Nita Fran Hutcheson
Director, Marketing/Development
nfhutcheson@trahc.org or 903.792.8681
October 3, 2007
 

WHAT:            The Spencers: THEATRE OF ILLUSION                        

WHERE:           Historic Perot Theatre
                        Downtown Texarkana
                        219 Main Street (Corner of Third & Main Streets)
 
WHEN:            Monday, October 15 • 7:00pm
                        (Note earlier time so families can come!)            

TICKETS:          $28, $25, $19, $14, $6
                        SPECIAL STUDENT PRICE:  $7 off ALL tickets (except $6 zone)

CONTACT:      Perot Theatre Box Office
                        221 Main Street (Corner of 3rd and Main)
                        Downtown Texarkana
                        (903) 792-4992    Monday-Friday   10am – 5pm
                        INFO:   www.trahc.org <http://www.trahc.org/> or artsinfo@trahc.org
 
<<PHOTOS in Press Room at trahc.org or www.theatreofillusion.com>>
 
"MAGIC" RETURNS TO TEXARKANA'S HISTORIC PEROT THEATRE

Can a woman be folded inside a small 12" box?  Can a man walk through the whirling blades of an industrial fan?  Can a person DEFY the laws of gravity?  Any chance at all of escaping from a water-filled container like the legendary Houdini?
 
Well - yes,  IF you are The Spencers: THEATRE OF ILLUSION!  Cross over the threshold of disbelief at Texarkana's Historic Perot Theatre on Monday, October 15 at 7:00pm for an "unbelievable" evening presented by TRAHC, the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council.
 
Things aren't always what they seem, especially when magic is involved.
 
Master magicians Kevin and Cindy Spencer bring their 21st Century  illusions, choreography, comedy, scenery, lighting and music to Texarkana in a production sure to mystify ALL ages.
 
Critics have compared the Spencers to David Copperfield (who appeared twice at the Perot Theatre) and the late Doug Henning; plus they've called the pair  "modern day Houdinis."  THEATRE OF ILLUSION was the Boston Globe's "Hot Pick of the Week."   The St. Louis Post Dispatch said "…the art of illusion (taken) to an entirely new level."  And from Taiwan: "Mesmerizing!" Even the Ft. Worth Star Telegram got into the act:  "…beyond a magic show into the world of THEATRICAL SPECTACLE."
 
With one of the largest touring illusion companies in the United States, the Spencers transport more than 12 tons of state-of-the-art equipment from city to city.   Their high-tech stage show includes dazzling special effects, puzzling feats of legerdemain, "shut-off-your-rational-mind" illusions, and side-splitting comedy.  They even get the audience involved in some of their antics, Kevin's favorite part of the show.  "Because it's not set up ahead of time, you never know what people are going to do," Spencer said.  Of course, he always cuts someone in half, and an audience member even gets to be part of the "Spikes of Doom!"  
 
This duo has spent more than 10 years defining the art of the impossible. Working with some of the leading inventors, creators and builders in the industry, they incorporate original never-before-seen illusions into a powerful theatrical experience for the entire family.
 
The Spencers have been named Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year six times, sharing the title with David Copperfield, but have held the title longer than any other performers.
 
The Spencers: THEATRE OF ILLUSION features amazing feats that are guaranteed to take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions - and keep you on the edge of your seat!   This is more than a magic show.  It's where artistry and theatre coverge; where intellect and amazement collide; and where impossibility and inspiration are inseparable.  THEATRE OF ILLUSION is a magical concert for the eyes!   Miss this and you miss - well, magic!
 
Tickets are $28, $25, $19, $14, & $6.  SPECIAL STUDENT PRICING:  $7.00 off ALL tickets (except $6 zone).  Call 903.792.4992 or buy regular priced tickets online.  For student special, call 903.792.4992.
**See below for Bio Sidebar & "The Healing of Magic."
 
Support for Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an Agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Endowment for the Arts; the Texas Commission on the Arts; the Cities of Texarkana, Texas and Texarkana, Arkansas; Women for the Arts; and the many generous individual and corporate TRAHC Members, Community Business Partners and program sponsors.

BIO SIDEBAR:  
 
Kevin Spencer grew up near Jackson, MS, attending colleges in Tennessee and Virginia.  He studied to be a clinical psychologist, but magic was his hobby, and main interest, beginning the Christmas he was 8 when his parents gave him a magic kit.
 
Deciding psychology was not what he really wanted to do, Spencer went on the road, doing illusion shows primarily in Texas and living with friends.  However he used his training to read the minds of his audiences, which he still does!
 
His wife Cindy was part of a stage crew at one of his stops; and although she was dating a light and sound technician, she and Kevin "connected"  (on and off stage) and their relationship became "magic" for both.  They've now been together, and on the road, for 24 years.
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THE HEALING OF MAGIC

When not performing, part of the Spencers' mission is "The Healing of Magic," teaching simple magic tricks to therapists in rehabilitation facilities, schools, and hospitals.  These are designed to help improve the cognitive and motor skills of the developmentally challenged as well as victims of strokes, accidents, spinal cord and head injuries.  
 
The Spencers will be in Texarkana working with several groups on October 11.  For more information, call Charlotte Smelser, Director of ArtsSmart Institute for Learning at 903.792.8681.
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TOUR SCHEDULE:
           Tyler - Oct. 9
            Longview - Oct. 13
            Texarkana - Oct. 15
            Nowhere else in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma or Louisiana!