(L to R) Dennis Diamond, Louie Magic and Daryl Hannah in ‘Elephant Room’ at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Pop culture references from the past creeping into my head throughout Friday night’s performance of Elephant Room, currently running at the Arena Stage‘s Kogod Cradle. The magic of Doug Henning, the goofiness of Wayne’s World, and the ode to the ’70s that was Dazed and Confused all find a place in the production. Throw in a healthy dose of “How’d they do that?!?!” wonder and a willingness to embrace the cheesy gag, and the result is a charming and playful evening of entertainment.

Elephant Room is a vehicle for three illusionists: the Tony Clifton-esque Dennis Diamond, Louie Magic, who could easily pass as a member of Deep Purple or Blue Öyster Cult and Daryl Hannah, a mashup of Garth Algar and Napoleon Dynamite. Their magic ranges from your standard floating person to seeming clairvoyance, all of which takes place with the help of volunteers from the audience, and in a lodge complete with shag carpeting and a lava lamp. Going to detail about each trick is pointless, because it would only ruin the surprise. Plus, I definitely don’t want to give away the stage prop that appears after the last illusion.

The three cast members embody their personae with abandon, and on this night, unlike many shows that rely on participation from the audience, those called to the stage on Friday were particularly engaged and willing to go with the flow. After a strong opening half hour, the pace of the 75-minute performance slows in the middle before picking up at the end. However, there’s little effect on an overall experience that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than what it is — a fun night out.

Elephant Room runs at the Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater’s Kogod Cradle through February 26, 2012. Full schedule and ticket information is available on the Arena Stage web site. $40 + fees.