Saturday, April 15, 2017
Our Mission
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2016-2017 season is made possible, in part, by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and other numerous foundations, corporations and individuals. As a courtesy to the artists and for the uninterrupted enjoyment of your fellow patrons, please turn off all cell phones, pagers, beepers and other electronic devices. Please unwrap any lozenges before the performance begins. No portion of this performance may be photographed, recorded, filmed, taped, broadcast or mechanically reproduced without the written consent of the Artist and/or the Presenter. Mayo Performing Arts Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, MagicSpace Entertainment present
Andrew Basso The Escapologist
Ben Blaque The Weapon Master
Kevin James The Inventor
Colin Cloud The Deductionist
An Ha Lim The Manipulator
Jeff Hobson The Trickster
Dan Sperry The Anti-Conjuror
WITH
Antonio Hoyos Claudia James Katie Jaime Stephanie Potteiger Kendrick Samuel Hollie England Eddie Shellman
Lighting Designer Jared A. Sayeg Paul Smith
Costume Designer Angela Aaron
Video Designer NICE Studios
Illusion Designer Don Wayne
Sound Designer Shannon Slaton
Illusion Director Mark Kalin
Associate Director Kirsty Painter
Associate Director/Choreographer Jenn Rapp
Resident Director Hollie England
Composer Evan Jolly
Additional Compositions Eddie Cole & Dustin Moore
Creative Director Jim Millan Director/Creative Producer Neil Dorward
Creative Producer Simon Painter
Executive Producer Tim Lawson
THE USE OF ANY RECORDING DEVICES, AUDIO OR VIDEO, AND THE TAKING OF PICTURES, WITH OR WITHOUT FLASH, WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF ILLUSIONISTS MANAGEMENT, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST KEVIN JAMES (The Inventor) is one of today’s most ground breaking and innovative illusionists. Some of his ideas have made it into the shows of Penn & Teller, David Copperfield and Doug Henning. He is an inventor and collector of the strange and unusual. Performing on Broadway is a highlight of his career, right next to his performance at the White House. Kevin believes he has a solemn responsibility to remind people of that important sense wonder they felt as a child. Whether he’s holding a rose or swinging a chain saw, anything is BEN BLAQUE (The Weapon Master) Born possible with The Inventor. and raised in the mid-west of Missouri. Ben Blaque was introduced to magic, variety acts AN HA LIM (The Manipulator) 2006 Korea and live performance when he accepted a job Busan International Magic Competition working as a stage tech for the Kirby Vanburch 1st Prize. 2006 Italy Club Convention show in Branson, Misssouri. It didn’t take him Manipulation 1st Prize. 2007 World Magic long to fall in love with magic and illusions and Seminar in Asia 1st Prize. 2008 World Magic the live stage shows that he wanted to create an Seminar in Las Vegas - Golden Lion Award. act for himself. As Protege to Kirby, they both 2008 IBM/SAM Joint Convention Stage decided to start with the crossbow act. Kirby Grand Prix. 2009 FISM WCM Manipulation made a deal with Ben if he learned the act that 3rd Prix. 2009 Monte Carlo Magic Stars he would feature him in his show as a special Special Guest Award variety act. After 6 years of performing in the Kirby VanBurch show and establishing himself DAN SPERRY (The Anti-Conjuror) With in the crossbow performing world. He moved millions of hits on YouTube and hundreds on to perform all over the United States, many of thousands of loyal online followers, Dan beautiful countries and live TV shows including Sperry the Anti-Conjuror has become a social season 7 of Americas got Talent, and NBC 2015 media phenomenon and one of the most sought after live performers working today. His show “I Can Do That”. totally unique style of shock illusion initially captured the imagination of his fans, it is his hilariously eccentric and shocking routines that have grown his popularity across the globe. From headlining sell-out tours to guest starring on popular TV shows, Dan Sperry blends a bizarre mixture of comedy magic and mayhem into an utterly original performance that is as unique as it is entertaining.
ANDREW BASSO (The Escapologist) is Italy’s star escape artist and is fast becoming one of the world’s favorite illusionists. His hero is Harry Houdini and his thrilling escapes take place under water, 150 feet in the air and everywhere in between. Explosives, water boxes, handcuffs, chains, padlocks, straightjackets, cars bursting into flames... his escapes place him within seconds of life and death and have audiences all over the world frozen in suspense and disbelief. You’ll never catch The Escapologist. He is definitively born to escape. www.AndrewBasso.com
KATIE JAIME (Magic Assistant) Katie is positively charmed to be joining the world renowned cast of The Illusionists national tour. She is grateful to get her land legs back after recently stepping off Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway in Rock of Ages as Waitress #1. When she’s not performing, Katie is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor in New York. Regional credits: Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde, Sheila in A Chorus Line, Demeter in CATS (BWW Nom), Anita in West Side Story, and Velma Kelly in Chicago. Big thanks JEFF HOBSON (The Trickster) is an actor, to Mom, Dad, Amber, Marie Stinnett, and comedian, magician, and the only natural blond friends for their support. www.katiejaime.com in the show. He’s been known as “the host of POTTEIGER (Magic Las Vegas” for more than 15 years and is the STEPHANIE epitome of glamour and showmanship. A Assistant) Originally from Buffalo, Stephanie veteran of more than 20,000 live performances is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of The around the globe, Jeff leaves audiences University at Buffalo with a BFA in Dance. laughing long after the curtain goes down. Upon graduation she began her career with Don’t be fooled by his innocent appearance - Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines playing Amber Von Tussel in “Hairspray.” Following “shipThe Trickster will get you every time. life” she continued her career on land with www.JeffHobson.com
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST Spirit Productions performing in their shows in Reno, Myrtle Beach, Osaka, Japan and Beirut, Lebanon. She recently made her television debut on NBC’s “I Can Do That.” Stephanie joined the cast of The Illusionists alongside Ben Blaque in Melbourne, Australia and has continued with this incredible show playing audiences all over the U.S, and Cancun. Huge love to my family and Wubbs for the endless support!! HOLLIE ENGLAND (Resident Director/ Dance Captain/Magic Assistant) World Tour, West End, NBC & ITV Special’s & America’s Got Talent companies of The Illusionists. Hollie graduated from Cambridge Performing Arts (Bodywork) in the UK with a full DADA scholarship, achieving distinction in her Musical Theatre National Diploma and winning the award for ‘Musical Theatre Student of the Year’. Favorite credits: Hans Klok (European Tour), Spirit of the Dance (UK Tour), Legally Blonde: Kate/ Chutney, Scrooge: Mrs Cratchit, 42nd Street: Peggy Sawyer, Snow White: Title Role, Dancing Queen: Title Role, Spirit of Christmas (US Tour). Hollie now resides in LA, where she created the ‘Booked It’ Day Planner for Performers. www.HollieEngland. com www.I-Booked-It.com EDDIE SHELLMAN (Magic Assistant) Eddie Shellman III was born in New York City. Both of Eddie’s parents are professionally trained ballet dancers from The Dance Theatre of Harlem. They instilled in him at a young age the desire to dance and perform. Eddie later found that his true passion was for breakdancing while attending the Univeristy of Hawaii. He actively competes in national competitions, and recently won the first ever ‘World Bboy Battle’ this past year. He currently resides in New York City where he continues to study other forms of dance. @shellz91 on instagram.com KENDRICK SAMUEL (Magic Assistant) Queens, New York native Kendrick “Kenny” Samuel is best known as dancer, performer, and creative artist. Represented by MSA Talent Agency. Kendrick has been featured in The Illusionists US Tour 2015/ Broadway Tour 2015/ Asia Tour 2016, and The Illusionists NBC Special in Los Angeles, California at The Orpheum Theatre. His most recent credits include Assistant Choreographer on Mariah Carey’s #AIWFCIY Concert, Digicel, Rihanna MTV Video Music Awards, and more. Kendrick is honored to work amongst a cast of so many talented artists that is The Illusionists! Check out more featured work on www.kendricksamuel.com and stay updated @kendricksamuel on social media handles. contact@kendricksamuel.com
based in California. Originally from London, Simon started his career as a classical violinist but soon transitioned into producing and creating commercial theatre. During the last 10 years, Simon has been at the forefront of the live entertainment industry, having launched and managed major performance venues and conceived, created and produced acclaimed productions such as Adrenaline and Le Noir. The first show he produced, Le Grand Cirque smashed box office records at the Sydney Opera House selling over 40,000 tickets in 10 days. The Illusionists franchise followed, becoming one of the biggest magic shows of all time, playing in over 50 cities in 15 countries, including performances at London’s Hammersmith Apollo which was broadcast on ITV. The show has since expanded with the stunning sequel The Illusionists 2.0 and The Illusionists 1903 is set to debut in Australia in January 2015. TIM LAWSON (Executive Producer) Australasian theatrical credits include Sweet Charity, Buddy – The Musical, Jolson, Spirit of the Dance, Oh! What A Night, Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol, It’s A Dad Thing!, Weary – The Life of Sir Edward Dunlop, Shout! The Musical, Brave Men Run In Our Family, Jekyll and Hyde, The Rocky Horror Show narrated by Richard O’Brien, A Chorus Line (and London Palladium season), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. With partner Simon Painter, credits include the international theatre and arena tours of Le Grand Cirque, Ariel Dreams, Adrenaline, Le Noir, The Illusionists, The Illusionists 2.0 and the upcoming The Illusionists 1903 – The Golden Age of Magic. Collectively their network spans over 120 cities through 23 countries. www.tmlenterprises.com NEIL DORWARD (Director/Choreographer). A top commercial theatre and TV director/ choreographer; Neil’s worked on critically acclaimed shows around the world: Le Noir ,The Dark Side of Cirque (World Tour), Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline (Sydney Opera House), All Night Long (U.S/ European Tour), Rock Around the Clock (Monte Carlo), Spirit of Christmas (Kodak, LA), Man in the Mirror (European tour). Neil proudly directed The Illusionists franchise from its debut, to the London’s Apollo theatre to Broadway. www.directordorward.com
JIM MILLAN (Creative Director) NYC Play Dead (Teller/Robbins) off Broadway. Mythbusters Live, which sold out across North America and Australia (ongoing). Jim collaborated with celebrity chef Alton Brown on his Edible Inevitable tour (ongoing). As a comedy writer/director he created SPANK! The 50 Shades Parody which has played in over 200 cities/ 4 countries in the last three years. Director/producer of cult comedy legends SIMON PAINTER (Creative Producer) is a The Kids in the Hall. Has directed comedy, visionary creative producer and entrepreneur plays, magic and musicals on five continents
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST in 35 countries in 17 languages in his career The Full Monty, Contact, A Chorus Line, Tap including 150 premieres. Lives in Toronto with Dogs, Sweeney Todd, The Wizard of Oz, The his wife Kyra and children. Drowsy Chaperone, and The Wedding Singer. He was also the Advance Sound on Wicked and JARED A. SAYEG (Lighting Design). His the Production Sound for The Phantom of the designs for theatre, opera and dance have Opera on Broadway and the US National tour. been seen throughout the U.S., Broadway, Shows he has mixed on Broadway include: Off-Broadway, the West End, Canada, Spain, Man of La Mancha, Bombay Dreams, Sweet Edinburgh and Las Vegas. Broadway/NY: Charity, Jersey Boys, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Illusionists (Neil Simon Theatre and U.S. The Drowsy Chaperone, Spring Awakening, tour), Gotham Glory (Carnegie Hall). He was Fela!, Anything Goes, Annie, Legally Blonde, also on the design teams for Primo, Andrew and Cabaret. Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Notable EVAN JOLLY (Composer). Theatre includes: projects include the national tour of Blithe The Illusionists 2.0 (Sydney Opera House), Spirit star-ring Angela Lansbury, The Who’s Le Grand Cirque (Sydney Opera House); Big Tommy (L.A.), The Queen of Spades starring White Fog (Almeida, London); arrangements Placido Domingo (Teatro Real Madrid) and for The Genius of Ray Charles and Thriller: Rolling With Laughter at Her Majesty’s The Musical (West End, UK and US tours). Theatre (West End). He is principal designer of Film and TV credits include Tonight Is USA International Ballet Competitions, held Cancelled (Fastnet Films); Under The Skin every four years, and his architectural designs (FilmFour); Cowboys In India (Channel 4); are seen regularly in restaurants and exhibits. “Graham and Alice” (BBC). Video games Jared became the youngest member of the (with James Hannigan) include Command & United Scenic Artists-Local 829 and serves as Conquer and the Harry Potter franchise. a trustee to the executive board. In memo-ry of Liz Stillwell. www.jaslighting.com EDDIE COLE, DUSTIN MOORE (Additional Composition). They Took Off, ANGELA AARON (Costume Designer). composer/producer/DJ duo of Dustin Moore Angela Aaron began in Europe designing (aka Neon Phoenix) and Eddie Cole. Credits for fashion magazines and continues to include the 2008 hip-hop Grammy-nominated work internationally designing costumes for Nas album Untitled, the original The wide variety of theatrical and commercial Illusionists show score, and many professional productions. Domestic TV credits include artist collaborations. Both are bred musicians: America’s Next Top Model and America’s Got Moore’s mother toured as a rock/funk bandTalent. Music videos in 2015 alone include leader in the 1970’s; Eddie is the greatPitbull’s “Fireball” & Magic!’s 750+ million nephew to Nat ‘King’ Cole. Their multitude of YouTube hit, “Rude”. Angela’s celebrity influences result in a self-designated sub-genre work includes Marilyn Manson, Michael C of Galaxy Music, encompassing elements of Hall & Aerosmith among others. Theatrical glo-fi, underground hip-hop, experimental credits include The Illusionists, Illusionists electropop, and vintage jazz-rock. 1903, Cirque Le Noir & the forthcoming Circus 1903. She loves working with talented ASIA LIVE NETWORK (Producer) creates, teams of creative people while contributing to produces and presents the productions of the visual aspect of a performance with her Simon Painter and Tim Lawson across an costumes. ever-expanding network of more than 250 cities in 25 countries. Their shows have broken NICE STUDIOS (Video Design) is a multi box office records many times over through disciplinary design and production studio many of these territories, including Sydney with locations in Los Angeles and New (Opera House), Broadway (Marquis and Neil York. Founded in 2011 by award winning Simon theatres), Mexico (Auditorio National) visual effects supervisor, Ian Noe, and Emmy and London (Shaftesbury Theatre). In 2007, Award winning animator, Gil Nevo, Nice their first production, Le Grand Cirque at the Studios specializes in promotional videos as Sydney Opera House, became the biggestwell as animated LED content design and selling show at the iconic venue and led to high end print. Nice Studios has supported multiple international productions. They the entire Illusionists franchise including repeated the success over the coming years The Illusionists, The Illusionists 2.0, The with Aerial Dreams and Cirque Adrenaline, Illusionists 1903 as well as Le Noir with print again launching at the Sydney Opera House work, video and creative consultation. www. followed by extensive international touring. nice-studios.com Recognizing the absence in the market of a high-quality touring magic show, the company SHANNON SLATON (Sound Designer) has created a production showcasing seven of designed many national tours including: Elf, the world’s best magicians: The Illusionists Bullets over Broadway, Shrek, Hairspray, - Witness the Impossible, which has quickly The Producers, Kiss Me Kate, Noise/Funk, become the most successful group magic
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST show in the world, with pro-ductions playing simultaneously throughout the world and spawning TV specials on ITV UK and NBC. Following this unprecedented success, The Illusionists 2.0 — The Next Generation of Magic and The Illusionists 1903 — Turn of The Century were created to follow and tour internationally. Their critically acclaimed production Le Noir —The Dark Side of Cirque, has been setting imaginations and box office records on fire, with arenas and theatres transformed like never before, so audiences experience the jaw-dropping, daredevil talents of the world’s finest circus artists and acrobats in a 360 degree setting. Their latest production, Circus 1903 — The Golden Age of Circus, is enjoying a sold-out world premiere season in Australia prior to a U.S. and international tour.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT (Producer). MagicSpace Entertainment is headed by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard, Steve Boulay and Bruce Granath and has been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows, concerts and museum exhibits worldwide for over 35 years. Consistently one of the top promoters in the world, MagicSpace Entertainment typically produces and presents more than 350 events worldwide per year. Recent Broadway credits include The Illusionists - Witness the Impossible (Broadway & West End), The Illusionists – Live On Broadway, The Illusionists – Turn of the Century, Donny & Marie – A Broadway Christmas, American Idiot and RAIN - A Tribute To The Beatles On Broadway and Alton Brown Live – Eat You Science on Broadway. National tour credits include The Illusionists – Live From Broadway, Lord of the Dance created by Michael Flatley, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage starring in Mythbusters - Unleashed, Alton Brown Live, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Donny & Marie Christmas, RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles, The Magic of David Copperfield, Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus, Brain Candy Live starring Adam Savage and Michael Stevens, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line and national concert tours by Janet Jackson, Cher and Fleetwood Mac to name just a few. Touring museum exhibitions produced include Juassic World: The Exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohsexhibition, Titanic: The Exhibition and Diana –A Celebration, St Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes exhibition. MagicSpace Entertainment has offices in Park City and Salt Lake City, UT. www.magicspace.net
Lighting Programmer Christopher Boon Casey, Jonathan Edwards
Creative Producer Simon Painter Executive Producer Tim Lawson Director/Choreographer Neil Dorward Creative Director Jim Millan Automated Lighting Programmer Christopher Osborne Production Manager David Simpson
Producer Jonathan Sanford Associate Producer Hollie England Casting (Magician’s Assistants) Stuart Howard-SH Entertainment Orchestral Recordings Prague Symphony Orchestra Additional Guitars Luis Almau Additional Keyboards & Brass Evan Jolly Music Mix Simon Changer, Toby Wood Personal Wardrobe Designer for Jeff Hobson Yvonne Hobson
STAFF FOR THE ILLUSIONISTS - Live From Broadway GENERAL MANAGER MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT Dave Stinson PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Travis Brendle COMPANY MANAGER Nicole McClendon PRESS REPRESENTATION TELLEM/GRODY PR John Tellem, Dan Grody MARKETING REPRESENTATION MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT Kristy Maple Head Carpenter..............................Franco Castronuovo Assistant Production Supervisor.............Josiah Parsons Assistant Carpenter/Rigger..... Michael “Coach“ Taylor Head Electrician......................................John Edwards Assistant Electrician................................. Ben Bearden Head Sound............................................Kenny Crayton Head Prop Person...................................... Sam Weaver Camera Operator................................... Terrence Adiko Camera Operator........................................Josh Stewart Video Engineer........................................Ken Halliwell Wardrobe Supervisor....................... Sarah Jarrell Wade Insurance............................................. Crane Insurance Merchandise............................................Josh Markham TOUR DIRECTION THE ROAD COMPANY, Stephen Lindsay & Brett Sirota WILLIAM MORRIS ENDEAVOR, Clint Mitchell
ASIA LIVE NETWORK Chairman/Executive Producer...................Tim Lawson Managing Director/Executive Producer.....Andrew Spencer Financial Controller................................Liam Gretgrix Producer/General Manager.................Jonathan Sanford Casting Director.................................Mathieu La Plante Associate Producer..................................Sam Klingner Production Coordinator.............................Larissa Valls International Marketing.......AKA, Melbourne Australia Graphic Design..................................Gil Nevo, Ian Noe Nice Studios LA MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT Chief Executive Officer/Producer Lee D. Marshall Chairman.......................................................Joe Marsh President...............................................John W. Ballard Chief Operating Officer............................Steve Boulay Vice President, Marketing.......................Bruce Granath Vice President Touring..............................Dave Stinson Tour Marketing.........................................Kristy Maple Tour Marketing......................................Grace Torreano Graphic Designer.......................................Katie Perhai Accounting..............................................David Rooker Mary Deon-Roberts CREDITS Makeup provided by M-A-C. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Sydney Opera House, Gil Nevo & Ian Noe from Nice Studios, Clint Mitchell, Lee Marshall, Stephen Lindsay WARNING The photographing or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device for such photographing or sound recording inside this theatre, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for money damages. Backstage Employees are represented by the international Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.) Become a fan of The Illusionists on Twitter @Illusionists7, Facebook, Instagram, & YouTube! www.TheIllusionistsLive.com
MAYOARTS.ORG
coming This Summer to the Mayo Performing Arts Center - July 17 "Wednesday Night Fever" with the New York Bee Gees
- August 2 Dweezil Zappa: 50 Years of Frank! - August 4 Sara Evans
- July 20 Vic DiBitetto - July 27 50 Summers of Love With Micky Dolenz, Mark Lindsay and The Fab Four - August 1 Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone and the Buckinghams
- August 11 Ron White - August 15 Donny and Marie - August 17 Air Supply - August 23 Stephen Stills and Judy Collins
*Additional events to be added
Sara Evans
Air Supply