Broadway star and multiple Drama Desk nominee Ryan Silverman will portray the most famous illusionist and showman of all time in an original musical, The Impossible Man, featuring more than 20 stage illusions, some never presented before. This announcement comes 98 years since Houdini’s death.
The new musical will preview in Italy’s Lake Como in Spring 2025 with the official world premiere set to be announced later in the year. Director and writer for The Impossible Man is Federico Bellone (latest production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera). The Broadway-style music, influenced by the magician's Hungarian origins, is composed by Giovanni Maria Lori.
The illusions include a new appearance of an elephant on stage and a brand-new take on the classic Chinese Water Torture Cell. Paolo Carta (Mary Poppins, Ghost, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory in Europe) is in charge of the show’s magic with choreography by Gillian Bruce (latest Phantom).
Ryan Silverman will originate the role of Harry Houdini in The Impossible Man, with two special previews (April 23 & April 24, 2025) in the prestigious setting of Sociale Theatre in Como, following a workshop in Italy in the preceding weeks. With performances that ‘stand in memory’ (The New York Times), Silverman has appeared on Broadway in Side Show, Chicago and The Phantom of the Opera.
“Getting to be involved with a new production is always an honor,” said Silverman. “Playing the role of Houdini will be a challenge I’m thrilled to take on, and with such a respected creative team. I’m beyond excited to jump into the world of The Impossible Man!”
Director and writer Federico Bellone commented, “The show is so based on magic, that we need, at this point, to experience it through a full production.”
The Impossible Man is based on the true story of the famous figure and its storytelling takes inspiration from modern TV Shows, where the narrative bounces between the present (1926, on the day of the celebrity's last performance) and various episodes from his past. Casting will be announced shortly.
Tickets, starting from €40 (including presale), are available on Vivaticket.it for April 23 and 24 previews.
