Hocus Pocus and Harmonies: It’s ‘Music and Magic In Savanna’!

By Michael Miller For The Prairie Advocate News

Get ready to be dazzled once again on October 2nd and 3rd as the Adrianne and Alan St. George Center for the Arts presents the next installment of it’s highly successful “Magic and Music in Savanna” series.

This popular series has thrilled area residents for several years and the newest installment seems destined to continue this tradition of quality entertainment. Featuring “all new” entertainers and shows, “Music and Magic in Savanna” will combine some of today’s most skilled magicians performing acts of illusion, escape artistry and healthy doses of comedy as well. The proceeds of the program will go to benefit the Savanna Historical Society and the Adrianne’s Angels Pet Rescue group.

The ‘music’ portion of the night will be furnished by “Swing St. Louis”, a two woman sister act that is a tribute to the Greatest Generation, featuring tap dancing and Big Band harmonies. Emily and Lacy Miller hail from St. Louis, Missouri and will feature music by the Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and more, helping to introduce young people to the entertainment of that era.

Magic will abound, with several acts featuring all new illusions mixed with comedy. Tom Burgoon is a magician/comedian who entertained at George W. Bush’s Inaugural Ball, and has kept audiences enthralled from Las Vegas to Washington, D.C.

Ryne Strom of St. Charles, Illinois, along with assistant, Disney dancer Katy Vogel, will provide the larger illusions for the night, combining magic, comedy and audience participation which will entertain the entire family.

Rounding out the magical cadre is Jessica Peterson who is originally from New Jersey, and has a very ‘magical’ pedigree, having both a mother and an uncle in the business. Jessica has appeared recently in venues like Atlantic City and Six Flags Great Adventure and has been featured on several television shows including MTV’s “Total Request Live”. Jessica has also worked as a circus performer, doing stints as a fire eater, aerial artist and ringmaster. Jessica plans a Halloween themed performance that is sure to thrill all audiences.

Co-founder Alan St. George says he tries to benefit the local charities by bringing quality entertainment at an affordable price to Savanna. Traveling extensively, St. George says he encounters lots of acts that he thinks will work well in Savanna, and in doing so he hopes to bring some diversity of entertainment to his hometown.

“It’s about fun,” St. George says. He adds that he thinks this type of entertainment is a good way to get people to help support the community and that he hopes to continue to bring these shows to Savanna in the future. Providing a slight tease for this year’s show, St. George reveals that he expects to utilize some of the mascot costumes created by his company, Facemakers, Incorporated.

So get ready for a night of classic fun and entertainment that can and will benefit some good causes at the same time. The Saturday show will begin at 7:30 pm. with the doors open at 7:00 pm., while the Sunday show will begin at 2:30 pm. with doors opening at 2:00 pm. Ticket are available in Gold ($22.00) or Silver ($17.00) formats. For further information on the show and the Adrianne and Alan St. George Center for the Arts, check out http://www.facemakersincorporated.com/theatre/index.html.