Erica Vanlee | Melbourne Magic Festival

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Date Reviewed: 05/07/2026

There is no questioning Erica Vanlee's credentials.

The American illusionist, born in Eunice, Louisiana and now based in Sydney, has built an impressive international career. She has performed with Criss Angel, toured with Masters of Illusion and The Amazing Johnathan Show, appeared alongside Elijah Wood in The Trust, and studied theatre at both Harvard and RADA before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

That pedigree arrives with her at Arrow on Swanston during the Melbourne Magic Festival, along with sparkling costumes, beautiful Japanese parasols and unmistakable Las Vegas polish.

Opening with an elegant umbrella manipulation act, Vanlee tells the audience: "This illusion was passed down to me by my mentor with the Shimada Magic Legacy. I'm one of the few women in the world performing this magic that's rarely seen out of Japan."

It is a striking image. Parasols bloom and disappear as she glides across the stage to atmospheric music. One umbrella briefly slips, but she recovers quickly, her glittering costume and confident smile distracting from the mishap. She has stage glamour and isn't afraid to dial up the sex appeal.

But despite the sensual opening, the performance never fully switches on.

Rather than owning the room, Vanlee often seems to be searching for it. The choreography is graceful but slightly hesitant, and the opening illusion never delivers the sense of wonder it promises.

That feeling lingers throughout the show.

Vanlee welcomes the audience warmly, promising "a little journey... with a beginning, middle, end, some drama." Instead, what follows is a string of competent tricks stitched together with comedy and personal stories that rarely build momentum.

Audience participation is central to the show but proves its weakest element. The volunteers are treated kindly, yet the exchanges feel rehearsed rather than spontaneous. Jokes about margaritas, AI companions, wine clubs and Melbourne fashion earn polite chuckles, but the chemistry never quite sparks.

The card routines are solid, while prediction effects involving VHS movie covers and a colour-changing teddy bear offer visual variety. Both, however, take too long to reach their payoff.

Vanlee is most engaging when she shares her own story.

Growing up in Louisiana, she recalls, "The air is soft like silk to the touch. The fireflies light up the forest with a glow. Tales of spirits and magic passed down through generations around the campfire."

Later, she tells the touching story of losing her childhood dog, Snowflake.

"This was the first time I experienced real magic, and ever since that day, every time I see snow, I think about my childhood friend."

These moments reveal warmth and sincerity, although even they sometimes feel scripted.

Visually, however, the show rarely disappoints. The costumes are glamorous, the parasols are beautiful, and the production carries a polished Vegas cabaret aesthetic throughout. A later danger routine briefly lifts the energy, while the emotional closing illusion hints at a more poetic show that might emerge if Vanlee trusted atmosphere over chatter.

For someone with such an extraordinary résumé, this outing feels surprisingly average.

The technical ability is there. The presentation is attractive. There are flashes of genuine magic.

But the performance rarely catches fire.

"It means so much to me," Vanlee says of performing the rare Japanese parasol illusion.

Her passion is obvious. The challenge now is translating that passion into sharper audience connection, stronger stage command and a performance that matches the promise of her impressive career.

On this occasion, the umbrellas proved more magical than the show itself.

Who's it for?

Families, casual magic fans and audiences who enjoy light-hearted Vegas-style illusion mixed with storytelling.

Highlights

. Elegant Japanese parasol manipulation rarely seen outside Japan. 

. Glamorous costumes and polished cabaret presentation. 

. Heartfelt stories from Vanlee's Louisiana childhood. 

. Strong visual illusions, particularly the opening and closing acts. 

The Melbourne Magic Festivalruns from 29 July to 11 July. It includes 320 performances across 59 different shows, transforming venues around Carlton into Australia's biggest celebration of illusion, comedy and family entertainment. There is something for everyone, from close-up magic and grand illusion to mentalism, circus and children's shows. 

Reviewed by Mary Sinanidis