Impossibilities-Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem!

Impossibilities – Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem! – A Must-See Show in the Heart of Gatlinburg
Local Expert's Rating:
5.0 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Impossibilities – Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem! never fails to live up to its name. At this show, Master Mentalist and Magician Erik Dobell delivers an unforgettable 90-minute performance that takes the audience on a mesmerizing journey. By the finale, you’ll wonder, “How did he do that?” and find yourself tempted to return for another round of mind-bending magic.

- The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

Ready to be amazed? Impossibilities – Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem! is beckoning you over for an unforgettable night of entertainment in Gatlinburg. This high-energy show features the perfect mix of incredible illusions and side-splitting comedy, keeping audiences of all ages spellbound from start to finish.  

At the heart of it all is Master Mentalist and Magician Erik Dobell, known for his uncanny ability to peer into your thoughts. He’ll predict what you’re thinking, reveal your secrets, and make the impossible possible. But that’s not all. Erik is also an amazing magician who can make things disappear, float in the air, and transform right before your eyes. Plus, he’s hilarious, so you’ll be laughing the whole time.

So, it’s no wonder why visitors make this a must-do stop on every trip to Gatlinburg. In fact, some people even plan their entire vacation around getting tickets. How do you get tickets, you ask? You can easily snag them online by visiting the Impossibilites website or simply call the Iris Theater. Or, if you’re already in town, just stop by the theater box office instead.

It’s almost always better to get your tickets ahead of time, though, especially during the peak travel season. The theater only has about 90 seats, so shows fill up fast. As you look at tickets online, you’ll often find that the prime seating sells out almost as fast as the shows land on the schedule. But never fear; the small theater setting means there’s truly no bad seat in the house.

Once you have your tickets, plan to show up a bit early to find parking at one of the 30 nearby lots and then locate the theater itself. The Iris Theater way in the back of the Gatlinburg Space Needle complex, making it easy to miss if you’re not familiar with the area. Also, keep in mind that the theater does not have concessions. So, you might want to come even earlier to visit a local restaurant before heading over to the theater.

From the moment you step into the Space Needle complex, you know you’re in for something special. The intimate setting is perfect for Erik’s style of entertainment. You’re not watching from a mile away like those big Vegas shows. You’re right in the middle of the action. When Erik starts revealing audience members’ thoughts or making impossible predictions, you’ll be close enough to see everything—and you’ll still have no idea how he does it.

The energy in the room is electric, especially when people get to come up on stage and become part of the show. Each interaction adds an extra layer of excitement as audience members react with amazement, laughter, and disbelief. Watch jaws drop as Erik invites someone onstage and perfectly recreates the drawing they sketched in their seat—without ever seeing the original. Then, just when you think that’s impossible enough, he’ll even predict the exact word a random guest is thinking.  

At the end of the show, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to go back for another. It’s the kind of experience you can’t wait to relive. Unfortunately, there’s only one show per night, so if you’re still in town, consider booking tickets for the following evening. Otherwise, you might want to just make it a tradition to catch Impossibilities whenever you’re in Gatlinburg. Each performance has its own surprises, making every visit just as thrilling as the first.

Insider Tips:
-Want to bring all of your friends and family to see the show? Call ahead to learn about their group rates and enjoy a discount on your tickets.
-Bring a camera to take photos before and after the show. Erik often comes out to pose for pictures with audience members, adding a personal touch to an already unforgettable evening.