Ghost Stories Mystifies Audiences at 1923 Prohibition Bar at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

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I truly enjoy magic and mentalism shows. I’m the dork sitting there saying, “How the heck did he do that!” Well, that’s just what I said to myself repeatedly as Kent Axell Jr. mesmerized the small audience who clearly shared my wonderment during a 75 minute captivating show entitled Ghost Stories at the 1923 Prohibition Bar at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Disclaimer: I have known Kent socially for sometime now – and I like him – but I had not seen him perform until we experienced and thoroughly enjoyed this immersive experience.

Ghost Stories is more than a show. It is a unique production. I urge you to come early and get in the mood. Patrons are escorted through the bar and behind the bookcase through a hidden door into a private secret waiting room/bar adorned with films of Houdini and Vincent Price whose voices we hear talking about magic and ghosts.

We chatted with the others as the tiny room filled. Some sampled the liquid spirits from the bar menu which included some unique libations like The Secret Chamber Wild Turkey Bourbon, Butter Pecan Syrup and bitters). We were asked to fill out a paper and list some personal detail that no one would know. Hmmm…Then we were led into a tiny spooky dimly lit room which seats a maximum of 30- 40 people. Kent was waiting for us and perhaps some real spirits were in the room as well. Perhaps….

Kent’s personable demeanor, his charisma, is clearly part of the magic. The show is unique entertainment which blends mentalism and magic within a spooky atmosphere. Kent told me that while the show is designed to entertain everyone, it particularly resonates with those who enjoy the spooky, macabre, and mysterious. It’s crafted to cater to an audience that shares his fascination with these themes.

I saw a sign which describes Kent as, “Psychological illusionist.”Yup, that says it very well. He is a superb storyteller as well. I’ve seen some of the illusions before. The room is dimly lit. All eyes are on Kent. He hypnotizes a woman and when he touches someone else, she reacts as though she was touched. There’s the mandatory card trick as well. Telling someone a detail about their past that he could not know. We’ve seen it done. But when he shared what I had written down – Yeiks. He had no way of knowing. Others in the audience were equally surprised.

In the end, it is Kent’s personality and the atmosphere that he creates that makes the experience one that brings his patrons back to see the show again and again. Clairvoyance? Mentalism? Psychic interaction? Bottom line – a most enjoyable intriguing production which I recommend. You can enjoy the show various nights at 7 p.m. For more information, visit GhoststoriesLV.