It’s Magic!, the United States’ longest‑running magic and variety revue, will celebrate its 70th anniversary with two performances at the Lobero Theatre on 11 October. Lobero LIVE and promoter Terry Hill have scheduled a matinee at 2:00 and an evening show at 18:30, bringing a rotating cast of acclaimed illusionists and specialty performers to the Santa Barbara stage.
Line‑up of vaudeville‑style illusionists
The programme promises a mix of sleight of hand, theatrical illusion, mime and comedy. Announced performers include:
- David Zirbell & Co — described in promotional material as towering at 7 ft 1 in, Zirbell combines dance, theatricality, comedy and large‑scale illusion, often using colourful props and live animals.
- Christopher Hart — widely recognised for portraying the expressive “Thing” in The Addams Family films; Hart brings full‑body magic and intricate sleight of hand. He is a two‑time recipient of the Hollywood Magic Castle’s Stage Magician of the Year award and has received honours from Siegfried & Roy and Princess Stephanie of Monaco.
- Ron Saylor & Co — a Gold Medal Award winner whose act blends illusions, music and audience participation; his résumé includes appearances in Las Vegas and at premier US events.
- Kenrick “Ice” McDonald — billed as an internationally acclaimed master magician and “The Magical Phenomenon,” McDonald is a member of the Society of American Magicians’ National Magic Hall of Fame and has appeared on television specials such as Masters of Illusion, The Tonight Show and The Daily Show, as well as on NPR.
- Tina Lenert — a Magic Castle Stage Magician of the Year whose signature Maid in Heaven routine mixes mime, silent comedy and magic; her career has taken her from the London Palladium to Monte Carlo and numerous television appearances.
“It’s Magic! brings to the stage the finest stars of magic, comedy, sleight of hand, and stage illusions,” Lobero LIVE said.
What to expect and why it matters
The It’s Magic! revue is a living piece of theatrical history: originating as a touring variety show, it has sustained a multigenerational audience by rotating high‑calibre performers drawn from the Magic Castle and international circuits. The Lobero presentations aim to replicate the traditional vaudevillian mix — short, punchy acts that shift in tone and tempo so families and aficionados alike always have something to savour.
Audiences can expect a balance of spectacle and intimacy. Some acts rely on large illusions and stagecraft, while others showcase close‑up dexterity and theatrical character work, giving the evening variety and pace. The presence of performers with television and Las Vegas credits underlines the revue’s industry pedigree.
Practical information
The two performances on 11 October offer options for different audiences: a daytime family‑friendly show and an evening performance that tends to highlight more theatrical or sophisticated numbers. Tickets are available through Lobero LIVE; prospective attendees should consult the venue for seat availability and any age recommendations.
| Event | Date | Times | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s Magic! 70th Anniversary Revue | 11 October | 14:00 & 18:30 | Lobero Theatre |
For South African readers who follow international touring productions, the Lobero presentation is a reminder of the enduring appeal of live magic: it remains a communal, immediate form of entertainment that rewards repeat attendance because line‑ups and segments change with each season.
Keep an eye on local promoters and regional touring calendars if you’d like to see comparable revues closer to home — the touring model that sustains It’s Magic! is frequently mirrored by festivals and theatres seeking family‑friendly variety programming.
