Be thrilled and chilled at the Stage Fright magic show this weekend
By Erin Perkins
Be spooked in a whole new way during the Grand Forks Piranha’s Swim Club’s presentation of Stage Fright: The Thrillusion Show, Saturday, Oct. 20.
The Halloween-themed magic show mixes magic, music, dance and theatre with master illusionist John Kaplan.
Kaplan, a Canadian magician from Richmond, BC, has been touring Canada for nearly 20 years helping non-profit organizations and schools raise money. He’s been the opening act for Jay Leno and Bob Geldof’s rock group Boomtown Rats, been in the half-time show for the CFLs Calgary Stampeders Football Club and performed many times at Calaway Park in Calgary.
“I got hooked on magic as a kid and loved the feeling of amazement I got watching magicians … I really love being able to create that emotion for my audiences,” said Kaplan in an email interview with The Boundary Sentinel.
I’m inspired by other performers (not just magicians) as well as I love creating new illusions and presentations that will entertain.
“He seems like a really kind and committed guy (to fundraising efforts),” said Angela Soukoreff, swim club parent volunteer, of why they chose to bring Kaplan to Grand Forks.
This Halloween show will feature 90 minutes of creepy, crawly, icky, yucky, spooky magic starring Kaplan and a crew of talented performers who use lights and fun special effects.
Our show is full of amazing, high-energy and fun magic that appeals to all ages, so it’s a great shared family experience … plus, by attending folks will be helping out the Piranha Swim Club,” said Kaplan.
Soukoreff said while the name is ‘Stage Fright’, it isn’t meant to be too scary. It is a family event that will amaze and astound all age groups, she said.
This isn’t the first time Kaplan has performed in Grand Forks.
“Kaplan was here before and he had two sold out shows with rave reviews,” said Soukoreff.
Money raised during the fundraiser will help pay for pool fees, coaching, the BC Swim Association membership and help keep fees down for families.
Kaplan will be making two appearances at the Grand Forks Secondary School auditorium – 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20.
Tickets are $8 per child and $12 per adult. There are also some limited family passes available for $25 for four people. Advanced tickets can be purchased by calling 250-442-4054. Tickets will also be available through Angela Soukoreff at the Grand Forks and District Credit Union or at Dr. Alan LeRoy Optometry at 7300 3rdSt, Grand Forks.
The Piranhas want to thank all of the local businesses who have already provided support by purchasing ads in the magic show program.
For more information about the Grand Forks Piranhas Swim Club visit their website at www.gfpiranhas.ca .
