Is it possible for a woman to be folded up inside a 12-inch box? Could a man walk through the whirling blades of an industrial fan? Do people defy the laws of gravity? Can a performer escape from a water-filled container like the legendary Houdini?

Things aren’t always what they seem, especially when master magicians Kevin and Cindy Spencer are on stage. The Spencers will bring their cutting-edge illusions, choreography, comedy, scenery, lighting and music to the Lincoln Theater stage with their internationally-acclaimed production “The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion,” Friday at 7 p.m.

One of the largest touring illusion companies in the United States, the Spencers transport more than 12 tons of state-of-the-art illusions and special effects from city to city. Their high-tech stage show combines dazzling special effects and sleight of hand, illusions and  with comedy. The duo has spent more than a decade redefining the art of illusion by infusing magic with movement and cloaking it in music and physical expression.

Critics have compared the Spencers to David Copperfield and the late Doug Henning, and have called the Spencers “modern-day Houdinis” whose show is “light years from the cliché schtick of magicians of days gone by.”

“We are so thrilled — and just a little bit nervous — to have the Spencers at Lincoln Theater,” said Lincoln Theater Managing Director Deb Stallings. “The good news is that anything they make disappear they can most surely make reappear. This is just a fabulous, high-quality and thrilling show.”

In January 2003, the Spencers made the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup disappear as a kickoff to the NHL All-Star Weekend in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.. They did make the cup reappear, along with Hockey Hall of Fame legend Larry Robinson.

“I’ve been doing magic for many years. I remember telling my mother when I was 5 that I was going to be a magician,” said Kevin Spencer, who was inspired to follow his dream after spending time with Henning. “My parents gave me a magic kit for Christmas when I was 8 and I continued to do magic all the way through high school, then worked my way through college doing magic, ultimately pursuing it as a career.”

Kevin and Cindy Spencer met through a mutual friend while all three performed magic shows in the Dallas area. “Our show is a combination of several elements and the result of many years of experience,” said Cindy Spencer, “This show includes our favorite effects. We take our audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Some effects are humorous, others are beautiful as well as amazing. We will end the performance with a very intense and suspenseful escape that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.”

“Our show is universal and appealing to all ages,” added Kevin Spencer, “We are certainly proud that families, people of all ages, can enjoy our show. It is sophisticated enough to hold the attention of adults and exciting enough to hold the attention of the children.”

For more information and to view a video clip of the Spencers,visit                                                  www.spencersmagic.com. For tickets contact the Lincoln Theater Box Office at 944-1300 or www.lincolntheater.org.



Theatre of Illusion

Lincoln Theater

Friday, April 6, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $20-$50

Box office: 944-1300