Making the impossible seem possible is what Kevin Spencer, with his wife Cindy, travels the world doing for a living as master illusionists. However, nothing performed on stage is harder for Kevin to believe than that his childhood dream of being a magician came true.
“Every day I wake up and pinch myself to make sure this is real. I have the best job in the world, doing what I love with the person I love the most,” he said.
The dreams of a five year old boy to be a magician, has developed into the Spencer’s being named the 2009 International Magicians of the year, with their ‘Theatre of Illusion’ which has become the second biggest traveling magic act in the country.
More than just a display of tricks, the ‘Theatre of Illusion,’ differs from most magic acts in that it not only amazes the audience but emotionally moves them. It’s geared to cause the same emotional response as other art forms, connecting with the crowds innermost feelings.
“We call the show ‘Theatre of Illussion’ because it is a combination of our love for theatre and our passion for the art of magic. We believe that magic deserves the same respect as other art forms and, when presented in the right way, magic should move an audience intellectually and emotionally in the same way that good dance, music or theatre does," Kevin said.
The vast majority of illusions in the show were created by the Spencer’s and aren’t performed by anyone else. With the history magic and so many things having already been done, a concentrated effort is made to provide some new twists. Such as when Kevin walks through a solid concrete wall on the center of the stage, it’s a modern version of a trick that nobody had tried since Houdini in 1914.
“People who come will see illusions that have never been seen before. And they will leave with some unforgettable memories,” Spencer said.
Another popular illusion includes the entire audience, as from their seats everyone will be involved in an interactive mind reading experience. The opportunity to involve the audience is one of Kevin’s favorite part of the shows, especially when volunteers are called to the stage as it’s never known what they are going to do.
The ‘Theatre of Illusion’ is geared for all ages as the Spencer’s wanted to create a performance that entire generations of families can enjoy together. “There are very few art forms that mom and dad, the kids, and the grandparents can all enjoy and talk about it afterward,” Kevin said.
All across the county, and as far away as Australia, Honk Kong, Taiwan and beyond, the Spencer’s have been entertaining audiences for over a decade. Providing the public with a new way to view the world of magic by capturing all the elements of good theatre such as drama, danger and personality.
“People don’t always view magic as an art form but we do that by combining music, movement, lighting, special effects, scenery and many other elements to create an evening of theatrical grand illusion. Some have called it a magical concert for your eyes," Kevin said.
On December 5 & 6, Kevin’s magical dream voyage will land at the Victoria Theatre for a 1:00 p.m. and a 3:30 p.m. show each day. Tickets are $19 for adults and $17 for children, and can be ordered by calling (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630; or by visiting www.ticketscenterstage.com or at the Schuster Center Box office.
More about the Spencer’s can be found at www.theatreofillusion.com.
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