Review: 'Trap Doors' at Noisy Nest

Will Coile’s “Trap Doors,” written and performed by Coile and directed by Amanda Bird, is a deeply personal one-man magical theatre experience that blurs the line between illusion and introspection. Performed at The Noisy Nest, the show follows Coile as both magician and storyteller, guiding the audience through a series of acts that explore identity, fear and the masks we wear to face the world. Beneath the sleight of hand lies a meditation on vulnerability and the courage it takes to open the doors we keep locked within ourselves.

Coile commands the stage with undeniable charisma. His performance feels effortless, balancing humor with sharp emotional honesty. While his magic routines are technically impressive, it is the moments of self-reflection that make “Trap Doors” stand out. In one of the show’s most affecting scenes, Coile delivers a vulnerable monologue about the mask he wears in public, confessing that it is not who he truly is. That moment strips away all illusion and reveals the emotional core of the piece. The magic becomes secondary to the truth he is sharing, and that truth hits harder than any trick.

Will Coile in "Trap Doors" at The Noisy Nest (Photo courtesy of the theatre)

Bird’s direction brings clarity and focus to Coile’s storytelling. Her pacing is well-judged, building energy as the show progresses without ever rushing its quieter moments. The staging keeps Coile front and center, creating intimacy between performer and audience. Bird leans into the show’s fragmented storytelling, allowing the transitions between theatrical monologue and magic performance to feel organic and intentional. The shifts are never forced, instead, they enhance the rhythm of the narrative and deepen the emotional impact.

Visually, the production achieves a warm, intimate atmosphere. The stage is framed by black curtains draped with red velvet, with two glass shelving units filled with books, trinkets and framed photos, small tokens that seem to represent pieces of Coile’s life. The lighting remains soft and low throughout, adding a personal tone, but at one striking point, UV lighting transforms the space during a key illusion. Coile’s blue suit and tan boots give him a grounded, understated authority, a magician who feels more human than mystic, which perfectly fits the tone of the show.

Sound design is minimal, which serves the production well. Aside from a guest performer singing before the show begins, there is little to no music or ambient sound. The silence draws attention to Coile’s voice and movements, allowing each moment to breathe. This absence of sound gives the performance an authenticity that suits the introspective nature of the piece.

Thematically, “Trap Doors” explores the fractured nature of identity, the tension between who we are, who we pretend to be and who we fear becoming. Coile’s reflections turn the experience into something larger than a magic show; it becomes a mirror for the audience. Watching him confront his own fears invites us to consider facing our own.

The audience remained engaged from start to finish during a recent performance, responding with laughter, gasps and moments of complete stillness. “Trap Doors” is thoughtful, intimate, and disarmingly human. It is a must-see for anyone who loves theatre that does not just entertain but challenges and transforms in the process.

“Trap Doors” performed Oct. 17 to 31 at The Noisy Nest, 148 S. Doheny Dr., Beverly Hills. For more information, visit TheNestLA.org. Run time is 90 minutes with no intermission.