Full of mystifying illusions and astonishing acts of sleight of hand, Shawn Farquhar’s Cabaret of Wonders is back for its 11th installment. Following two previously sold out shows this year, it’s set to be an unparalleled display of magic. On March 16 Shawn Farquhar will once again be perplexing audiences in the intimate cabaret-style setting of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s Rotary Hall, and you’re invited to witness the irresistible entertainment of live magic.
Shawn Farquhar won’t be the only one demonstrating his unbelievable skills, as The Cabaret of Wonders will also be welcoming the charming James Alan, the delightful John Kaplan, and the enigmatic Henry Tom to share the stage.
Having received global fame after being the first magician to fool Penn and Teller twice on their show Penn & Teller: Fool Us, appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Masters of Illusions, Shawn Farquhar’s magic has a taken him worldwide. From a variety of cruise lines, to several television shows, including the X-Files and Fringe, Farquhar has shown his magic to all kinds of audiences. He has also won awards including first place for sleight of hand and stage magic at the World Magic Championships and was named the “Grand Prix World Champion of Magic” from the International Federation of Magic Societies.
When creating the Cabaret of Wonders series, Shawn Farquhar started in a small venue in Vancouver, but later moved to Chilliwack where the series has flourished. The intimate setting of the Rotary Hall has led to a more personal relationship between the magicians performing and the audience.
“I never dreamed that we’d go from 25 people to filling the Rotary Hall every time. I can see the people in the back of the room, I can talk to them, and we even take a break in the middle to get to know them. Even now, patrons come back, because not one show has been the same. Each time it’s different, and we always bring new material,” Shawn explains.
“I travel a lot, I’m a professional entertainer and never get to work in my home area. I just never get to do shows here. I do the stuff I’m known for and never really get to experiment. This is the place to showcase new things.”
Master of sleight of hand and illusions, Toronto’s James Alan will prove that the experience of magic is ideal for creating memories which last a lifetime. His goal is to prove that magic isn’t just for kids, and has created performances that are “thought-provoking, funny, astonishing and thoroughly entertaining.”
John Kaplan, also known as the fundraising magician, has been touring Canada for three decades, performing his unique brand of family-friendly magic. His focus on fundraising through his magic shows has led to international recognition.
Also joining them is international award-winning Henry Tom, who is a Canadian Association of Magicians’ Close Up Magic Champion and a Vancouver Magic Circle’s Stage Magic Champion.
Shawn Farquhar’s Cabaret of Wonders XI is March 16, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 at Centre Box Office, online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).