Bryan Stoops: Magic, Martial Arts & Standup

Magic, martial arts and mastery– oh my! The energy was infectious and the spirits were high at Bryan Stoops’ world premiere of Bryan Stoops: Magic, Martial Arts & Standup, performed at the iconic Theatre Row on 42nd Street in Manhattan’s bustling Hell’s Kitchen.

Enjoyable, humorous, and riddled with exceptional show of physical skill, Stoops’ performance was as immersive and engaging as it was educational– a combination I found particularly endearing. There is something so invigorating about seeing someone’s passion kindle on stage, and that was certainly evident all through Stoops’ witty deliverance.

Besides performing successfully as a comedian on multiple international stages, Stoops has worked for 20+ years as a schoolteacher and martial arts instructor, holding high accolades for his wondrous tactile performance of the craft. There was indeed something magical about watching his sentiment for the sport come alive on stage. Being able to share one’s gift with others in a way that is uplifting, encouraging, and inclusive is a true talent, and I was ardently impressed with Stoops’ showmanship and brilliant demonstration of catchall tutelage.

I also appreciated Stoops’ ability to connect with an audience. Even through a few fumbles on stage, he kept the premise light and buoyant, willfully and effortlessly refocusing myself and my fellow spectators back to his beaming charm. Overall, his dedication to serving up a night of fun, eclectic entertainment was sustained and I commend him for his well-versed, well-traveled endeavors and successes.

As Stoops himself stated at the closing of the show, “everything counts”, and every experience “makes you, you.” It was such a great reminder to us theatregoers, and people as we are, to remember that we are valuable and unique, and that it is the connections between us that inspire the vigor of life.

Bryan Stoops: Magic, Martial Arts & Standup

Starring: Bryan Stoops

Performed on: October 20, 2026

at The 20th Annual United Solo Theatre Festival

October 19 - November 22, 2026

Reviewer: Grayson Sebert