Shin Lim, the famed America’s Got Talent champion, continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional card magic in his residency show, Limitless, which recently relocated to the Palazzo Theater in 2024 after a successful run at the Mirage.
With a three-act structure that narrates Lim’s life journey, the show masterfully intertwines the themes of perseverance and determination.
Lim’s approach to magic incorporates music as a crucial element of his performances. Reflecting on the creative process, he emphasizes the importance of choreography in magic acts, stating, “For creation, I have almost like a set list of music that I really like and that I really want to perform to.”
He further elaborates, “When I’m creating an act, I kind of have a feel for it, about whether it’s gonna match, whether it’s the right vibe.”
In some cases, a piece of music will inspire the creation of an entirely new trick, although he acknowledges the challenges of aligning a linear storytelling structure with musical compositions.
Lim’s early performances included film scores, showcasing his appreciation for the emotional depth that music can bring. When asked about his favorite composers, he enthusiastically mentions Hans Zimmer, declaring himself Zimmer’s biggest fan. Lim shares, “I grew up watching a lot of movies… One of the musicians in movies was Hans Zimmer, and I really admire his genius.”
In his role as the music supervisor for Limitless, Lim curates every piece of music for the show, either selecting existing tracks or collaborating with composers to create original scores tailored for specific acts. He noted that about 50% of the music featured in the show is original, alongside pieces by renowned artists such as M83 and scores from films like Tron: Legacy.
The transition to a permanent residency format has allowed Lim the freedom to experiment with new material, something that is often difficult during a grueling tour schedule. He reflects on his previous experience: “Right after AGT, I did a North American tour and as fun as that was, it was pretty grueling.”
Having settled into the Palazzo Theater, Lim finds the stability of a residency beneficial, enabling daily adjustments to his performance. He shares that he often modifies elements of his show, resulting in an evolving experience for the audience.
Recently, the introduction of various mentalists into the mix has altered the overall energy of the show, proving to be an exciting and dynamic shift. Lim expresses his surprise at how quickly the vibe can change, noting that the energy felt different when performative styles transitioned between acts.
Collaborating with mentalists like The Clairvoyants and performers such as Colin Cloud brings variety and freshness to his show. Commenting on The Clairvoyants, Lim praises their professionalism and talent, particularly highlighting their impressive third act which features an astounding showcase of mentalism skills.
He admits that even as a magician, witnessing their feats leaves him in awe, stating, “Every night, we’re just like, How do they do it? It’s actually quite refreshing to have that feeling.”
Looking towards the future, Lim expresses his intention to keep The Clairvoyants as a lasting part of his residency while also rotating in new talent to maintain novelty in the performances.
With its burgeoning magic community, living in Las Vegas has allowed Lim to foster closer connections with fellow magicians, who frequently visit or reside in the city. “This is, like, magic mecca,” he remarks, appreciating the camaraderie and shared passion that thrives in Las Vegas.
As for his culinary preferences in the city, Lim humorously admits to dining at the Venetian daily before shows, complimenting its diverse restaurant offerings. Off the Strip, he enjoys exploring Chinatown for authentic cuisine, fondly recalling his childhood in Singapore and the distinctive desserts he savored there.
When inspired by those who have shaped his journey, Lim cites his older brother as a key figure. His brother taught him his first magic trick, and Lim acknowledges the influence of his sibling’s dedication and spirit throughout his life.
Conveying the mental fortitude required for success, Lim explains the psychological practices he employs. Drawing parallels to his brother’s pre-competition preparations in swimming, he emphasizes the power of visualization in achieving one’s goals.
As he prepares for performances, Lim engages in a mental practice of ‘psyching’ himself up for the challenges ahead.
With his show, Limitless, Lim continues to push the boundaries of magic while blending it seamlessly with music, creating an unforgettable experience for his audience.
image source from：lasvegasweekly
