DOM CHAMBERS & ERIC CHIEN JOIN BROADWAY'S HIT 'THE ILLUSIONISTS'

The Illusionists

Producers Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, MagicSpace Entertainment, and The Works Entertainment announced today that 2019 “America’s Got Talent” semi-finalists Dom Chambers and Eric Chien will join the cast of The Illusionists – Magic Of The Holidays for the show’s record fifth holiday season, playing from Friday, November 29, 2019 through Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre (250 W. 52nd Street).

Chambers and Chien were both seen in the just-ended 14th season of “America’s Got Talent,” wowing millions of viewers worldwide all the way through the competition’s semifinal round last month.

Back in New York by popular demand for a strictly limited run, this mind-blowing holiday spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

The full cast of The Illusionists – Magic Of The Holidays, now featuring Dom Chambers and Eric Chien, is:

DOM CHAMBERS – “THE SHOWMAN”

“America's Got Talent” semi-finalist Dom Chambers is an internationally award-winning magician and comedian, known for his modern take on magic, his viral internet videos, and artistic live performances. His internet videos have been viewed over 100 million times and his magic has appeared on many of America's and Australia’s major TV networks. He was the first Australian based magician to appear on the hit international TV series, 'Penn & Teller: Fool Us!', and only Australian solo act ever to make the semi-finals of AGT. His critically acclaimed one-man show 'RanDom' was awarded the prestigious award for "Best Magic Show," at the Adelaide Fringe in 2019. Charming and approachable, Dom puts on a show is like none other.

ERIC CHIEN – “THE MANIPULATOR”

Eric Chien is a rising star of the magic world. He was born in Taiwan, raised in the States, has traveling around the world and now lives in Beijing. Eric Chien’s fascination with magic started when he was in high school. During his freshman year of college, he suffered from depression due to experiencing his first heartbreak. He locked himself in his room for nearly half a year with no human contact whatsoever, but magic became his companion. Practicing up to eight hours a day, Eric soon became a master in sleight of hand. At the end of his sophomore year, he decided to drop out of school and become a professional magician. Eric started his magic career as a consultant for the top magician in China in 2016. In 2018, he became the first Asian to ever win the title of FISM World Champion of Close Up Magic Grand Prix, the so-called Olympic games of magic. The next year, he won 2019 “Asia’s Got Talent” Season 3. After that, he became a viral magician all over the world. Eric always says, “I want the world see my magic. I want the story and hopes of my magic to bring amazement and child-like wonder to everyone.”

CHRIS COX – “THE MENTALIST”

Chris Cox knows what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, who the hell is Chris Cox? Lucky you’re reading this! He’s a multi-award winning “mind reader who can't read minds” and the star of the BBC’s “Chris Cox’s Mind Boggling Magic” and “Killer Magic.” He’s performed in three London West End seasons and a sell-out run at Sydney Opera House, and has been seen live by over 750,000 people. On stage he’s starred in The Illusionists – Direct From Broadway (London’s West End, USA, South Africa, Mexico & Australia including Sydney Opera House), Impossible (2x London’s West End, Dubai Opera & World Tour), and five critically acclaimed one-man solo Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows which he wrote and performed throughout the UK and New Zealand. In addition to his own TV shows, you may have seen Chris with One Direction at the BBC Music Awards (BBC), or on “America’s Got Talent” (NBC), “Heston Blumenthal’s Recipe For Romance” (Channel 4), “Now You See It” (BBC One), How TV Changed Magic and The Mentalist Revealed (Channel 5), The Secret Of Star Wars (BBC iPlayer) and The Project (Channel 9 Australia). Chris has created magic for Barnum (Menier Chocolate Factory), Dan & Phil’s 2016 & 2018 World Tours, Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck Restaurant, and is the Magic & Illusions Assistant for Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, Parts One and Two (Palace Theatre, London). Visit www.magiccox.com

PAUL DABEK – “THE TRICKSTER”

Paul Dabak is one of the UK’s top entertainers. He has performed across six continents, on the stages of London’s West End, headlined his own show in Las Vegas, and appeared on BBC TV. An accomplished magician, comedian and actor, Paul’s skills have won him critical acclaim. Both the Magic Circle and the International Brotherhood of Magicians have recognized Paul’s talent, naming him Young Magician of the Year and awarding him the British Shield. Paul’s fast-paced dynamic magic, quick-witted humor, and a theatrical flair combine with a personality that reaches to the very back of the theater. Join Paul as he reveals exactly what’s up his sleeve and delves into his box of tricks while cheekily enchanting the audience with jaw-dropping hilarity. Visit www.PaulDabek.com

KEVIN JAMES – “THE INVENTOR”

Kevin James became interested in the art of magic at a very early age. He remembers seeing his first magic performance and – more importantly – how it made him feel. This feeling helped Kevin decide at a young age that performing magic for the world was his life's calling. Kevin's style of performance is anything but conventional, with his unique comedy and magic garnering him a reputation as a world-class visual artist and making him one of the highest-viewed magicians on YouTube with millions of hits. This fresh approach has allowed him to headline in some of the world's top theaters. Additionally, Kevin has performed on television in 89 countries. Some of his past performances include: headlining Las Vegas casinos, starring at the famous Crazy Horse in Paris, royal performances for the Prince of Monaco, Prince of Bahrainm, and the Sultan of Dubai, and a command performance for President Obama at the White House. Kevin is a prolific inventor and consultant of magic. Not only are his performances original, but many of his ideas have made their way into the shows of other famous magicians, such as: Doug Henning, Penn & Teller, Mark Wilson and David Copperfield, as well as several films. Kevin's magical brilliance lead to him receiving the Creative Fellowship Award from The Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences in Hollywood in 2004, as well as multiple Stage Magician of the Year awards. Kevin is related to the legendary P.T. Barnum, and he's like his famous ancestor in many ways. His artistic vision was to create the most unique show on the planet and make adults feel like a kid again, which he describes as the "best job ever!"  Visit www.kjmagic.com

ENZO WEYNE – “THE UNFORGETTABLE”

Enzo held his first magic show at 11 years old, with humble resources. However, he wished to stage far more impressive illusions on a larger scale, and decided to move towards studies that would allow him to master skills which could help him build his own tricks. He spent a year as an engineering student, learning how to draw up plans, put his ideas on paper, and understand mechanics and electrotechnics. He was also curious about psychology and the paranormal. It was Enzo’s performance on “France’s Got Talent” where his imagination and maturity stood out to both the audience and the jury. A couple of years later, Enzo mesmerized the audience of Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. This new fame opened the doors to the most prestigious events in Europe, as well as the greatest international festivals. Since then, Enzo has been considered the rising star of magic. In 2013, he returned to “France’s Got Talent,” where he again stupefied the jury and the audience by making a helicopter appear on stage, an act that had never been seen before on television. In 2015, at 26 years old, he stepped on the stage of the mythical Casino de Paris to premiere his show, Beyond Illusions. It was the starting point of an adventure of a lifetime. www.enzo-illusion.com

VERBA SHADOW THEATRE

VERBA Shadow Theatre is the only theatre in the world which creates performances by combining shadow and light effects, acting and professional acrobatic layouts based on motives of famous films, TV series, and cartoons. Over years of performances, VERBA gained recognition and love from both children and adults that led to the creation of their unique shadow project #familyshow – “Shadow Hollywood,” “Kingdom of Shadows,” and “Shadow Space,” three complete concert programs that fascinate audiences of all ages. VERBA advocates for family values and their #familyshows urge the united interests of different generations. In 2018, their idea for a first-in-the-world 3D shadow theater finally came to life, allowing VERBA’s shadow theater to become even more real to spectators. After appearing on “Ukraine’s Got Talent” and “America’s Got Talent” in 2019, VERBA is proud that over the course of eight years, their shadow theater is represented and has popularized Ukraine in 37 countries all over the world. www.verbashadow.com

Since The Illusionists’ 2014 Broadway debut, the blockbuster world-famous touring magic spectacular has wowed, entertained, and inspired over 276,000 audience members of all ages in four different incarnations of Witness The Impossible, Live on Broadway, Turn of the Century, and Magic of the Holidays. More than 20 different performers have appeared on Broadway with The Illusionists, bringing their talents to New York from renowned stages worldwide including “America’s Got Talent,” “Britain’s Got Talent,” Royal Variety Performances, Los Angeles’ famed Magic Castle, and The Illusionists’ smash hit engagements on London’s West End and on tour around the United States and Canada. Continually breaking box office records all over the world, last year’s Broadway production concluded with the best week ever for The Illusionists over four Broadway engagements and the best-selling week anywhere for the acclaimed Illusionists brand.

In addition to creative producer Simon Painter, the creative team for The Illusionists – Magic Of The Holidays includes executive producer Tim Lawson and director Neil Dorward.

TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets for The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

SIMON PAINTER (Creative Producer). A visionary creative and entrepreneur, Simon Painter is the most sought-after magic producer in the world. He began his career as a classical violinist, but soon transitioned from performing to producing with massive success. His first show Le Grand Cirque premiered at the Sydney Opera House, selling over 40,000 tickets in 10 days. Simon has now been at the forefront of the live entertainment industry for over a decade, having launched and managed major performance venues and produced such acclaimed productions as Cirque Le Noir, Cirque Paris, and Cirque Adrenaline. In collaboration with Tim Lawson, Simon created The Illusionists, which has become the world’s best-selling magic show of all time since its debut in 2012. Along with its sequels The Illusionists 2.0 - The Next Generation of Magic and The Illusionists - Turn of the Century, the franchise continues to smash records and tour internationally, including four performances on Broadway. Simon was also the creative force behind The Unbelievables, Now You See Me Live, and Circus 1903, which is making a triumphant return to London after a sell-out season at The Southbank Centre earlier this year. He continues to serve as President and Chief Executive Producer for The Works Entertainment, dreaming up ideas for innovative world-class spectacles on a daily basis.

TIM LAWSON (Executive Producer) is VP of The Works Entertainment and CEO of TML Enterprises, servicing over 400 cities and 45 countries with first-class musicals and family entertainment. Theatrical credits include Sweet Charity, Buddy – The Musical, Jolson, Spirit of the Dance, Oh! What A Night, Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol, It’s A Dad Thing!, Shout! The Musical, Jekyll and Hyde, The Rocky Horror Show narrated by Richard O’Brien, the Helpmann Award winning and London Palladium production of A Chorus Line, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a new production of Fiddler on the Roof with Anthony Warlow, The Wedding Singer and the upcoming tour of A Streetcar Named Desire. Alongside partner Simon Painter for The Works, they have created, produced and presented many brands that play simultaneously and break box office records around the world including The Illusionists which has broken 4 house records in Broadway and 2 in London; Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Magic which returns to London later in the year following an extensive international tour; Le Noir; Cirque Adrenaline; Cirque Paris; Now You See Me; and their newest production Stratosphere, which premieres this December at The Sydney Opera House.

MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) is headed by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard and Steve Boulay and has been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows, concerts and museum exhibits worldwide for over 35 years. Consistently one of the top promoters in the world, MagicSpace Entertainment typically produces and presents more than 350 events worldwide per year. Recent Broadway credits include The Illusionists—Witness the Impossible (Broadway and West End), The Illusionists—Live on Broadway, The Illusionists—Turn of the Century, Donny & Marie: A Broadway Christmas, American Idiot, Rain—A Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway and Alton Brown Live—Eat Your Science on Broadway. National tour credits include The Illusionists—Live From Broadway, A Magical Cirque Christmas, The Bachelor Live on Stage, Lord of the Dance created by Michael Flatley, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage starring in Mythbusters—Unleashed, Alton Brown Live, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Donny & Marie Christmas, Rain—A Tribute to the Beatles, The Magic of David Copperfield, Circus 1903—The Golden Age of Circus, Brain Candy Live starring Adam Savage and Michael Stevens, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line and national concert tours by Janet Jackson, Cher and Fleetwood Mac to name just a few. Touring museum exhibitions produced include Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition, Titanic: The Exhibition, Diana—A Celebration, St. Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes exhibition. MagicSpace Entertainment has an office in Park City, UT. www.magicspace.net

THE WORKS ENTERTAINMENT (Producer), , recently acquired by Cirque du Soleil, creates and presents the work of Simon Painter and Tim Lawson across an ever-expanding network of more than 450 cities in 45 countries. Their shows have broken box office records countless times in numerous territories, including Sydney (The Sydney Opera House), Broadway (twice at the Marquis, Neil Simon and Palace Theatres), Mexico (Auditorio Nacional) and London (Shaftesbury Theatre). Their first production, Le Grand Cirque debuted at the Sydney Opera House and became the biggest-selling show at the iconic venue, leading to multiple international productions. Their success was repeated over the following years with Aerial Dreams and Cirque Adrenaline which premiered at the Sydney Opera House and toured internationally. Recognizing the opportunity in the market for a high-quality touring magic show, the company created a production showcasing seven of the world’s best magicians. The Illusionists - Witness the Impossible quickly became the most successful group magic show in the world, with multiple productions playing simultaneously throughout the world and spawning TV specials on ITV UK and NBC. Following this unprecedented success, The Works Entertainment developed two sequels: The Illusionists 2.0 — The Next Generation of Magic and The Illusionists 1903 — Turn of The Century. Their other international touring shows include Le Noir —The Dark Side of Cirque, Cirque Adrenaline, A Magical Cirque Christmas, The Unbelievables, Lionsgate’s Now You See Me and Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus which will return to the Southbank Centre this year.