Penn & Teller delightful dose of disrespect

Joe Delaney

Friday, Aug. 1, 1997 | 9:39 a.m.

Penn & Teller are unique practitioners of the magical arts, iconoclasts as well as wits and humorists of the first order. This critic becomes an audience member right from the start. Be forewarned: I am prejudiced when it comes to this double dose of disrespect for conventional performing. We find them the onstage equivalent of Mel Brooks' classic film, "The Producers," with Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, which I show at home approximately once every six weeks.

P&T's current Bally's program starts with "Stackers," the world's largest card trick with fork lifts and 52 cards weighing 27 pounds each. Next, little Andrew from the audience assisted the duo with restoration of polyester. "Looks Simple" reveals legerdemain as practiced by Teller, described by Penn, the big guy who does all the talking, quite funny. Teller, the little feller, takes the brunt of most of the near-mayhem that occurs.

Penn does juggle and eat fire, seated on a sofa with comely Kari Coleman. There is a barrel with things through it, a seance, a cement block, and a hilarious spoof featuring Mofo, The Psychic Gorilla. The 85 minutes end with a mind-boggling bit with two bullets, pre-marked and identified, discharged from guns and winding up in the mouths of Penn and Teller, the two shooters.

Our point about the film, "The Producers," is that you can see Penn & Teller many times, laugh just as hard each time, and enjoy it just as much. There will be a new show, book and tour starting in November. You can bet we'll be there when it opens and more than once before it is replaced with another new show.

Meanwhile, if you've never experienced Penn & Teller, do so this weekend.