The magic of live theater takes an unexpected turn as American Theater Group (ATG), in collaboration with Union County Performing Arts Center’s Free Play Reading Series, presents “The Unwitting Magician”, a singular, one-night-only theatrical experience at UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage.
Unlike any traditional performance, this show begins with a lone actor stepping onto an empty stage, armed only with a music stand and a sealed manila envelope. Inside lies a script the actor has never seen, its contents a complete mystery. With no foreknowledge of what will unfold, the performer embarks on a journey that blurs the line between theater, improvisation, and magic. As the script is revealed to the audience in real time, the actor becomes swept up in a whirlwind of impossible feats, playful surprises, and moments of sheer wonder, transforming into an unwitting magician who challenges perceptions of control, narrative, and possibility.
The work is a creation of Jeremy Dobrish, a director, playwright, and artistic leader known for developing bold new plays and musicals. Dobrish has directed productions at Second Stage, MCC, Joe’s Pub, The Promenade, and Actor’s Playhouse, earning multiple Lortel and Drama Desk nominations for his work. His creative vision is on full display in this performance, inviting audiences to witness a live experiment in theater where spontaneity and storytelling collide.
The production features Stacey Linnartz, whose credits include “Our Town” with ATG, “Life Sucks” with Wheelhouse, and “God of Vengeance” at Barrow Group. Linnartz’s performance promises a captivating mix of skill, wit, and charm, carrying the audience through a performance that is as unpredictable as it is enchanting.
Following the performance, a Q&A with the playwright and actor allows attendees to explore the creative process behind this experimental piece, offering insight into how the boundaries of theater and magic intertwine.
This special performance is free with registration, giving theatergoers an exclusive opportunity to experience cutting-edge work in an intimate setting. Tickets are available now, and early registration is encouraged due to limited seating. For those who love to explore innovative and boundary-pushing theatrical experiences, Explore New Jersey’s theatre section provides the latest updates on performances, readings, and events across the state.
Click here, “The Unwitting Magician” to secure your seat.
Don’t miss this rare chance to witness a performance where the script, the actor, and the audience all share in the mystery—and discover what truly happens when theater becomes magic.
