You might honestly believe magic is real in this world thanks to Beyond: The Magic of Ming Da, which could end up being the best show I’ve seen at Fringe World 2020. Tough competition out there.

Upstairs of the Library Nightclub is the Mindbendr Bar, a rather interesting design for the top floor of a nightclub with faux-stained glass window panels and an interior balcony, as well as semi-circle couches adorned with gold chains connected to the ceiling. It’s like a church, but with alcohol. So a really fun church!

In this attempt at resembling holy ground, Ming Da makes it a safe space for him to practice the dark arts of illusion, and…CARD TRICKS! DEMON!!

Honestly, Ming Da is a wonderful and thoroughly approachable showman, someone who knows exactly what he’s doing to the point of wondering if he’s secretly a thousand years old and just actually a true master magician. Maybe it’s because for so long the world has been stuck with washed-up rocker-looking wannabes or the silk-shirted illusionist who wouldn’t be out of place in a fashion magazine. Ming Da comes in, sharply dressed, unassuming and humble at first, and blows you away with his simplicity and the constant feeling of not knowing how the hell he did any of it.

That’s what makes a good magic show. It doesn’t matter if you might have heard of his tricks before or if you might have a passing idea of how they MIGHT be done, it’s still an utter mystery. Watch his hands as much as you want, it’s still invisible and what you’re left with is utter disbelief and a steady understanding of why Ming Da has been such a sensation in Asia and the United States.

Beyond: The Magic of Ming Da is a lovely event to attend because you’re entertained, delighted, and thoroughly captivated while still getting to learn how special magic is to Ming Da. Coincidences and chance are irrelevant when you are witnessing someone just get better and better with their craft. You cannot miss it!