Melbourne Reviews

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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