Dendy in “Nothing Up My Sleeve, Simple Deceptions for Curious Humans.” Photo by Margot Schulman.
Anticipation from one slow reveal after another leaves people in awe about what they just saw in the phenomenal, magical experience, “Nothing Up My Sleeve, Simple Deceptions for Curious Humans.” Co-written by Director Aaron Posner and master illusionist Dendy, the new production features the latter mesmerizing the crowd with sheer skill and sincere showmanship. Part of the 2026 Bonnie Hammerschlag National Capital New Play Festival, the original, one-man show is making its world premiere at the Round House Theatre. It shines with joyful storytelling and clever sleights of hand inspired by legendary magicians who came before rather than relying on gimmicky, flashy over-the-top gestures.
…phenomenal, magical experience…sheer skill and sincere showmanship.
The beauty of “Nothing Up My Sleeve” stems from Dendy truly tapping into the senses, enthralling the audience with his talent, words, and arsenal of cards, wands, balls, and other objects. The artist is in his element, effortlessly sharing the pivotal moments that eventually led him to the stage and his chosen field of conjuring. With every trick comes a turning point in his life, from receiving his first magic kit to meeting new friends, securing his first gig, working with Penn & Teller, among other milestones that are also magical in themselves.
Fun is in the air as Dendy brings willing participants into the mix, baffling and surprising onlookers even more. It is especially delightful to see people think of numbers, suits, and colors in the different tricks, only for the illusionist to get it right every time. Ultimately, what transpires is a thrilling time built from a thoughtful body of work that feels like fascinating chapters in a book, each one building on the last and conveying as much about the man as the method.
Although Dendy is at the center of it all, the creative team behind the scenes pulls everything together brilliantly. A striking red curtain frames the set, while video vignettes offer glimpses of magicians from years past, a cabinet of curiosities, a dressing room off to the side, and other intriguing artifacts that draw the audience deeper into his colorful, imaginative world. Scenic and Projection Designer Dan Conway, Costume Designer Jeanette Christiansen, Lighting Designer Thom Weaver, Sound Designer Sartje Pickett, and other crew shape the atmosphere with intention, ensuring every detail unfolds without a hitch.
By the final act, everyone is full of so much joy and a genuine sense of wonder that stays with them long after they step back into the real world.
Running time: Two hours with one 15-minute intermission.
“Nothing Up My Sleeve, Simple Deceptions for Curious Humans” runs through March 15, 2026 at Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 240.644.1100 or go online.
