By Marisa Dawson, Photo courtesy of Outback Presents

Comedic magician Justin Willman is bringing his all-new One For The Ages Tour to the Omaha area this Saturday, February 7, at The Astro Theater in La Vista. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the show starting at 7:00 p.m. This all-ages event promises a fresh experience packed with mind-bending magic, sharp comedy, and plenty of audience interaction- perfect for families, couples, or friends looking for a memorable night out.

In an exclusive interview ahead of his Omaha performance, Willman shared insights into what makes his live shows special, his journey from comedy roots to magic, and why he’s excited to perform in the area for what he called his first big live theater show here.

Willman, known for Netflix specials like Magic Lover and his Magic for Humans series, has transitioned magic from TV screens back to live stages. He emphasized the unique energy of in-person audiences.

“Oh, man, it is that instant feedback,” he said, describing the uniqueness of every show and audience. “What I like to give people is a night that feels like stand up comedy rolled in with magic. You know it’s fast, it’s funny, it’s interactive.”

He added that in an era of solitary phone scrolling, live shows offer something rare: “I think these days we’re so used to watching stuff on our phone alone that to be able to have a shared experience is a real anomaly these days. And I love to bring that city to city.”

Willman’s comedy-first approach sets him apart from more traditional magicians. “Comedy was my first love,” he explained. “I grew up watching Johnny Carson and Steve Martin and I just love to laugh.” Magic became his entry point to perform humorously, drawing in skeptics who might skip a “serious” magic show.

His performances feel spontaneous because, while he has a roadmap, he thrives on detours. “Best case scenario, the show takes these little detours where I can kind of go off on this ride for a second, and then it inspires callbacks later,” he said. “I think for the audience, it feels like, wow, this can’t happen every night. And I think that’s the feeling I want to give people.”

Willman hopes attendees leave with laughter and connection. “The comment I love the most is, ‘I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time’,” he noted. He aims to create “core memory” moments for families and friends, sparking conversations on the drive home or even inspiring kids to take up magic.

Reflecting on his own childhood wonders, like touching a disappearing birdcage as a skeptical 6-year-old or watching a street magician roast his dad, he now rediscovers awe through his young children (ages 7 and 3). “As a father getting to kind of relive my childhood is a new introduction to wonder,” he said.

One surprising lesson from years of performing: People rise to the occasion when pulled onstage. “Without fail, people just pony up and kind of dance with me in a way up there,” he observed. “It’s pretty awesome that I’m able to give people the opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and be a star.”

In today’s tech-saturated world, Willman believes magic hits harder with simple, tangible moments- no AI involved. He teased one intricate trick inspired by his son’s love of Back to the Future, involving “sending a borrowed object from the audience through time.” While it appears effortless, it requires “about a week’s worth in prep… every show.” You will have to attend the show to check this one out!

Willman also stressed empathy in his work, especially since becoming a dad. He avoids making anyone the “butt of the joke,” wanting everyone to leave feeling great. “I feel like in person, especially, I have to look those people in the eyes… I don’t want anyone to feel like they were the scapegoat,” he said. “My job is to make every single person walk out of there feeling great.”

For Omaha audiences, he’s particularly pumped: “I’m very, very excited for it… I think if people are on the fence, you know, just come on out to the show. I think it’ll be a night out that feels special… It’ll feel like you are a part of the show no matter where you’re sitting.”

Don’t miss this chance for a shared, phone-free experience full of surprises. More info and tickets can be found here: https://theastrotheater.com/event/justin-willman/

See you at The Astro on Saturday! Stay tuned for more exclusive content following Saturday’s show.