Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Linzy Beltran, Hollywood Fringe Scholarship Winner, created a unique solo show, which is all about 'being Latino.' With her experience as a Latino magician and comedian she dives into creating magic right from the start. One of her first questions is, 'What is your race or makeup?' With her expressive face, her countenances are unbeatable. She is strong, adorable, speaks from the heart and lets her emotions fly, touches everyone unashamedly showing her emotions. She dances wildly if someone is Latino, but with the humor goes flat if someone is not. Her moves are truly distinctively peculiar and solitary. But in a good way!
The show was sold out and many extra chairs were added. While there were more Caucasians in the audience than Latino, but for her "everyone is partly Latino." With her magician clock and the hat, she goes into creating magic. For one of the tricks, she says she will disappear if the show doesn't go well. And has a so-called disappearing act. For another trick she puts the crazy jacket on and has a long hilarious struggle to get out of it. Her ability to gain full trust from everyone was effortless. Everyone enjoyed her enormously. She truly is brilliant, making everyone laugh out loud most of the time. Those big eyes and flexible body movements are penetrating through the audience.
She is an American dream, the first one in the family to accomplish things. With her strong connection to the Country she lives in, she plays a patriotic song and by having the audience in the palm of her hand, she makes everyone that she points out to, 'salute.' Beautifully done!
Natasha Mercado is a director, performer, and visionary of the 'Soft Clown'. Her expertise contributed to developing this act. She pioneered unapologetic vulnerability, absurdism, and emotional depth, so vivid in this show. Her innovative approach has made her have sold-out workshops across the country. From the program notes, "In addition to her performing and directing career, Natasha works with 'The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company,' mentoring youth in under-resourced communities to develop original work that reflects their personal stories. She draws inspiration from immersive theatre, physical comedy, and the transformative power of intentionally shifting the energy in a room."
EL MAGO LOCO is playing at The Cats Crawl, 660 Heliotrope Drive in Los Angeles. The opening was on June 5, 2025, and the rest of performances are on Sunday, June 22 at 6:30 pm, Thursday, June 26 at 10pm and Saturday, June 28 at 2:30 pm. The Performance is 55 minutes long. Tickets are $15. This show is not to be missed.
To purchase tickets go to https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/11938?tab=tickets