Shin Lim is a magician known for his incredible performances in Las Vegas. His unique style and mind-blowing tricks have captivated audiences around the world. Born in Vancouver, Canada, Shin Lim discovered his passion for magic at a young age. He began practicing sleight of hand and card manipulation, honing his skills and developing his own distinctive routines. His dedication and hard work paid off when he won the 2015 FISM World Championships of Magic, elevating him to international recognition. In 2018, Shin Lim competed in the thirteenth season of "America's Got Talent" and emerged as the winner.
Yes the performances start promptly at the listed time of the ticket. The doors do not close at the theater, but there may be delays in seating for late arrivals.
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. A medical sabbatical from music study before he embarked on a sustained period of 20 hours a week of practice gave him a chance to refine his approach to close-up magic and develop his own tricks as well as garner a YouTube following.
In 2018, Shin Lim competed in the thirteenth season of "America's Got Talent" and emerged as the winner. His performances on the show showcased his exceptional talent and creativity, leaving both the judges and the viewers in awe. Following his victory, he headlined his own show, "Limitless," at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.
Shin Lim thrills with his spectacular close-up feats in Las Vegas
Be prepared for an audience participation trick right out of the gate when attending Limitless, Shin Lim’s close-up magic showcase inside The Mirage Theatre. Spoiler alert: It involves cards. Although Lim resists his act being referred to as “magic,” as in supernatural defiance of physics, he can’t argue that it’s not magical. He draws too many “oohs” and “aahs” from fans who were introduced to his spectacular brand of sleight-of-hand on America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Once they are seated and see the plastic-wrapped rectangles in front of them, they are fully drawn into Lim’s universe.
That universe was created when Lim exchanged a future playing 88 piano keys for one that orbited around decks of 52 playing cards. Lim was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome while preparing for a career in music, a plot point in his life that is woven into the biographical thread running through the show. The stage set-up is simple: piano, table, crystal-clear jumbo screen above the stage, mentalist Colin Cloud, and Lim’s graceful hands.
Scottish-born Cloud, himself an AGT alumni, transcends mentalist tropes with a rapid-fire delivery and razor-sharp timing. He keeps the show moving quickly with segments that contrast with Lim’s ethereal flow and graceful delivery. One might think carpal tunnel would have hampered Lim’s ability to pull off amazing feats of dexterity, but if he’s feeling any pain, he hides it well.
The ability to manage pain became crucial once the emotive pianist was bitten by the sleight-of-hand bug. Witnessing one trick, the slip force, got him hooked. A medical sabbatical from music study before he embarked on a sustained period of 20 hours a week of practice gave him a chance to refine his approach to close-up magic and develop his own tricks as well as garner a YouTube following. Increasing momentum led to his first International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM) convention in 2012. He came in sixth at the world championship held at the triannual convention, then won first place in 2015.
Television audiences were introduced to Lim that year when he appeared on Fool Us, clearly earning the respect of Penn Jillette and Teller. Like Teller, Lim creates mystique by opting to use few words, if any. The approach works great for international audiences but had to change once Lim’s path directed toward Vegas. He worked on his banter while competing on AGT during the show’s 13th season. By the time he arrived at The Mirage in October 2019, he was a polished pro who had audiences practically eating out of his hands.
Lim draws some of the most enthusiastic audiences on the Strip, creating an atmosphere that causes the proceedings at Limitless to climax in standing ovations. It’s like being part of a big club, with Lim demonstrating his skill to the music of Sting or making cards disappear, only to re-emerge from his mouth with a puff of smoke. He might just be the No. 1 close-up magic performer in the world, a virtuoso demonstrating the art of illusion in contemporary style like no one else can.
The Mirage, ticketmaster.com
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Be prepared for an audience participation trick right out of the gate when attending Limitless, Shin Lim’s close-up magic showcase inside The Mirage Theatre. Spoiler alert: It involves cards. Although Lim resists his act being referred to as “magic,” as in supernatural defiance of physics, he can’t argue that it’s not magical. He draws too many “oohs” and “aahs” from fans who were introduced to his spectacular brand of sleight-of-hand on America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Once they are seated and see the plastic-wrapped rectangles in front of them, they are fully drawn into Lim’s universe.
Shin Lim's performances in Las Vegas have been met with critical acclaim and sold-out shows. His act combines cardistry, music, and storytelling to create a mesmerizing experience for his audience. He seamlessly manipulates playing cards, making them vanish, appear, and transform with impossible speed and precision. What sets Shin Lim apart from other magicians is his ability to blur the lines between reality and illusion. His performances often leave spectators questioning what they have just witnessed, as he effortlessly executes mind-boggling tricks that defy logic. His impeccable timing and flawless execution have earned him the title of "The King of Card Tricks." In addition to his live performances, Shin Lim has also made guest appearances on various television shows, including "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." His talent and charm have made him a favorite among both fellow magicians and fans alike. Shin Lim's success in Las Vegas is a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft. He has redefined the art of magic and continues to inspire and amaze audiences with his groundbreaking performances. Whether on stage or on television, Shin Lim's magic will surely leave a lasting impression and keep spectators questioning the boundaries of reality..
Reviews for "The Illusionary Brilliance of Shin Lim in Las Vegas"
1. Susan - 2/5 stars - I found "Shin Lim Magic Vegas" to be extremely underwhelming. The magic tricks were predictable and lacked any real sense of wonder. Additionally, Shin Lim's stage presence was lackluster and he seemed disinterested throughout the performance. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a captivating and memorable magic experience in Vegas.
2. John - 3/5 stars - As a fan of magic shows, I had high hopes for "Shin Lim Magic Vegas", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While some tricks were impressive, the overall performance lacked cohesion and left me wanting more. The pacing was off, and there were too many moments of downtime between tricks. Personally, I believe there are better magic shows in Las Vegas that offer a more cohesive and awe-inspiring experience.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was excited to see "Shin Lim Magic Vegas" based on the hype surrounding Shin Lim, but I left the show feeling disappointed. The tricks seemed repetitive and lacked the element of surprise. Additionally, the show relied heavily on pre-recorded videos, which made the performance feel disconnected and less engaging. I had high expectations for this show, but unfortunately, it failed to leave a lasting impression.