Magician Tristan Crist

The world of Illusion &MagicTristan Crist finds a home in Lake Geneva

by Jason Arndt

STAFF WRITER ristan Crist Magic Theatre T has drawn rave reviews from TripAdvisor as Lake Geneva’s top attraction and show. Numerous people on TripAdvisor describe the show as fun and entertaining, with one person stating they were “blown away” by the illusions and tricks Crist performed.

Crist, a magician and illusionist, also earned “Master Illusionist of the Year” in 2021 by the International Magicians Society.

Last summer, International Magicians Society founder Tony Hassini, who presents the award annually, said Crist brings a personable demeanor to people attending his shows.

“Tristan Crist’s charming personality wins the audience from the moment he steps on the stage,” Hassini said in a news release.

Crist, in the same release, said the prestigious award was an honor and he felt humbled by the recognition from his peers.

“It has been my lifelong dream to own and perform in my own theater and I have been blessed to be able to successfully accomplish that here in Lake Geneva,” Crist said. “As an illusionist, I present large-scale magic effects that are normally seen on the large stages of Las Vegas.”

As for the theater, the modern 175-seat venue presents large illusion shows for tourists and locals year-round, even during the frigid winter months.

Crist, who grew up in the Milwaukee area, said the theater promises to deliver an

top: Magician and illusionist Tristan Crist, of Tristan Crist Magic Theatre in Lake Geneva, performs a variety of tricks in his shows, such as making a Harley Davidson motorcycle disappear. above: Crist creates illusions such as making showgirls appear out of thin air.

experience unlike any other.

“When you come to the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, you are going to experience magic up-close and personal like you never have before,” he said. “The theatre is intimate and designed in a way that there are no bad seats in the house.”

Crist said his signature show features illusions with larger props such as making a helicopter appear, showgirls appearing out of thin air and a vanishing motorcycle act.

But the magician is always looking for new tricks – or illusions – and said he works to incorporate each feature into his show.

“I am always working on something new for the show so that is where my focus is. Once it gets in the show, I am searching for the next new thing to start working on,” he said. “A few top favorites over the years are making a helicopter appear and a Harley Davidson motorcycle vanish.”

Crist said his shows are ideal for families, but he has seen adults marvel at his tricks and illusions.

“Adults have that child-like sense of wonder again when they see something that they can’t explain,” Crist said.

“The magic is designed to fool adults, but children certainly enjoy the visual aspect of it as well.”

Decades of experience

Crist began his foray into the world of magic and illusions as a youngster growing up in Milwaukee.

He explained that his grandfather showed him a card trick and he became intrigued.

“From there, I received a magic kit as a present, was inspired by a magic show in my hometown of Milwaukee and the rest is history,” he said.

Crist spent his younger days performing for birthday parties and scouting events before finding opportunities in theaters.

In 2005, he was hired to perform at Circus World in Baraboo, where he presented shows for 10 years.

But Crist was looking to branch out and decided to open his own theater.

Initially, he explored various locations in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota before selecting Lake Geneva.

“I was looking for a tourist town that didn’t have a lot of evening entertainment options,” he said.

Crist experienced instant success upon opening his theater at 100 N. Edwards Boulevard.

“Within six months, we were named the No. 1 ‘thing to do’ on TripAdvisor…even beating out the lake,” he recalled.

Crist admits performing magic as a career is unique but he drew support from his family.

He said his family, however, believed he would eventually find a more orthodox profession at some point.

“My parents were supportive of me exploring the performing arts, although I think they also expected me to get a ‘real job’ someday,” he said. “Obviously, with the success of the magic theater, I think they realized it is possible to have a good career in the arts.”

“It’s been a wonderful career and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Crist added, who has been in the trade for 25 years.

While he does not have any regrets, Crist acknowledged he has encountered some challenges, especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For several months in 2020, Crist, like other business owners, faced safety mandates and needed to meet recommendations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“Like any profession there are always challenges,” he said. “The pandemic brought unique challenges to running an indoor entertainment facility with the various mandates and recommendations that were implemented.”

top: Crist signs autographs for fans attending a show at Tristan Crist Magic Theatre in Lake Geneva. above: Crist showcases an illusion inside a squeezebox during one of his shows at his theater in Lake Geneva.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Spirit of Geneva Lakes

Expanded options

Crist isn’t the only entertainer making appearances at his theater, he said, as Tristan Crist Magic Theater also features guest performers.

“We currently have Brett Daniels, who performs a second completely different show. He focuses on close-up magic and sleight-of-hand,” Crist said. “We project everything on a big screen so you can see all the details. He also makes parrots and doves appear! It’s a really fun show that is different from ours.”

Daniels, a master magician, has starred in numerous network television specials on NBC, ABC and CBS as well as being featured on many international television programs.

Daniels began making appearances on select dates in December and has four shows scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturdays in February. His show lasts about 70 minutes without an intermission.

Crist said he also plans on having more diverse options beginning in late spring and early summer.

Those options, according to Crist, should appeal to people of all ages.

“Keep an eye on our schedule because in addition to our big illusion show – and the Brett Daniels close-up show – we will also be bringing in a mentalism show that is geared toward adults on date night, and a juggling variety show that will be geared more toward families with kids,” Crist said.

For show times, and to order tickets, visit lakegenevamagic.com or call 262-2480505.