Published: March 05, 2008 10:41 am      

Illusionist to perform ‘spectacular’ show

DANVILLE — Although he’s one of the most acclaimed magicians in the world, Andre Kole has yet to master one trick — pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

It’s certainly not for lack of skill. Rather … the illusionist is allergic to rabbits.

Other than that, Kole has a trunk full of tricks to amaze his audiences: making a 10-foot Statue of Liberty disappear, pulling coins from the air, sawing a woman in half, levitating in mid-air, traveling into the fourth dimension and making escapes in Houdini fashion.

Kole will bring his large-scale illusions to Danville High School at 7 p.m. Friday. His visit is sponsored by Ridgeview Baptist Church, and he will represent Campus Crusade for Christ International.

Kole, one of the top three inventors of magical effects, holds the highest award from the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood and is a creative consultant for magician David Copperfield.

Shawn Owen, a church member who is helping coordinate the show, said Kole performed at DHS a few years ago. Kole contacted Ridgeview Baptist about returning to the area for a show.

Owen said the illusions are mind boggling, and the show features tons of elaborate costumes, equipment, lights, music and all types of special effects.

One of his tricks is to make a replica of the Statue of Liberty — weighing several hundred pounds and constructed of wood, fiberglass and steel —disappear in slow motion from the bottom up.

He also dematerializes himself and then reappears by “walking through” his assistant. Kole also can make people disappear and reappear.

Local magician Christopher Bontjes of Danville knows how such illusions work, although that doesn’t mean he’s able to perform them.

Still, he said, knowing the ropes behind the magic won’t ruin the show for him as an audience member.

“Some tricks I appreciate for the artistry and performance,” he said. “I enjoy the process of magic.”

Bontjes said he doesn’t know how all of the illusions work, adding, “Those are the ones that are magic to me. There are always new ones coming out.”

Bontjes has never been to a Kole show, but he knows about them.

“It will be a spectacular show,” he said. “Large-scale illusion shows, when put on by a professional, are always great entertainment. With his performance style and leaning toward ministerial magic, you can be guaranteed it will be a family show.”

Owen agreed the show will be family-friendly, adding, “It’s something you can bring the kids to and not have to worry about the content.”

Kole has spent more than 20 years investigating psychic phenomena and controversial mysteries. As a part of his production, Kole exposes some of the fraudulent hoaxes he has investigated and reveals the truth behind transcendental levitation, dematerialization, the Bermuda Triangle mystery, the occult, communication with the dead and more, according to his Web site.

During his show, Owen said Kole will make the point that many people turn to the supernatural while searching for a purpose in life. However, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the only way to find meaning.

COMING UP

Andre Kole, a skilled illusionist, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday in the Danville High School auditorium. The show is sponsored by the Ridgeview Baptist Church, 3838 N. Vermilion St.

Tickets are $5 for individuals and $10 for a family (four members). Call Ridgeview Baptist Church at 442-2210 for tickets.

To learn more about Kole, his Web site is http://www.andrekoleshow.com