Cessy Newmon
This Tuesday, for one night only, the record-breaking THE ILLUSIONISTS-MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS will be onstage at the Performing Arts Center in Jacksonville. Having originated on Broadway, the show features rotating performers who have wowed audiences around the world since 2012.
Multi-award-winning Chris Cox – The Mentalist – has performed on Broadway, London’s West End, and the Sydney Opera House. He stars in the BBC’s “Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic” and “Killer Magic” and has appeared on NBC’s “The Today Show.” The New York Times describes him as “a hyperactive Harry Potter who knows what you’re thinking.”
When asked about how the show was slanted towards the holidays, he replied that the performers have developed their acts to feel extra special for the holidays. There’s snow, holiday music, special video design… everything is set to put a lovely holiday spin on this show. “For example, as a mind-reader I like to help you out by reading the minds of your family members to tell you exactly what they want for the holidays this year.” Cox loves performing at this time of year. “I love that the magic of the season leaks into the magic of our magic show and everything feels all the more special. There’s something about the holiday season which brings out the joy in people and that’s exactly what our show does. It brings audiences together to laugh, be amazed and be filled with magical joyous holiday cheer.”
This holiday production has four performers in addition to Mr. Cox, who has been with the show for five years. At times they work together on grand illusions, but they each also bring their own unique blend of magic to the stage. It keeps the show super fast paced as the switch with each other; there’s always a different form and style of magic from a different performer coming up.
Kevin James – The Inventor – is a world-class magician and one of the most viewed ever on YouTube. He is known for his unique comedy and magic, has performed in 110 countries, and headlined top theaters, including Broadway, the West End, and Las Vegas.
James More – The Deceptionist – gained fame from his 2013 “Britain’s Got Talent” audition, amassing over 100 million YouTube views. He became the first British magician to appear on Broadway. Mr. More has also appeared on “The Ellen Show,”
“America’s Got Talent,” and “Tonight at the London Palladium.”
David Williamson – The Trickster – is an award-winning magician with over 40 years of experience, known for his unique comedic style and audience participation. He has performed globally, and his magic instruction book has been translated into five languages.
Pablo Canovas – The Unforgettable – has gained international acclaim as a prodigy, holding the record three times as Spain’s youngest illusionist winner. He earned titles such as “Golden Magician” in Paris and “Heir of Illusion” in the House of Magic. He leaves audiences questioning reality and marveling at his talent.
Cox’s main regret with the show is that he can’t be in the audience watching! “I think the main thing I want to say is just how utterly fun The Illusionists Magic Of The Holidays is. It’ll make you laugh more than you expect, it’ll make you say wow, it’ll make your jaw drop and it’ll amaze you. It is so much fun and it really is a show for everyone.”
THE ILLUSIONISTS-MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS is at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts November 26th ONLY. Ticket prices vary based on show and seating. For tickets, go to fscjartistseries.org or call (904) 632-5000.
by Cessy Newmon
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