Saturday, March 29, 2008

Houdini Illusion Wows Crowds at Second Annual Magic Show
Jaci Hoffman

March 31, 2008 (SANTA CLARITA)—-An amazing reenactment of a famous Houdini illusion performed by three young boys was the highlight for many—-and the grand finale—-at “An Evening of Magic” March 29, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley.

“The boys worked closely with the experienced magicians in our ring and practiced faithfully—-and it paid off,” said Bryan Lake, a magician in Ring 280 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) and also an employee of the Boys & Girls Club.  “It was a difficult illusion that went off flawlessly.”

Thirteen-year-old Thomas Ellery, who made his debut at the first annual event in 2007, performed the feat with first-time stage magicians Andrew Grill, 12, and Lucas Bugbee, 11.

More than a dozen acts entertained 300 attendees at two shows.  They included magicians with decades of experience—-one with nearly 60 years under his belt.  Nearly $3,000 was raised for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley.

“It was great to see so many diverse styles of magic and it was a great event for the community,” said Fred Blanco, who drove from Sylmar to see the show.

Close-up magic began 90 minutes before each of the two performances and gave attendees a chance to interact with performers who used cups and balls, playing cards, balloons, rope, currency, and other props.  The two-hour stage shows started at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The event was held at the Boys & Girls Club in Newhall.