"The Illusionists" Live From Broadway!

“Love at First Trick”*:

Seven of the World’s Greatest Magicians will dazzle and beguile us in the “Cirque du Soleil of Magic,” Broadway’s Best-Selling Magic Show THE ILLUSIONISTS LIVE FROM BROADWAY hits the Fabulous Fox Theater Tuesday, September 27th through October 2nd as Atlanta’s Fifth Third Bank Broadway launches Atlanta’s exceptional 2016/2017 36th Series.

"Direct from Broadway, the world’s best-selling magic show is coming. This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. THE ILLUSIONISTS LIVE FROM BROADWAY has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilled and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.” This is “Magic’s Cirque Du Soleil” from The Times of London.

Atlanteans should be beside themselves as we ready for the magic world’s version of "The Greatest Show on Earth." "The Illusionists Live from Broadway” hits the Fabulous Fox Theater opening Tuesday, September 27th through October 2nd as Atlanta’s Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta launches its exceptional 2016/2017 Series.

Here we speak to two of the seven magic meisters: The Trickster Jeff Hobson is the epitome of glamour and showmanship and The Inventor Kevin James, known for innovative illusions tell us why this is the best magic on earth. Also on the docket for magic’s Hall of Fame are:

• The Manipulator, rising star Yu Ho-Jin, recently named the 2014 “Magician of the Year,” by Academy of Magical Arts; The Anti-Conjuror Dan Sperry described as Marilyn Manson meets David Copperfield, combines magic and the macabre who packed a wallop with his legendary “America’s Got Talent” appearance; The Escapologist Andrew Basso Italy's star escape artist with Houdini as his hero; The Weapon Master Ben Blaque who after four appearances on "America's Got Talent" has established himself as America’s foremost master of the crossbow;

•The Deductionist Colin Cloud is known for his awe-inspiring mentalism or mind-reading.

Hilarious Jeff Hobson and the inventive Kevin James attempt to convince us as to why they are among the world’s greatest:

o What drew you to magic?

Jeff Hobson: I saw a magician in grade school at age seven. It was love at first trick!*

Kevin James: I saw a magician at my elementary school and was completely enthralled. Not long after that, Doug Henning broke onto the scene on national television and changed everything. He sealed the deal.

o How did this become your career? What's your story?

Jeff Hobson: Immediately after that show, I KNEW I was going to be a magician. Then, I gave my first performance at age 11. At age 12, I was offered $5 to perform my first professional show.

Kevin James: I knew instantly that it was what I would do for the rest of my life. There were no other options. All through college I had friends that still didn't know what they wanted to do. I felt blessed that I had a clear direction. I took classes that would help with the magic stuff, theatre, dance, voice, technical theatre, etc. Then I moved to LA, which was the most important city for magic in the early eighties and tried to swim with the big fish. That is when my real education began.

o Why do you think you became so successful?

Jeff Hobson: A drive, a love and a passion to create wonder for people through the art of magic.

Kevin James: I tried to be very different from everyone else I saw. I created lots of my own effects and most importantly, I never gave up.

o What is unique about your approach?

Jeff Hobson: I'm the light-side of magic. I don’t take myself too seriously. My goal is to make people laugh just as hard as being amazed at what I do.

Kevin James: I just try to perform magic that I would like to see myself onstage. I find inspiration in many different places, like cinema, theatre, literature, from music and most importantly from life experience. I try to find the emotional connection in the routine, to find the humanity.

o What are you known for?

Jeff Hobson: Being a thief! I’m also a professional pickpocket. I steal people’s belongings and sometimes the show!

Kevin James: I think I am known for being creative. For trying strange, new magic and for using imagery that makes people remember me. I also like to use unusual people in my show. I have a little person Antonio Hoyos in my act. He performs a perfect impersonation of Charlie Chaplin and is very funny. He has worked with me for nearly 33 years.

o How did you come to become involved in this show?

Jeff Hobson: A simple phone call from the producer asking if I was available.

Kevin James: The producer Simon Painter found me and asked me to perform in the first version of the show. It was a three-week job at the Sydney Opera House. It has turned into a five-year roller coaster ride.

o What makes the show so extraordinary? What can we expect to see?

Jeff Hobson: This is the very best of the best in magic and magicians from around the world. There are other magic shows but when you see our show, you’ll realize why it’s the best you’ll ever see.

Kevin James: This show is special because instead of seeing one performer for two hours, you will see seven world-class artists all at the top of their game doing their best material. It is like a big buffet of styles and personalities. It is a very exciting show that is very well produced with great music and video support. These are some of the best magicians in the world.

o Why are you the best?

Jeff Hobson: When you do something many times, you get good at it. I’ve logged in over 20,000 live performances. I can’t help but be the best. Also because my Mom says so!

Kevin James: I am just here to have fun and do good work.

All of us are the best at what we do. We all have specialties.

Following THE ILLUSIONISTS will be CABARET from November 1-6; A

CHRISTMAS STORY November 29 – December 4; THE LITTLE MERMAID January 12 -15, 2017; Season Option THE PHANTOM OF TH OPERA February 22-March 5, 2017; Season Option ANNIE March 17 -19, 2017; THE BODYGUARD March 28-April 2, 2017; MATILDA April 18-23, 2017; Season Option THE RIVERDANCE May 5-7, 2017; FINDING NEVERLAND May 16-21, 2017; MAMA MIA June 13-18, 2017 and culminating with AN AMERICAN IN PARIS August 15-20, 2017.

Subscriptions packages for 7-shows, 5-shows, 3-shows andmore are available. For a huge treat, coming to town in the 2017/2018 season will be the blockbuster hit Lin-Manuel Miranda’s game-changer musical HAMILTON Winner of 11 Tony’s including Best Musical. 5-show and 7-show packages will have the first access to HAMILTON tickets when they renew.

For tickets, season’s subscriptions or more information, call 1-855-285-8499 or visit: www.Fox Theatre.org. Student Rush tickets are also available. For more information or for upcoming Broadway in Atlanta shows and next season, visit www.BroadwayInAtlanta.com. The Fabulous historic Fox Theatre is located in midtown Atlanta at 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.

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