Above: Kevin Spencer appears to levitate as part of the "Theatre of Illusion" show he performs with his wife, Cindy.

The illusionist duo The Spencers will present their “Theatre of Illusion” on Friday, Feb. 1, at the Fine and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University as part of the center’s third annual Galaxy of Stars Series.

Known as a young and charismatic husband-and-wife-team, Kevin and Cindy Spencer are hailed by critics as the next generation of illusionists, drawing inspiration from icons such as their mentor, the late Doug Henning, while at the same time individualizing their act. They move fluidly between playful banter and dramatic sequences that include levitation and passing through rotating blades.

Believing that the performance arts bring social and cultural balance to a community, the Spencers have made touring their specialty, traveling 40 weeks a year to bring magic to the people rather than basing themselves in a larger city and venue. They interact extensively with audience members, who warm to the couple’s humor and personality and often join them on stage. The show, while developed for adults, is appropriate for children age 6 and older.

“We always wanted to be the performers who came to where you are,” Kevin Spencer said. Incorporating the audience into the show allows for spontaneity and great fun, and an intimate space such as WCU’s 950-seat Fine and Performing Arts Center brings the magic so close “it becomes that much more unbelievable,” Spencer said.

Kevin Spencer began performing magic as a child after his parents bought him a magic kit. He met Henning, the Canadian illusionist and escape artist, as a college student and came away with a renewed commitment to the craft. He and Cindy met in the early 1980s in Dallas through Cindy’s boyfriend at the time, who was Kevin’s roommate. Cindy began helping Kevin with his stage performances and the two eventually fell in love, marrying in 1983. The Spencers perform around the world and have earned the award Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year six times.

Upcoming shows in the Galaxy of Stars Series include:
• “Inspired by America,” Feb. 29. The Cypress String Quartet’s classical repertoire accompanies a documentary about America.
• “Salute to America and Her Music,” March 14. The All-American Boys Choir performs hits ranging from Broadway selections to songs of The Beach Boys.

The Spencers “Theatre of Illusion” show is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the main performance hall of the Fine and Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for ages 60 and older, $20 for WCU faculty and staff, $15 for groups of 15 or more, and $5 for students (ages 5 and older). For reservations or more information about the series, contact the box office at (828) 227-2479 or visit http://wcufapac.ticketsxchange.com/.

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Last Modified: Monday, Jan. 14, 2008