Magician Bill Blagg Presents April Fool’s Day Magic Show – Pine and Lakes Echo Journal
BRAINERD – The magic of magician Bill Blagg Live hits the Gichi-ziibi stage on April 1st. The 7 p.m. show of large-scale magic and illusions is part of the Central Lakes Community Performing Arts Center’s Cultural Arts Series.
The centre’s director, Patrick Spradlin, said the date chosen for the performance was no accident. “What better April Fool’s Day gift can we give?” ” He asked. “We didn’t showcase a talent like Blagg. This will be a one-of-a-kind event for our audience.
Blagg is described by Spradlin as a sympathetic and magnetic showman. “I’ve met him many times at performing arts conferences across the country. He’s incredibly engaged in real life, and his stage persona really reflects that.
Blagg’s interest in magic began with a gift from his great-grandfather: a professional magic book. As he studied the various effects in the book, he started building magic props with his father.
He chose to put his skills to the test in 1998 by entering the adult stage competition at the Abbott Magic Get Together in Colon, MI, which is also hailed as the Magical Capital of the World. Magic had been Bill’s life for over twelve years. He’d done hundreds of shows, and it all hinged on a single five-minute routine: his dance handkerchief. He had just turned eighteen, barely old enough to enter the contest, and he was about to make magical history by becoming the youngest contestant ever to win the prestigious event. After her victory, Blagg never looked back.
Today, Blagg is one of the nation’s top touring illusionists. Its theatrical magic thrills thousands of people every year. Blagg prides itself on creating new, never-before-seen illusions such as the world’s only rideable hoverboard. He’s also been known to instantly teleport across theaters, smash his 6ft to 6in tall body, smash through industrial fan blades, and more! Blagg constantly receives standing ovations from those who experience his unique talents. He can’t wait to share his mix of magic, personality and performance.
Entertainment Weekly summed up Blagg’s appeal by saying, “Bill Blagg has a charm and style all his own; he’s definitely magic’s best-kept secret!” Other distinctions bear witness to the wonder of Blagg’s show: “Incredible! —USA Today; ‘A Spectacular Show!’—Chicago Tribune; ‘Houdini times ten!’—NBC.
Tickets for The Magic of Blagg Blagg are available at the CLC box office (218) 855-8199 and online at www.clcperformingarts.com. A family package is also available.
This production, and the entire season, is made possible in part by an operating support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible, in part, by the constituents of Minnesota, through a grant from the Five Wings Arts Council, through a statutory appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
