for the Performing Arts, Castle Hill (NSW) Bookings: 9899 3433 Friday 10th & Saturday 11th October Canberra Theatre (ACT) Bookings: 6275 2700 Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th October Orange Civic Centre (NSW) Bookings: 02 6393 8111 Friday 17th & Saturday 18th October Civic Theatre, Newcastle (NSW) Bookings: 4929 1977 Friday 24th & Saturday 25th October Warrnambool Entertainment Centre (VIC) Bookings: 555 94 999 Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th November Latrobe PAC, Traralgon (VIC) Bookings: 5176 3559 Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd November Griffith Regional Theatre (NSW) Bookings: 6961-8388 Wednesday 5th November Arts Centre, Warragul (VIC) Bookings: 5624 2456
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Comments (8)Subscribe to this comment's feed...
I saw his show and its wasnt all it was cracked up to be. Think twice about using your night out and your hard earned money to see Consentino.
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August 29, 2008
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I just back got his performance and it was amazing. His energy and ability are awe inspiring and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!
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September 05, 2008
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I would have to say that Cosentino is one of the greatest performers i have ever seen.
why do you think that SO many people come to view his magical show? because there is so much strife and cold-heartedness in reality and he shows some of the magic and passion everyone wants to have. If you are reading this Cos, never ever change because we love you just the way you ARE. Chiara Sullivan 15 years old
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September 06, 2008
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I completely agree with Chiara. I have seen the show once already and have tickets for another, with the plan to invite as many people into the wonderful world of Cosentino as possible. I have never seen a show so entertaining, so thrilling, so challenging. I myself am a fellow performer. I have seen many live acts with many of australias top actors. However, nothing i have seen to date has come close to comparing to Threshold. I think this review was a harsh one. We should be praising our home-grown talent not critising it! I think thats the problem though, too many people are skeptical and cynical and do not have an open mind when it comes to seeing a show such like Cosentinos. I believe the "monologue" was hearfelt and sincere and appreciated it as a unique feature of the performance that makes it stand out against all the "regular" magic shows out there. I am a true believer in Cosentino and hope his outstanding talents and efforts take him a long way!! Personal taste is a subjective thing. What one person likes, another may dislike. Everyone is entitiled to their opinion and this is just mine, but i think you should go and see the show to form your own impression-you will be pleasantly surprised!!
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September 30, 2008
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this is the most amazing show! every one who has seen this show, will be amazed!
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October 10, 2008
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I saw this show at the local theater with my three young children (5,6,8) and we all had a great time. My kids spent their time laughing at Mr Snuggles the rabbit driving across the stage behind Cosetino, oohing and aahing at the fireworks and the spectacle of the performance, while I was left trying to work out how on earth he was getting those things to float around !?! An amazing show I'd recommend to anyone, although the dancing did get a little on my nerves. But then the wolf whistles from the ladies indicated that some appreciated it ;)
Congratulations should be given to these guys for taking this show out to places that wouldnt normally host this type of quality production. Cheers Guys !!
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November 03, 2008
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