Hey everyone,
I'm doing a deep dive into some of the best stage magic acts and stage illusions, but would love to hear what others suggest as their favorite.

I'm working on a story where a magician is forced to commit crimes to make ends meet. I'm working in real magic and illusions that lends itself well for this. So far I have things like quick change, vanishes, and productions, but am looking for something on a bit bigger scale. Everything would be steeped in reality and watching some of these FISM acts is helping but trying to cobble together the best stage acts around.

Thank you!

Andre Koles Levitation is hard to beat.

Nice! Checking him out now. thanks

Take a look at Hans Moretti's The Box, on YouTube. When I saw him perform it, it was even more elaborate than the video, at the finale.

I would have to agree about Hans Moretti. His suspension of his wife on a newspaper tree was also phenomenal!

Andre is no longer performing and never seen a full clip with this effect, only pictures. Is there a source to see the video?
.

Sadly, Andre was called to the great stage beyond in 2022. If memory serves me, there was a television special from either the late 80's or 90's which he performed his levitation on. It was a show that had various magicians, not just him. Not sure if you will be able to find anything online though.

There are so many incredible illusions presented but one that completely floored me is Kevin James Sawing Illusion. Having seen it live twice, its presentation amazed me every time!

https://youtu.be/65ASzyUsOv0?si=OGUVeJ-6hv3g3AtZ

https://youtu.be/raKW6zugZhk?si=i9Mm6K0UsQP9xFgy

Dan.

Pretty much any illusion as performed by Aldo Richiardi , his version of Buatier De Kolta's 'The Vanishing Lady' being a stand out:

https://youtu.be/geSqKxhB0j4?t=526

I saw Richiardi at the Forum in New York City as a teenager with my Dad and I still remember his version of the "Buzz Saw". I went onstage and got an up close look like most of the audience. Closed the show. I got to meet him afterwards, total first class.

David Todd, Love it I hadn't seen that before.

Well, 'Film Magician',...cobbling through old FISM Acts,
..you'd probably already crossed over 'Scott and Muriel';
...they 'won',...a couple of years ago,..
FISM,
with 'this' Illusion.

https://youtu.be/zbput5we4ZE?si=p3qAeivpzXEESCO6

Despite being a bit...prejudice,....
(Scott was a great Street Preformer,
some years ago. : ) )
I still think it is one of the best Stage Acts,.. 'Illusions'.

He takes EVERYBODY down 'the Rabbit Hole'.
....Magicians included!

Funny and Fooling,...
hard to beat.
gallagher

I think Denny Haney's stage act was incredible.

I think we need to define a magic act or show. Dennis Haney's stage show was one of most practical and entertaining shows ever. But it was an entire show.
As for Acts, there are so many. Moretti's paper tree or sword box was unbelievable. I actually got to put the swords in at Abbott's. On the way back to my seat, everyone was asking what I saw....not a darn thing.
Fuki and Kimika did a great flash act as did Ward Thomas. Landis Smith had a masterful stage presence in his show. Alan Shaxon was brilliant in his club act.
Blackstone Jr. whether a small cabaret act or the large stage show absolutely commanded the stage and the audience. I still think the Floating Light Bulb is the great theatrical piece of magic ever.
I could go on an and on. I have been blessed to have seen and worked with some of the best.

David Copperfield is one of the Producers on the "Now You See Me" franchise. This is close to what you're aiming for, I would guess.

You would learn a lot watching the correlation between his actual shows over the years and the pieces they used in the movies. There's a new one coming soon, in case you didn't know.

I personally love David's PORTAL. It's so grand in scale and premise that you just want to suspend your disbelief. It was the inspiration in the first movie btw.

All the best.

OLD POST, but I can now say the Kubrick magic show in St. Pete is the best i’ve ever seen.

Moeretti box

I've enjoyed just about everyone mentioned above. Hans Moretti's "Paper Tree Suspension" was amongst my favorite illusions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUgSVGpBWWE

I got to see Hans and his wife in Germany in the early 80s (Octoberfest).