Magic lovers, get ready. On Saturday, February 8th, Wharton Center will welcome THE ILLUSIONISTS – Live from Broadway, a showcase of some of the greatest illusionists. Among the cast in the 2020 tour are The Mentalist Chris Cox, The Daredevil Jonathan Goodwin, and The Trickster David Williamson. Wharton Center audiences will have two chances to see the show, with 3:00PM and 8:00PM showings scheduled.
I interviewed David Williamson about his influences, the enduring love of magic, and what audiences can expect from the show.
STEFANIE POHL: When did you first take an interest in magic, and who are your inspirations?
DAVID WILLIAMSON: I became interested in Magic as a small child. I read a story about Harry Houdini when I was in third grade and I was fascinated. Shortly after that I found some library books on the subject and I got a magic set for Christmas. I started traveling around the country as a teenager meeting magicians and attending Magic gatherings and festivals. My influences are people that the general public may not have heard of. Great magicians like Del Ray and Albert Goshman and Slydini inspired me and motivated me to make it my profession.
STEFANIE POHL: What is it about magic that continues to endure and draw audiences?
DAVID WILLIAMSON: It’s a timeless truth that people are fascinated with the unknown. Everyone wishes they had magical powers, and a theatrical magic show allows people to witness the impossible and live the fantasy.
STEFANIE POHL: What can Wharton Center audiences expect from THE ILLUSIONISTS?
DAVID WILLIAMSON: Expect the unexpected! We have incredible Illusionists from all over the world with a variety of skills. We have a specialist in grand illusion, we have a dare devil who is the most innovative escape artist alive, I have a hilarious mind reader from the UK, we have a world champion sleight-of-hand manipulator from Korea. There’s something in the show for everyone. There are thrills and mysteries and lots of laughs and a lot of heart.
STEFANIE POHL: Does the venue play a role in the acts that perform in a given city, or impact the performance elements used?
DAVID WILLIAMSON: The venue itself doesn’t play a large role. It’s the mixture of audience members and the energy in the room in each city that gives each show its distinctive flavor. Ours is a live show with plenty of audience interaction, so even though the framework of our show is the same city to city, sometimes it can feel like a completely different show from one place to the next. That’s why I love live performing. In our show, the audiences participation and energy is key.
STEFANIE POHL: What is the feedback you receive most from audiences about THE ILLUSIONISTS?
DAVID WILLIAMSON: “How did they do that?!”
STEFANIE POHL: How has magic evolved over the years, and what is to come in the future of magic?
DAVID WILLIAMSON: To be honest, it hasn’t changed that much from the previous centuries. The basic principles of deception are constant. Technology has allowed us to present smaller magic to larger audiences, and that’s good. It’s hard to tell what the future holds for the art of magic. But I’m optimistic because I’ve met so many smart and talented young people taking an interest in the art.
Don’t miss THE ILLUSIONISTS – Live from Broadway at the Wharton Center on Saturday, February 8th. Tickets start at $36, and the show is recommended for ages 5 and up.