RUMFORD — On May 26, Jeff McBride, world-renowned magician, teacher, lecturer and performer, will perform at the Mystic Theater and give a lecture for local magicians.
During his stay, McBride, widely known as today’s “King of Kards,” will visit the grave of a somewhat lesser known figure in the history of magic, Rumford’s own Dr. James William Elliott (1874-1920).
Elliott was the first magician to hold the title of “King of Cards,” later claimed by other magicians, most notably Harry Houdini.
McBride’s show has been featured in Las Vegas, off-Broadway in New York and at theaters and arts festivals around the world. His DVD trilogy, “The Art of Card Manipulation,” explaining hundreds of techniques, is among the most used teaching tools by both amateur and professional magicians worldwide.
McBride also holds three Guinness World Records in magic, including one for “fastest card spinning,” which he will perform at the May 26 show. His Mystery School in Las Vegas hosts many different events, including weeklong master classes, the Magic & Meaning Conference and a weekly TV show available online at www.mcbridemagic.tv.
McBride and local magicians will visit Elliott’s gravesite in Abbott’s Mills Cemetery to pay homage to the great card manipulator. Elliott was so skilled in card manipulation that Boston area magicians gave him a gold fob and the title “King of Kards.” Elliott was known as a true gentleman and was well liked by his peers. Houdini befriended Elliott and edited his book, “Elliott’s Last Legacy.”
On May 26, McBride will present his acclaimed “Magic Behind the Mask,” a high- energy, 90-minute show featuring his unusual blend of masks, mime, Kabuki theater and magic from around the world.
The performance, suitable for all ages, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Mystic Theater at 49 Franklin. Admission is $30, $10 for children under 12. Snacks and drinks will be sold. Tickets are available at All That Jazz and Bartash’s Cards and Gifts on Congress Street, as well as at www.49franklin.com.
After the show, McBride will give a lecture for magicians at 9 p.m. He will lead a four-hour master class at 1 p.m. on May 27. Interested magicians should contact Scot Grassette at 369-0129.
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- Acclaimed musician Jeff McBride will perform “Magic Behind the Mask,” a high-energy show featuring masks, mime, Kabuki theater and magic from around the world, on May 26 at the Mystic Theater in Rumford.
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