THE ILLUSIONISTS to Bring Magic to the Kennedy Center, 1/6-11

The Kennedy Center presents The Illusionists - Witness the Impossible in the Kennedy Center Opera House from January 6-11, 2015. Direct from Broadway, the production comes to the Kennedy Center as part of a 30-city U.S. tour. Produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, and MagicSpace Entertainment, the production is conceived by Simon Painter. The show's creative team also includes executive producer Tim Lawson, director Neil Dorward, and creative director Jim Millan. The press opening night is Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

The Illusionists made its Broadway debut at New York City's Marquis Theatre in Times Square on November 26, 2014. The production 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 entertained audiences of all ages. "We can't wait to bring this electrifying show to Washington, D.C. for a truly entertaining experience for the whole family," explains creative producer Simon Painter. "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 Yu Ho-Jin (The Manipulator), Dan Sperry (The Anti-Conjuror), Jeff Hobson (The Trickster), Andrew Basso (The Escapologist), Kevin James (The Inventor), Aaron Crow (The Warrior), Adam Trent (The Futurist).

Yu Ho-Jin (The Manipulator). 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."

Dan Sperry (The Anti-Conjuror). 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.

Jeff Hobson (The Trickster) 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.

Andrew Basso (The Escapologist). 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.

Kevin James (The Inventor) 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.

Aaron Crow (The Warrior) 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 and 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.

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

SIMON PAINTER, CREATIVE PRODUCER

Simon Painter is a visionary creative theatrical producer who hails from London. Simon started his career on stage as a classical violinist, and performed the lead role for Spirit of the Dance in Las Vegas. 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. His two subsequent productions, Aerial Dreams and Adrenaline also broke records in Sydney and across the world and achieved critical acclaim. In 2010 Simon had five versions of Le Grand Cirque playing concurrently. In late 2010 Simon joined forces with Australian producer and close friend Tim Lawson and began assembling the greatest magical minds from a wide spectrum of disciplines. His production of The Illusionists has already performed to record breaking crowds in theaters and arenas across the globe including Australia, Mexico, Latin America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. In addition to The Illusionists: Witness The Impossible, Simon's current projects include Le Noir (The Dark Side of Cirque) and Illusionists 2.0, both of which are currently playing extensive international tours. Simon is also due to open a third installment of The Illusionists (The Illusionists 1903) in January 2015.

TIM LAWSON, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Tim Lawson is the CEO of TML Enterprises, servicing Australia and international territories with first class musicals and family entertainment with productions spanning across over 100 cities in 20 countries. Australasian theatrical touring credits include Sweet Charity, Buddy - The Musical, Jolson starring Rob Guest, 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 starring Brad Little and The Rocky Horror Show narrated by Richard O'Brien. Tim's award winning production of A Chorus Line transferred to the prestigious London Palladium, and his production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang recently completed a 13 month tour. With partner Simon Painter, credits include Le Grand Cirque, Ariel Dreams, Adrenaline, Le Noir - The Dark Side of Cirque, The Illusionists and The Illusionists 2.0, all enjoying record breaking success and extensive international arena and theatrical touring. The Illusionists 1903 - The Golden Age of Magic premieres in Australia in January 2015. www.tmlenterprises.com

About MagicSpace Entertainment

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 30 years. Consistently one of the top promoters in North America, MagicSpace Entertainment typically produces and presents more than 250 events in 75 cities per year. Broadway credits include Donny & Marie - A Broadway Christmas, The Who's Tommy, American Idiot and RAIN - A Tribute To The Beatles On Broadway. National tour credits include Lord of the Dance created by Michael Flatley, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage starring in Mythbusters - Behind The Myths, Alton Brown Live, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Donny & Marie Christmas, RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles, David Copperfield, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line and concert tours by Janet Jackson, Cher, and Fleetwood Mac to name just a few. Museum exhibitions produced on the road include the Tutankhamunand the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition, Titanic: The Exhibition and Diana - A Celebration. MagicSpace Entertainment has offices in Park City and Salt Lake City, UT. www.magicspace.net

For more information, visit TheIllusionistsLive.com.

The Illusionists runs January 6-11, 2015 in the Kennedy Center Opera House. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Tickets starting at $39 are on sale now by visiting the Kennedy Center website, in-person at the Kennedy Center box office, or by calling (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324.

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