When you’re a global icon like Kermit the Frog, you can’t just say yes to every request that comes down the pike. So it’s a measure of Rob Lake’s skills and accomplishments that Kermit and some of his colleagues signed on to join “the world’s greatest illusionist,” as Lake has been called, for Rob Lake Magic: With Special Guests The Muppets, a holiday extravaganza that began performances October 28 and is set to open November 11 at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre.
When asked about his imminent Broadway debut via email, Kermit — responding in green type, naturally — said, “I’ve always been fascinated by magicians — we’ve even worked with some in the past on our TV shows. I like to pay really close attention to see if I can figure out how they do their illusions. And trust me, I’ve been watching what Rob does in rehearsals — and ya know I can’t blink my eyes — but I still can’t figure out how he does what he does. But I do know he makes people happy, and that’s what The Muppets always hope to do as well.”
For Lake, who has wowed audiences in more than 60 countries — to say nothing of his appearances several years back on America’s Got Talent, which scored over 80 million views on YouTube and Facebook — appearing on Broadway with the Muppets is “a dream on top of a dream.”
“I was always a theater kid,” explains Lake, who went to theater camp and took acting classes in his youth. “I would be fantasizing and drawing and dreaming up ideas for a large-stage theatrical productions. As I was doing birthday parties and library shows in my hometown, I’d be saving up my money to buy an illusion, a big stage trick. I built up my show incrementally, piece by piece, but the goal was always New York.”
While his new show marks his own Broadway bow as a performer, Lake contributed to the dazzling illusions on display in the hit musical Death Becomes Her and served as illusion designer for the touring production of Aladdin. His design and creative consulting credits have also included Harry Potter philharmonic global arena tours, Sesame Street Live, Walt Disney Imagineering, and pop superstar Adele’s residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Rob Lake Magic has been curated especially for its venue, Lake says. “The Broadhurst is an amazing theatre; there’s not a bad seat. It feels very intimate, so performing these large illusions on this stage feels very personal. I have to be very vulnerable, because there’s nowhere for me to hide, no distance or space. The magic is right here in front of us, and that’s really exciting and thrilling.”
Lake has structured the show “to take the audience on a journey theatrically through what magic and illusion mean to me. I don’t just go, ‘Trick, trick, trick — fooled you!’ Because, to be honest, no one likes to be deceived. For me, magic is about wonder and enchantment and storytelling, and I use the theatre to do that. I share my passion and share my inspirations, and I hope the things that inspired me and brought wonder to me do the same for the audience.”
Of the show’s seasonal element, Lake notes that the holidays are “such a special time, because you spend so much time at the end of the year with your friends and family, the ones close to you. I can see the audience — there’s just enough glow from the stage light that I can see their faces just enough — and I can see their faces when an illusion’s about to happen, and I break character and smile.”
Lake adds, “The coolest thing for me is not only are their jaws open and they’re stunned, but immediately they’re sharing their reaction, that experience, even with strangers. And I think now we’re so isolated, we’re so addicted to our devices, that we lose that connection, and you can’t experience it any way better than live and in person. To get to have something that organic and authentic with those that are special to you — that’s really magical.”
Referring to his special guests specifically, Lake stresses, “We grew up with the Muppets; they’re part of our lives. I want their fans to know that I understand the gravity of working with Kermit and the gang, and the privilege of the position I’m in, and I don’t take any of that lightly. I want to make sure these guys get the reverence and attention and love they deserve.”
Miss Piggy will be among the Muppets on hand. When asked if it will be poignant to join his old flame onstage, Kermit replied, “Miss Piggy and I are friends and have been for such a long time now. We see each other almost every day, and we get along great. But beyond that, that’s all I’m going to say at this point. A frog’s got to have a little privacy.”
Lake is similarly evasive when asked what other Muppets will be joining the pair, quipping, “A magician never reveals his secrets.” Kermit, for his part, says only that he and his pals will take part in the illusions. “For anything more than that, you’re just going to have to watch the show. I don’t want to be the one to spoil the fun!”
