In polite company, it is mannerly to watch what you say. In the presence of Peter Brynolf and Jonas Ljung, it’s wise to guard what you think. Known collectively as “Brynolf & Ljung”, the duo has arrived at Off Broadway’s New World Stages for a residency through September 1st in a show entitled Stalker.
The pair rose to prominence on the international stage after an appearance on TV’s Britain’s Got Talent. They also hosted their own series in their native Sweden and have performed live at venues around the world.
Don’t expect the usual sawed bodies or rabbits from hats. Theirs is a totally different brand of magic. One that relies solely on mental concentration and takes a more cerebral approach. Over the course of 90 minutes, they’ll reveal factual tidbits from audience members they have never met and, inspired by then wunderkind Uri Geller, they’ll bend a metal spoon by simply watching it.
Reviewing the program credits, it came as no surprise to learn that these proceedings are directed by Edward Af Sillen. The Brazilian born, Swedish raised director is well-known for his work on the Eurovison Song Contest. Here, he excels at heightening the elements of suspense and he forces audiences to lean into these two amiable and charming hosts. Jamie Roderick’s lighting design has all the looks of a glossy television talent contest with Drew Levy’s sound design adding to the intrigue.
The pair doesn’t always posses a flawless flair for mind-reading. During the performance I attended, Llung’s powers failed over one audience member. Perhaps this is intentional. Without the occasional miss, one would find it incredulous. But they are more often accurate than not
Towards the end, they pull back the curtain on one of their tricks, allowing us to realize how susceptible we all are to the power of suggestion and subliminal messaging. The difficult takeaway: We’re all being stalked by the big technological giant at every turn.
Though it has adult concepts, Stalker is family friendly fare —and an entertaining, much more affordable alternative to the tired Disney shows that plague Broadway.
If thoughts can kill, there will be great deal of carnage at New World Stages through September. Whether you stay for the tricks, or help with the clean-up will be your own moral dilemma to solve-but these guys probably already know what you’ve decided.
Brynolf & Ljung’s Stalker runs through September 1st at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street). For tickets and information, click here.