The Illusionist Who Thinks in Crosswords
Step into a world where secrets unravel, minds are challenged, and nothing is quite as it seems. TorontoPages is thrilled to welcome master illusionist and acclaimed New York Times crossword constructor David Kwong to our city for his much-anticipated Canadian debut of The Enigmatist. Blending sleight of hand, brain-bending puzzles, and captivating storytelling, Kwong’s show is an immersive theatrical experience like no other.
With deep family roots in Toronto—his father hails from the city—Kwong’s upcoming two-week residency at the Lighthouse Theatre feels like a homecoming. From solving puzzles in the lobby’s “Puzzle Garden” to decoding cryptic clues woven throughout the performance, audiences are in for a truly interactive evening of mystery and wonder.
We caught up with David ahead of his Toronto run (June 10–22) to talk about magic, memory, and what it’s like to combine illusion with intellect. He also shares a fun puzzle challenge for readers to try themselves.
Prepare to be amazed—and maybe even outsmarted—as we dive into the mind behind The Enigmatist.
Welcome to Canada! How does it feel to make your Canadian debut with The Enigmatist?
The Enigmatist is an evening of magic, puzzles, and cryptography (codebreaking). There are brainy magic tricks, and a box that the audience must collectively unlock to reveal the mysteries inside. I also regale the audience with the story of America’s first codebreakers. Also, the puzzles start right away! Audiences are encouraged to come early to the show, where they have the option of solving puzzles in the lobby. This is called the Puzzle Garden and ties into the show!
With your father being from Toronto, does this performance feel like a homecoming for you?
I could not be more excited to be back in this city that I call a second home. My father is from here, and I’ve spent a lot of time with my family in Toronto. I am a proud dual citizen, and this is a very special and meaningful return!
For those unfamiliar, how would you describe The Enigmatist in one sentence?
The Enigmatist is an evening of magic, puzzles, and cryptography (codebreaking). It’s an immersive, interactive show in which the audience solves puzzles and figures out the final answer.
What drew you to combine magic, puzzles, and storytelling into a single theatrical experience?
I think that all magic tricks are puzzles. They challenge your brain to see if you can figure out the solution. And with The Enigmatist, I weave these tricks and challenges throughout a story about two of America’s first codebreakers.
What kind of puzzles or illusions can audiences expect to encounter during the show?
The puzzles start right away. Audiences are encouraged to come early to the show, where they have the option of solving puzzles in the lobby. This is called the Puzzle Garden and ties into the show!
You’re a New York Times crossword constructor. How does puzzle design influence your magic—and vice versa?
It’s all storytelling! Even a New York Times crossword puzzle is a little story, a compact magic trick. There’s a theme, some twists and turns, and a surprise reveal at the end. And hopefully, when you have that “aha moment,” you feel smart and accomplished!
Can you walk us through your creative process when building a new illusion or puzzle?
I try to find a secret meaning in things. When I’m building tricks for The Enigmatist and other performances, I take a step back and think, “These coins and cards can be laid out to have a double meaning as Morse code! These white and black books can double as barcode!”
What’s the most surprising reaction you’ve had from an audience member during The Enigmatist?
The best thing that happens during a show is when a young kid stands up and solves puzzles before any of the adults. That’s happened in every city, and I can’t wait to see what young geniuses Toronto has in store!
Do you customise any part of the show depending on the city or country you’re performing in?
Puzzles and magic are universal! But I might tweak some of the explanation of how the New York Times crossword comes together. For example, in the UK they have a different style. So it’s fun to pontificate on the differences.
What’s the significance of performing in Toronto, beyond your family ties?
Toronto is, in short, one of the great cities for theatre. I know that smart, savvy audiences are going to love the show!
What role does history or literature play in The Enigmatist?
I’m a great lover of history and studied the history of magic many moons ago in university. And my mother is a history professor at the University of Rochester. I’m looking forward to regaling the Toronto audience with a little-known and fascinating story from the annals of puzzles and cryptography.
Are there any Toronto-based landmarks, stories, or ideas you’re thinking of weaving into the show?
I’m going to add in some stories from my childhood for sure. I spent much of my childhood in downtown dim sum restaurants and the shops of Queen Street, where I hunted for vintage magic tricks.
Do you consider yourself more of a magician or a storyteller—or are the two inseparable?
The truth is that most magic shows do not tell a good story. I consider myself both, and I’m excited to share this multi-layered evening of mystery and surprises with everyone in Toronto.
Outside of The Enigmatist, what other projects or collaborations are you excited about right now?
I recently published a kids’ book of magic tricks called How to Fool Your Parents, which is now in its fourth printing! It’s been doing very well! I continue to promote it and I’m working on a sequel. I love sharing magic with young, brainy minds—I’m basically channelling my 10-year-old self in this book!
How do you personally define the art of illusion in today’s tech-savvy world?
We will always have a need for magic and mystery. What’s so fun about The Enigmatist is that it is a return to good old-fashioned sleight of hand and the power of one’s brain. I think people find it refreshing to come see live theatre and turn off their phones for a couple of hours.
Finally, can you give us a small teaser or puzzle for our readers to try?
Toronto has only Os as its vowels. In fact, some of you might remember the Toronto Toros from the World Hockey Association! That’s five Os! Here are some other phrases that have only the letter O as vowels. See how many you can get:
-Where couples may be seen kissing (2 wds.)
-Will Ferrell movie set at a university (2 wds.)
-Traditional, observant
-Sliding car option with tinted glass
-High-tech officer in film
Your message for us at TorontoPages Magazine (TOPS).
Come stretch your brain with me at The Enigmatist! I can’t wait to see what brainiacs are in Toronto!
