The self-proclaimed Stompin' Tom Connors of magic is coming back to Prince George to help out St. Mary's with a fundraiser May 1 at 1 p.m. and a second show at 4:30 in the school's auditorium.
"We've done thousands of performances in more than 500 distinct Canadian communities," Kaplan said, referencing Connors's wanderlust ways described in his song I've Been Everywhere.
John Kaplan said he likes the Disney version of entertainment and he promises his Abracadazzle magic show has something for everyone. This is not a kiddie show.
"But it is a show you can bring your two year old to and the grandparents and everyone will have a great time," said Kaplan. "Kinda like a good Disney movie -- there's something there for everybody."
Kaplan said his favourite part of the show, the one that gets his adrenaline pumping, is the closing illusion, which is a tribute to the late, great Houdini. It's called metamorphosis but that's all he's saying about it because he wants the audience to have the shock value of it when they see it.
"The show is a 90-minute stage production," said Kaplan, who lives in Richmond. "There's myself, two dancers and our stage technician and a couple of larger-than-life puppet characters -- a big fuzzy rabbit and a giant magic wand that have great personalities. We all dance and sing, there's theatre, loads of audience participation, comedy and of course some amazing illusions and wonderful magic."
There's full-screen video to watch and full-on lighting, sound and special effects, he added.
"This is certainly not your birthday-magician suitcase-magic act," Kaplan laughed. "It's a full-blown production."
Kaplan started the fundraising magic program in 1980 and he's been to Prince George on numerous occasions. He last brought his Makin' Magic show back in 2007, he said. This is the first time his Abracadazzle show will be seen here. Funds will go to purchasing a Smart Board -- an interactive whiteboard -- for the Learning Assistance classroom.
"There's certainly no limit to groups that are in need of funding as government resources are drying up all the time," said Kaplan. "It's a nice option with me being a family entertainer, I really enjoy performing for mom, dad and the kids as a mix. It just seems to fall into place that a lot of groups that speak to that same demographic are in need of funds."
Groups use his show to raise funds for new playground equipment, send children on field trips, get computer supplies, team sport uniforms and a number of other things, said Kaplan.
"Houdini was the last magic superstar before Doug Henning came on the scene in the 70s, Copperfield in the 80s, David Blaine in the 90s and now we've got Criss Angel," said Kaplan. "Magic has been on a really great swing of popularity since Henning came on the scene."
Kaplan said he was a huge fan of the the big illusions Henning used to do and he incorporates those into his show. Kaplan wanted to be fully employed as an entertainer and that's why he developed the show.
"I hope folks will come out to support the school, it's for a good cause and it's a great evening of family entertainment," Kaplan concluded.
Tickets are $12 purchased in advance, $15 at the door or $20 for VIP reserved seating and are available at St. Mary's school, 1088 Gillett Street, Mary Husband at 250-612-1309, Chellie Duque at 250-564-2966 or Sandy Ramsay 250-552-1027.
