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Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Media Contact:
Lindsey Neyland, Communications Specialist
neyland@trustarts.org | 412-471-5196

 

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust celebrates the season with…
THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS
December 26 – 29, 2019 | Heinz Hall
Tickets on sale now

THE ILLUSIONISTS Production Images
 

This season, producers Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, and MagicSpace Entertainment are pleased to announce that The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays (www.theillusionistslive.com), an all-new installment of the world-famous, blockbuster touring magic spectacular, will play Pittsburgh’s Heinz Hall  from December 26 to December 29 for seven performances during this holiday season.   

Tickets are on sale now at TrustArts.org, in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, and by phone at (412) 392-4900.  

“The audience response from our record-breaking Broadway run for Magic of the Holidays was incredible,” says producer Simon Painter.  “Our cast is performing incredible illusions every night, which is a perfect setting for families to experience and celebrate the holiday together.”

Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists 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 seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

The Illusionists previously wowed audiences around the world, including smash hit engagements on Broadway, London’s West End, and on tour around the United States and Canada. This year’s family-friendly show promises even more illusions, close-up magic, mentalism, daring escapes, and technological spectacle performed by master entertainers who’ve captivated audiences worldwide.

In addition to creative producer Simon Painter, the creative team for The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays includes executive producer Tim Lawson.
 

The Elusive, Valentin Azema
With a French touch, a bit of humor and a limitless passion for the art of magic, you will share with Valentin a one-of-a-kind experience of wonder and mystery.

The Trickster, Darren Partridge, aka Dizzy
Dizzy’s wild combination of magic, physical comedy, and theatrical thievery, delivered with mischievous British charm, leaves his audiences both spellbound and gasping for breath—an experience you will not believe and will never forget. 

The Transformationalists, Sos & Victoria
The lightning-fast and world-famous Quick-Change artists, Sos & Victoria, have perfected their modern interpretation of traditional performance art by combining fashion, stage-craft and sleight-of-hand in a display that has dazzled audiences all over the world.  Masters of quick couture, this dapper duo are always prepared and dressed to impress. A flick of the wrists, a twist, and a twirl are all it takes for them to transmute their apparel into looks for any occasion. There is only one thing Sos & Victoria don’t ‘quick change’… their ability to be the absolute best at what they do!

The Daredevil, Jonathan Goodwin 
British-born Daredevil and Escape Artist Jonathan is widely considered one of the most creative, skilled, and frankly crazy stunt performers in the world; he has been described as “the world’s greatest theatrical daredevil.” Goodwin has been hanged, buried alive, hung by his toes from helicopters, burned at the stake, attacked by sharks, bitten by rattlesnakes, dodged arrows, and climbed under moving cars.

The Manipulator, Florian Sainvet
Born in Bordeaux, France, Florian Sainvet began his career in magic at the age of sixteen, but it was while devouring his favorite science fiction films and universes at his beloved neighborhood cinema that he discovered his true calling as a futuristic manipulator and illusionist. 

The Showman, Steve Valentine
In the last 20 years, Steve has appeared in over 250 hours of TV and film, carving out a unique place for himself in show business, constantly changing and morphing into a myriad of wild, quirky, funny, dangerous and always unique characters.

The Delusionist, Stuart MacLeod
A Scottish BAFTA nominee, Stuart MacLeod has created some of the most controversial magic on television, played to sell-out crowds all over the world, and racked up over 100 million views on YouTube.

 

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

SIMON PAINTER (Creative Producer). A visionary creative and entrepreneur, Simon Painter is the most sought-after magic producer in the world. He began his career as a classical violinist, but soon transitioned from performing to producing with massive success. His first show, Le Grand Cirque, premiered at the Sydney Opera House, selling over 40,000 tickets in 10 days. Simon has now been at the forefront of the live entertainment industry for over a decade, having launched and managed major performance venues and produced such acclaimed productions as Cirque Le Noir, Cirque Paris, and Cirque Adrenaline. In collaboration with Tim Lawson, Simon created The Illusionists, which has become the world’s best-selling magic show of all time since its debut in 2012. Along with its sequels, The Illusionists 2.0 - The Next Generation of Magic and The Illusionists - Turn of the Century, the franchise continues to smash records and tour internationally, including four performances on Broadway. Simon was also the creative force behind The Unbelievables, Now You See Me Live, and Circus 1903, which is making a triumphant return to London after a sell-out season at The Southbank Centre earlier this year. He continues to serve as President and Chief Executive Producer for The Works Entertainment, dreaming up ideas for innovative world-class spectacles on a daily basis.

 

TIM LAWSON (Executive Producer) is VP of The Works Entertainment and CEO of TML Enterprises, servicing over 400 cities and 45 countries with first-class musicals and family entertainment. 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!, Shout! The Musical, Jekyll and Hyde, The Rocky Horror Show narrated by Richard O’Brien, the Helpmann Award-winning and London Palladium production of A Chorus Line, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a new production of Fiddler on the Roof with Anthony Warlow, The Wedding Singer and the upcoming tour of A Streetcar Named Desire. Alongside partner Simon Painter for The Works, they have created, produced and presented many brands that play simultaneously and break box office records around the world, including The Illusionists which has broken 4 house records in Broadway and 2 in London; Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Magic which returns to London later in the year following an extensive international tour; Le Noir; Cirque Adrenaline; Cirque Paris; Now You See Me; and their newest production Stratosphere, which premieres this December at The Sydney Opera House.

 

MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) is headed by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard and Steve Boulay 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 and West End), The Illusionists—Live on Broadway, The Illusionists—Turn of the Century, Donny & Marie: A Broadway Christmas, American Idiot, Rain—A Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway and Alton Brown Live—Eat Your Science on Broadway. National tour credits include The Illusionists—Live From Broadway, A Magical Cirque Christmas, The Bachelor Live on Stage, 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 Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition, Titanic: The Exhibition, Diana—A Celebration, St. Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes exhibition. MagicSpace Entertainment has an office in Park City, UT. www.magicspace.net

 

THE WORKS ENTERTAINMENT (Producer), recently acquired by Cirque du Soleil, creates and presents the work of Simon Painter and Tim Lawson across an ever-expanding network of more than 450 cities in 45 countries. Their shows have broken box office records countless times in numerous territories, including Sydney (The Sydney Opera House), Broadway (twice at the Marquis, Neil Simon and Palace Theatres), Mexico (Auditorio Nacional) and London (Shaftesbury Theatre). Their first production, Le Grand Cirque debuted at the Sydney Opera House and became the biggest-selling show at the iconic venue, leading to multiple international productions. Their success was repeated over the following years with Aerial Dreams and Cirque Adrenaline which premiered at the Sydney Opera House and toured internationally. Recognizing the opportunity in the market for a high-quality touring magic show, the company created a production showcasing seven of the world’s best magicians. The Illusionists - Witness the Impossible quickly became the most successful group magic show in the world, with multiple productions playing simultaneously throughout the world and spawning TV specials on ITV UK and NBC. Following this unprecedented success, The Works Entertainment developed two sequels: The Illusionists 2.0 — The Next Generation of Magic and The Illusionists 1903 — Turn of The Century. Their other international touring shows include Le Noir —The Dark Side of Cirque, Cirque Adrenaline, A Magical Cirque Christmas, The Unbelievables, Lionsgate’s Now You See Me and Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus which will return to the Southbank Centre this year.

 

http://www.theillusionistslive.com/

Follow The Illusionists on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
 

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ABOUT BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA
Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office. Led by 13-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. Current and past productions include The Band’s Visit, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Hairspray, Mean Girls, The Producers and Waitress. Broadway.com  is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.


 

ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners.  Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District.  The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization.  A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity.  Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life.  Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.

TrustArts.org | @CulturalTrust on Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
 

 

ABOUT THE PNC FOUNDATION
The PNC Foundation joins the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in bringing the best of Broadway to entertain, enlighten, and complement the rich experiences that add to the region’s exceptional quality of life. The seven season presentations and four specials in the 2018-19 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series contribute to the city’s reputation as a major destination for the arts, culture, and world-class entertainment.

 

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Programming Categories

  • PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh
    • 2020-2021 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Season Announcement
    • SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical, April 7-12, 2020, Heinz Hall
    • CATS, February 25-March 1, 2020, Benedum Center
    • Casting Revealed for the New National Tour of Miss Saigon
    • THE BAND'S VISIT National Tour Casting
    • THE ILLUSIONISTS - MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS comes to Heinz Hall, December 26 - 29, 2019
    • Casting Announced for A BRONX TALE, Broadway’s Hit New Musical
    • Broadway: Lifetime Broadway Balances America, Season 6 Premieres September 30, 2019
    • JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR National Tour Cast 2019-2020
    • MEAN GIRLS Announces Full Casting for the First National Tour
    • 2019-2020 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series Individual Show Onsale Dates Announced
    • MEAN GIRLS Announces the Trio of Actresses Launching the First National Tour As “The Plastics”
    • Casting Has Been Announced for Disney’s THE LION KING At the Benedum Center
    • THE LION KING Sensory-Friendly Performance, September 14, 2019, Benedum Center
    • 2019-2020 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Season Announcement
    • Broadway: Casting Revealed: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Benedum Center
    • Broadway: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Return Engagement, February 20-March, 3, 2019, Benedum Center
    • HAMILTON Tickets Are Going On Sale!
    • Broadway: National Tour Cast, The Play That Goes Wrong, September 18-23, Benedum Center
    • Broadway: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Benedum Center
    • Broadway: ANASTASIA Casting Announced North American Tour
    • Broadway: The Play That Goes Wrong, National Tour Launch, September 18-23, Benedum Center
    • Broadway: Disney's Aladdin, Casting Announced, PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh
    • Broadway: ELF The Musical, Tickets on Sale, Heinz Hall
    • Broadway, Disney's Aladdin, Casting Announcement, Trevor Dion Nicholas as "Genie"
    • PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh: Disney's Aladdin, Benedum Center
    • Auditions: Role of Lulu in Waitress, PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, Benedum Center
    • Broadway: Autism-Friendly Performance of WICKED, Benedum Center
    • Broadway: Wicked Lottery for $25 Seats, Benedum Center/PNC Broadway
    • Broadway: The Bodyguard, Benedum Center
    • Broadway: WAITRESS Pie Contest, PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh
    • Broadway: Two Local Young Actresses To Play Role of “Lulu” in WAITRESS, Benedum Center
    • Broadway: WAITRESS, Benedum Center, March 6-11, 2018
    • Broadway: RENT 20th Anniversary Tour, Heinz Hall
    • Broadway: RENT 20th Anniversary Tour Rush Tickets, Heinz Hall
    • Broadway: Rodgers+Hammerstein's Cinderella, Heinz Hall
    • Theater: Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Benedum Center
    • Broadway: 2018-19 Broadway in Pittsburgh Season Announcement
    • Upcoming Performances: February-April 2020: TRUST Cabaret Series 2019-2020 season
  • Harris Theater
    • Film: Rolling Stone: The Life and Death of Brian Jones
    • New Programming at the Harris Theater
  • Festivals
    • People's Choice Award Recipient Announced for Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, June 5-14, 2020
    • Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Announces Virtual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, June 5-14, 2020
    • Tickets On Sale Now, 34th Annual EQT Children's Theater Festival, May 14-17, 2020
    • Registration Open for Free Teen Day at Bookish in the 'Burgh
    • 2020 Pittsburgh Humanities Festival Programming Line-up Announced
    • Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Announces Second Annual BOOKISH IN THE ‘BURGH - Pittsburgh's Teen Book Festival
    • Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2020 New Year's Eve Celebration Lineup
    • 2019 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival Lineup
    • Festival: Pittsburgh Humanities Festival 2019
    • Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2019 Silver Jubilee Announced!
    • Festival: Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts, September 21-November 11, 2018
    • Festivals: Pittsburgh Humanities Festival 2018 Programming Lineup Announced
    • Festival: EQT Children's Theater Festival, May 17-20, 2018
    • Festival: Featured Music Lineup – 2018 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival
    • Festival: Mavis Staples to Perform at Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival
    • Festival: 2018 Dollar Bank Three Rivers arts Festival Programming
    • Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Celebrates the Inaugural BOOKISH IN THE 'BURGH
    • 2019 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival: 60th Anniversary Featured Music Lineup
  • Pittsburgh Dance Council
    • Pittsburgh Dance Council 2021 Spring Season
    • Dance: 2019-2020 Pittsburgh Dance Council Series, 50th Anniversary Season
    • Dance: Derek Hough: Live! The Tour, 2019, Benedum Center
    • Dance: Grupo Corpo, Byham Theater
    • Dance: 2018-19 Pittsburgh Dance Council, Cultural District
    • Dance: 2019-2020 Pittsburgh Dance Council 50th anniversary season continues
  • Children’s Theater and EQT Bridge Theater
    • EQT Bridge Theater Series Announced: 2019-2020 Season
    • 50th Anniversary of THE CHILDREN’S THEATER SERIES: 2019-2020 Season Announced
    • 33rd ANNUAL EQT CHILDREN’S THEATER FESTIVAL, MAY 16-19, 2019
    • 2018–2019 EQT Bridge Theater Series for Pre-Teens and Older Features Shifting Perspectives
    • Children's Theater: The 13-Story Treehouse, August Wilson Center
    • Theater: 2018-2019 Citizens Bank Children's Theater Series, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
    • Children's Theater: Theatreworks USA in Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories
  • Cohen & Grigsby Trust Present Series
    • One Night of Queen
    • Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass featuring Love Cannon
    • Bollywood spectacular, "Taj Express," comes to Pittsburgh November 6th
    • Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Announces The 2019 – 2020 COHEN & GRIGSBY TRUST PRESENTS Series
    • Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents Series: Black Violin Comes to the Byham Theater on September 26, 2019
    • Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents Series: Around the World and Back
    • Theater: Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live:
    • Theater: PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure, Benedum Center
    • Theater: February 2018, Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents, Cultural District
    • Theater: The Hollywood Special Effects Show, Byham Theater
    • Theater: 'Peppa Pig's Surprise' Extends Tour Including Pittsburgh, PA on November 20, 2018
    • Tickets On Sale for CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE '90s MUSICAL
    • Announcing Debut Tour of MASTERCHEF JUNIOR LIVE!
    • Straight No Chaser Coming to the Benedum Center December 18, 2019
    • The Office! A Musical Parody
  • Trust Arts Education
    • Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: Applications Now Available For Disney Musicals In Schools Program
    • Theater: Cityscape, Trust Arts Education Center
  • Greer Cabaret Theater Programs
    • 2020-2021 TRUST Cabaret Series, Greer Cabaret Theater
    • 2019-2020 TRUST Cabaret Series, Greer Cabaret Theater
    • 2018-19 TRUST Cabaret Season Announced
    • April 2019: Jazz Happenings, Pittsburgh's Cultural District, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
    • New Date & Venue: Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp, 2018-2019 TRUST Cabaret Series
    • Trust Cabaret Series 2018-2019 Continues in the New Year, Greer Cabaret Theater
    • JazzLive 15th Anniversary Celebration, Greer Cabaret Theater
    • BNY Mellon Presents JazzLive, April 2018, Cultural District
    • Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Renames its Cabaret Theater, Honoring Long-Time Trustee and Supporter George Greer
  • Trust Events and Guest Attractions
    • Mandy Moore Announces 2020 North American Tour
    • The Chocolate Bar at the Benedum
    • Rock ‘n' Remember Live! Stars from the Golden Age of Rock and Roll Return to the Benedum Center in April
    • Dancing with the Stars Live Tour 2020 Dances its Way to Pittsburgh This Winter
    • A Benedum Christmas – Home for the Holidays Returns as Pittsburgh's Holiday Showcase
    • Mary Chapin and Shawn Colvin Coming to the Benedum Center October 17, 2019
    • Multiple Choice: Dance/Machine, August Wilson Center
    • Billy Gardell, Benedum Center
    • Decades Rewind, Music of the 60's, 70's, 80's, Byham Theater
    • Yanni 25-Live at The Acropolis Anniversary Concert Tour, Benedum Center
    • Theater: Kaiju Big Battel, Byham Theater
    • Event: Cultured Cocktails, Benedum Center
    • Theater: National Geographic Live-Hilaree Nelson: Point of No Return
    • A Celebration of Women's History Month: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart
    • Theater: Jerry Seinfeld, March 8, 2019, Benedum Center
    • Theater: A Magical Cirque Christmas, December 13, 2018, Benedum Center
    • Music: AMERICA, 2018-2019 World Tour, February 21, 2019, Byham Theater
    • #1 Hit True Crime Podcast MY FAVORITE MURDER Coming to the Benedum!
    • NICK JR. LIVE! “MOVE TO THE MUSIC” Coming to the Benedum Center January 17-19, 2020
    • Comedy: Eddie B,
    • BABY SHARK LIVE! Coming to the Byham Theater November 4, 2019
    • Life Will Be The Death Of Me: Chelsea Handler’s Stand-Up Comedy Tour Announces Additional North American Dates
  • Liberty Magic
    • 2020-2021 Liberty Magic Season
    • Liberty Magic 2020 Spring and Summer Lineup
    • Liberty Magic 2019-2020 Subscription Series Announced
    • Liberty Magic Summer 2019 Lineup On Sale Now
    • Brand-New Arts Space and Experience, LIBERTY MAGIC: Elevating the Art of Magic
  • Visual Arts
    • THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST PRESENTS “holding pattern” A unique fusion of dance and visual art Part of the virtual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival
    • Visual Arts: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District, January 24, 2020
    • Visual Art: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District, July 12, 2019
    • Visual Arts: Spring Gallery Crawl, April 26, 2019, Cultural District
    • Visual Art: Winter Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District, January 25, 2019
    • Visual Art, Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District, September 21, 2018
    • PUBLIC ART + THEATER: 2018 Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts Spectacle Programming Announced
    • Visual Art: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District, Friday, July 6, 2018
    • Visual Arts: Identity Play, SPACE Gallery
    • Visual Arts: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District, January
    • Visual Arts: Event Horizon, SPACE Gallery
    • Visual Arts: Marx@200, SPACE Gallery
    • Visual Arts: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District, April
    • Visual Arts: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District, September 27, 2019
  • Cultural District Announcements
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Introduces Enhanced Guest Security Measures
    • Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Honored in Security 500's Top 10
    • DEAR EVAN HANSEN Lottery Information
    • DEAR EVAN HANSEN Breaks Box Office Record
    • Trust Selected by the American Council of Learned Societies to Host a Mellon/ACLS Public Fellow
  • Monthly Media Opportunities
    • July Media Opportunities (2020)
    • June Media Opportunities (2020)
    • May Media Opportunities
    • March Media Opportunities
    • February Media Opportunities
    • January Media Opportunities
    • December Media Opportunities
    • November Media Opportunities
    • October Media Opportunities
    • August Media Opportunities
    • June Media Opportunities
    • May Media Opportunities
    • Theater: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust April Events
    • July Media Opportunities
    • September Media Opportunities

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