The Illusionists will immerse Heinz Hall in magic

The holiday season will be even more magical than usual when the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust makes a group of seven master entertainers appear on the Heinz Hall stage with their bag of sophisticated tricks and illusions.

“The Illusionists — Magic of the Holidays” is a touring production of a successful show that has wowed audiences around the world, including engagements on Broadway, in London’s West End, and on tour around the United States and Canada.

Scott Shiller, vice president of artistic planning for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, is looking forward to treating local audiences to another opportunity in the city to experience the classic performing art form.

“The art of magic is enjoying a special moment — particularly here in Pittsburgh,” he said. “With the opening of Liberty Magic last year, and Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2020 coming up in just a few weeks, we’re excited to expose more people to magic, and to help them broaden their definition of art.”

While Liberty Magic audiences have viewed close-up magic and sleight-of-hand, Shiller said “The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays” will offer “a large-scale, mind- blowing spectacular — perfect for all ages. We’re thrilled to welcome The Illusionists back to Pittsburgh for this special holiday show.”

The magic makers

The Illusionists’ cast of magic- makers offering seven performances Dec. 26-29 at Heinz Hall will feature:

The Elusive, Valentin Azema: With a French touch, a bit of humor and a limitless passion for the art of magic, audiences will share with Azema a one-of-a-kind experience of wonder and mystery.

The Trickster, Darren Partridge, aka Dizzy: Dizzy’s wild combination of magic, physical comedy and theatrical thievery, delivered with mischievous British charm, leaves his audiences spellbound.

The Transformationalists, Sos and Victoria: Quick-change artists, Sos and Victoria, have perfected their modern interpretation of traditional performance art by combining fashion, stage craft and sleight of hand.

The Manipulator, Florian Sainvet: Born in Bordeaux, France, Sainvet began his career in magic at age 16, but it was while watching his favorite science fiction films at his neighborhood cinema that he discovered his true calling as a futuristic manipulator and illusionist.

The Showman, Steve Valentine: In the last 20 years, Valentine has appeared in more than 250 hours of TV and film, constantly changing and morphing into wild, quirky, funny, dangerous and unique characters.

The Delusionist, Stuart MacLeod: A Scottish BAFTA nominee, MacLeod has created some of the most controversial magic on television, played to sell-out crowds all over the world and tallied more than 100 million views on YouTube.

The Daredevil, Jonathan Goodwin: An escape artist from Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Great Britain, Goodwin is considered one of the most creative and skilled stunt performers in the world, described as “the world’s greatest theatrical daredevil.”

Goodwin said the Illusionists’ “Magic of the Holidays” is the biggest and most collaborative show the team has brought together.

“We all appear and work together in each others’ act, which is really lovely,” he told Broadway World. “Magicians tend to be quite solitary, except for a few famous double acts, but for the most part, they tend not to share very well, and that hasn’t been the case in this production.

“It’s magic tricks, illusions and stunts that people will have never seen before. It’s brand new and also it’s the magic of the holidays.”

Illusions setting for holiday celebration

The creative team for “The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays” includes Simon Painter, creative producer, and Tim Lawson, executive producer.

“The audience response from our record-breaking Broadway run for ‘Magic of the Holidays’ was incredible,” said Painter. “Our cast is performing incredible illusions every night, which is a perfect setting for families to experience and celebrate the holiday together.”