The Magic Behind Broadway’s Paranormal Activity
Cher Álvarez takes center stage as Lou in the play Paranormal Activity, where a couple experiences a haunting. The magic of live theater draws audiences to Broadway, and behind some of this magic are professional magicians working their craft. Paranormal Activity, which premiered on Broadway on August 25, showcases illusions that make the impossible seem real.
Chris Fisher, a member of the renowned Magic Circle society, is behind the illusions in this show. Fisher is one of the few illusion designers who collaborate with costumes, props, lighting, and other theater teams to captivate audiences. His expertise extends beyond Broadway, having created magical moments in productions like Stranger Things: The First Shadow and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
The Art of the Jump Scare
Creating effective scares on stage is challenging. “We use this feeling of sort of drawing you in—and then nothing happens,” Fisher explains. “Then drawing you in again—nothing happens. And then, just on an offbeat, something happens.” Fisher uses this technique in magic to catch audiences by surprise. He remarks that American audiences react more strongly to these jump scares, often leading to more pronounced reactions than in the UK.
Balancing Scary and Silly
Fisher discusses the delicate balance between genuine fear and the risk of becoming hammy. “Something can be scary and cause a shock, but also lead to laughter afterwards,” he notes. He cites the play Blithe Spirit as an example where flying objects can be both terrifying and over-the-top. Sometimes, less can be more. Fisher refers to the “Jaws effect,” where the suggestion of danger—a fin in the water—can be more frightening than the appearance of the shark itself, letting audience imagination amplify the fear.
The Challenge for Actors
According to Fisher, learning magic is tricky for actors. “Magic is fiddly,” he points out, highlighting the demanding job actors have in maintaining naturalism. Actors need to portray characters authentically, and introducing contrived actions can disrupt their performance. Fisher works closely with actors to help them integrate magic into their roles without compromising realism.
Misdirection, the Magician’s Tool
Misdirection plays a central role in Fisher’s magical creations. He notes, “You might be holding something you don’t want the audience to see. Often, actors make this hand stiff, drawing attention to it, while the other hand remains relaxed.” Fisher emphasizes the importance of body language and gaze to direct audience focus, teaching actors to use misdirection effectively. Through practice and attention to detail, magic becomes a seamless part of the performance.