In the business of illusion
Traveling and performing professionally for the past 20 years, Kevin and Cindy Spencer have taken their Theatre of Illusion across the world.
The married couple use stage lighting and other techniques to create a very theatrical performance, Amanda Matthews, marketing director for the Cache Valley Center for the Arts, said.
“It’s the typical magic show taken to another level,” Matthews said.
Part of the Cache Valley Center for the Arts’ 2005-2006 season, the Spencers’ Theatre of Illusion will take center stage at the Ellen Eccles Theater Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m.
CVCA has not had a magic show as part of their repertoire for several years, Matthew said. The idea to bring the Theatre of Illusion came while some members of the committe visited the Association of Performing Arts Presenters conference in New York City. The purpose of the APAP is to help venues and production seasons find artists and performers for various acts, as well as provide workshops for artists.
In fact, according to their Web site, APAP’s mission is to help bring about a world where all people can experience the transformation that comes with live performances, art and ideas can circulate vigorously and freely, and public and private sectors alike support the performing arts as a priority.
The APAP conference helps CVCA bring a lot of high-quality shows to the valley because agents, artists and production companies all meet at the annual event, Matthews said. The organizers for this year’s CVCA season decided to bring the magic show to Logan after hearing about it at the conference.
The Spencers choose the life of touring with their show instead of performing at a steady venue such as a nightly act in Las Vegas, according to their Web site www.spencersmagic.com. In addition to traveling and performing, the Spencers spend time in hospitals with physically challenged individuals to spread what they call the “healing power of magic.” The idea behind their magical therapy is to teach a person with a disability something that most able-bodied people can’t do. This helps boost self-esteem and provides people the opportunity to feel special.
The Spencers’ show requires more than 12 tons of special props and pieces which they bring with them from venue to venue.
“It’s a phenomenal show,” Matthews said.
Tickets range from $10-$20, with a 25% discount for Utah State University students. The event is classified by the CVCA as a “Family Fun” performance, which means that a family with up to four children ages 5-18 will get a 50 percent discount on their tickets with at least one paying adult. For more info, or to buy tickets, call CVCA at (435)752-0026.
-limarc@cc.usu.edu