THE ILLUSIONISTS - WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE Begins Tonight at Academy of Music

THE ILLUSIONISTS - WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE, the world's best-selling touring magic show, will play the Academy of Music in Philadelphia tonight, February 24 to Sunday, March 1, as part of a 30 city U.S. tour, which kicked off November 19 at the EJ Thomas Hall in Akron, OH. The show comes direct from Broadway, where it recently finished a six week run. THE ILLUSIONISTS is part of the Broadway Philadelphia season, presented by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Shubert Organization. The press opening is Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets ranging in price from $20 to $105.50 are available by calling 215-731-3333, online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Streets (open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Streets (open during performances only). Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Performances include: Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.; Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m.; matinees Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

THE ILLUSIONISTS - WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, MagicSpace Entertainment, Road Show Entertainment LLC, and The Production Office. Conceived by Simon Painter, the show's creative team also includes executive producer Tim Lawson, director Neil Dorward and creative director Jim Millan.

Having shattered box office records around the world, THE ILLUSIONISTS - WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE is now coming to captivate New York. This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS has dazzled audiences of all ages. Creative Producer Simon Painter said, "We can't wait to bring this electrifying show to Broadway for a truly entertaining experience for the whole family. THE ILLUSIONISTS is the most non-stop and powerful mix of outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on the live stage."

The seven stars, each a master in their own field, are:

· The Manipulator, Yu Ho-Jin. Considered a rising superstar in the world of magic; Yu Ho-Jin was recently named the 2014 "Magician of the Year," by Academy of Magical Arts and was the first Asian to win the Grand Prix at the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques, also known as the "Olympics of Magic."

· The Anti-Conjuror, Dan Sperry. Described as Marilyn Manson meets David Copperfield, Dan combines the art of magic with the macabre and is one of the top-10 most Googled people, thanks to a legendary "America's Got Talent" appearance.

· The Trickster, Jeff Hobson is the epitome of glamour and showmanship. Don't be fooled by his innocent appearance; Jeff has audiences laughing long after the curtain goes down.

· The Escapologist, Andrew Basso. Italy's star escape artist, Andrew considers Houdini his hero and is fast becoming one of the world's most popular illusionists. He is the only person in the world to perform Houdini's famous Water Torture Cell with absolutely no covers.

· The Inventor, Kevin James, known for innovative illusions, is an inventor, comedian and collector of the strange and unusual. Kevin is one of the most prolific inventors of magic in the world and has created some of the most celebrated illusions of the last century.

· The Warrior, Aaron Crow, a strong and silent type specializing in weapon magic, has mastered some of the most dangerous acts without saying a single word. Belgium's international magic sensation, a first place finisher at the World Championships of Magic, he uses swords, paintball guns and powerful crossbows to keep fans on the edge of their seat.

· The Futurist, Adam Trent, shatters stereotypes and brings a new generation of magic to fans fusing technology illusions, dancing and comedy with classic techniques.

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