Mischief Theatre, responsible for “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “Peter Pan Goes Wrong” is at it again, bringing yet another production to the New York stage billed as “Mind Mangler, A Night of Tragic Illusion.” If you happened to view either of the two previous shows you might find yourself a bit disappointed with this newest endeavor, which might be considered a one man show with a sidekick. It could be addressed as a joke or trick show, with a lot of audience participation. Although there are a few legitimate mindreading segments, illusions or so-called magic tricks, most of the evening depends on the same repetitive joke and a plant in the audience. Of course, in step with their previous shows everything goes wrong with the attempted magic, but the problem that exists is that the audience becomes aware of the set up long before the execution, therefore diminishing the comedic effect.

The playwrights Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Sheilds have envisioned a great concept but fail to fully engage the audience after the first thirty minutes of the show, when repetition becomes evident, and the British humor begins to fall flat. They do attempt to weave failure and success, along with incompetence and skill into the proceedings but this formula also wears thin. The running time of two hours with an intermission is far too long and could easily be cut to ninety minutes without the interval. Mr. Lewis portrays the inadequate magician with an informal tone and quick improvisational repartee with audience members, which is the funniest part of the show. It is quick, clever and unexpected. Jonathan Sayer plays Stooge (Steve) the plant in the audience, and he competently puts the ‘miss’ in Mischief by making absolutely everything he was involved with go wrong. When together on stage they reminded this reviewer of Laurel and Hardy, or Jackie Gleason and Art Carny, proving to be a delightful comedic pair.

Director Hannah Sharkey makes the best of the broad humor and sight gags, moving the action along, but is hindered by the lack of depth and unvaried content of the script. Lighting design by David Howe resembles a Las Vegas lounge show with bright colors and flashing lights, which pairs well with original music composed by Steve Brown. This may not be considered to be good theatre, but it does fall into the category of good entertainment. There is no reason to dissuade anyone from going to the theatre for a night out, simply to have a few laughs and a good time. As a bonus there are a few astonishing illusions and magic tricks that everyone should enjoy.