
Scott Silven. Photo by Alice Boreas.
“Following an acclaimed off-Broadway run, sold-out world tour, and recently being awarded ‘The New York Times,’ Critic’s Pick, Scott Silven’s ‘Wonders’ is a show for these extraordinary times—a shared experience that explores the power of connection through breathtaking illusions.”
If you have been searching for a family-friendly show that keeps you and your kids on their toes, the illusional stylings of Scott Silven is the perfect choice. His performance is part of Kennedy Center’s RiverRun, an international festival celebrating the world’s rivers and their cultures. The festival began on March 22 (World Water Day) and ends on April 22, 2023 (Earth Day).
…unforgettable performance that goes beyond the limits of our imagination.
Scott Silven’s stage was set in the past, with everyday items bathed in flowing, blue light and creating a unique view, as well as a sense of mystery. Silven is a man of many talents and he connects them all on stage. With the first crowd trick with the audience, extending out our arms, he beguiled us with his wit and physicality. Silven’s Scottish accent is rich and engaging as he spins yarns about his childhood along the river. He is a self-proclaimed mentalist, challenging himself to be connected with everyone. He proves this as he strolls through the audience, picking off the next skeptic and making them a believer. This ability has made him a world-renowned illusionist, mentalist, and agile performance artist.
Scott invites the audience to journey back to a simpler time, when he grew up up near the ancient rivers of Scotland. He asks us to think back to our own childhood memories, special things and places. All the while, he telepathically connects with random audience members and names each of their memories. There is comfort sharing in the wonder and laughter of this unforgettable performance that goes beyond the limits of our imagination.
Running time: Approximately one hour and 30 minutes with no intermission.
“Scott Silven: Wonders” ran April 5-8 at The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566.
For more information on the other remaining performances below, go to this link or call (202) 467-4600. The Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 12:00-6:00 pm. Masks are recommended.
LEONARDISSIMO!—Leonardo da Vinci’s World and Its Waters
April 14 @ 8pm in the Eisenhower Theater
This stunning multimedia presentation about Leonardo da Vinci delves into the great master’s obsession with water. With footage from Ken Burns’ forthcoming documentary on Leonardo and lively commentaries from astrophysicist Mario Livio, biographer Walter Isaacson, Leonardo specialist Carmen Bambach, and UVA art history professor Francesca Fiorani, plus the unveiling of a special portrait of da Vinci by Cuban sculptor/painter Roberto Fabelo and performances by D.C. actor Christopher Bloch, flutist Yana Nikol, and guitarist Cristian Perez, this show promises to give us an unparalleled view of an obsession.
Terje Isungset Ice Quartet
April 14-15 @ 7:30pm in the Terrace Theater
Internationally-known as the pioneer of Ice Music, Norwegian percussionist Terje Isungset creates musical instruments from blocks of natural ice harvested from rivers and lakes in this innovative performance dedicated to nature.
Afropop Worldwide: The African Rivers Project
April 15 @ 8pm in the Eisenhower Theater
This evening of music focused on two great African Rivers will be emceed by Georges Collinet, host of public radio’s Afropop Worldwide, and Banning Eyre, a writer and producer for the show since its beginnings in the late ’80s, and is curated by Sean Barlow and Banning Eyre.
The Water is Wide by Moipei
April 15 @ 9:30pm in Studio K
Enjoy a lively concert of river songs performed by vocal trio Moipei of Nairobi, Kenya, illustrating how rivers impact our lives with their beauty, their majesty, and their power.








