Unfurling a Banner Act

An American flag is on fire at the Wilshire Theatre. Or so it seems.

No, Penn & Teller are not protesting the actions of the U.S. government. They’re displaying respect for the principles that are symbolized by the American flag.

This weeklong gig by magic’s middle-aged scamps marks the local unfurling of their new flag piece, in the second act. Perhaps it was inspired by the indiscriminate flag-waving that followed the events of Sept. 11. But it wasn’t part of their one-night engagements in Thousand Oaks, Escondido and Cerritos in November.

We don’t want to give away the details, so let’s just say that Penn & Teller use a couple of Old Glories, a piece of paper on which is written the Bill of Rights, and their usual legerdemain to make a rather provocative statement.

Some magic fans may not appreciate being asked to consider any subjects outside the world of illusion, but Penn & Teller have never especially catered to that crowd. They’ve always wanted their audiences to think about the meaning of magic and reality.

Also new here are Teller’s apparent transformation of coins into fish and, later, Penn’s apparent transformation into Teller in a piece involving a gorilla suit.

A few other bits were on the one-night programs last fall--Teller’s opening escape from locked boxes, a funny would-be knife-throwing stunt, and the full version of a card trick in which Teller sits on a throne. Dressed in a wizard cap, ascot and smoking jacket, he fans himself and sips tea like a potentate out of a fairy tale. The comic imagery of his cherubic countenance amid these trappings is as much the point as the illusion.

Penn, of course, lacks any semblance of a cherubic countenance. He’s still the heavy, the carnival barker, occasionally the screamer, while Teller offers nary a word. This stark contrast between the two men provides much of the drama in their act, and it’s best illustrated in a sketch in which they temporarily leave behind Penn & Teller and play the roles of strangers sharing a park bench.

At one point in the show, Penn refers to their 27-year partnership and grumbles, “We’re so sick of it, we could spit.” But from the energy and precision of this performance, there’s no indication we’re supposed to take that literally.

This is another opportunity to see Teller’s classic bit in which he carves up a flower’s shadow--or their finale involving bullets shot into each other’s teeth. The fun continues after the curtain call, as a theme song ushers the audience out and the magicians greet theatergoers on the sidewalk.

The theater’s size may be problematic for those who aren’t close to the stage. Penn mentions “these little tiny props and this very big theater.” This isn’t a show in which elephants appear, so try to sit up front. Don’t worry that you’re more vulnerable to being picked as a “volunteer”--Penn goes out of his way to involve individuals from the seats that are farther back.

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“Penn & Teller,” Wilshire Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Tonight and Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. $42-$52. (213) 365-3500 or (714) 740-7878. Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes.