FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 16, 2005
Contact: Christa Skiles
Public Relations Director
513-345-2242, ext. 232

RENOWNED ILLUSIONIST TIM KOLE TO HEADLINE CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK’S 15 TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF ABRACADABRA, AUGUST 18-21

(CINCINNATI) – Internationally renowned magician Tim Kole will bring several one-of-a-kind illusions never before seen in Cincinnati to the 15th anniversary production of Fidelity Investments’ presentation of Abracadabra at the Playhouse in the Park. The Playhouse’s annual tribute to sleight-of-hand, jaw-dropping deception and grand illusion returns August 18 to 21 in the Robert S. Marx Theatre.

Abracadabra is the Playhouse’s only major fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the weekend are used to support the not-for-profit Playhouse's artistic, education and outreach programs throughout the entire season. Abracadabra has become a favorite Tristate summer tradition, respected by serious magic aficionados and those seeking magical family entertainment alike.

Tim Kole is a major force in today’s world of magic, combining a powerful performance with dynamic magic and original illusions, many of which can be seen nowhere else in the world. Mr. Kole has performed in more than 30 countries and in all 50 states. For seven years, he starred in the award-winning show Spellbound, which received rave reviews in Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City and Las Vegas, where it was awarded the best magic show production. He then spent four years as the featured performer in the Great Radio City Music Hall Spectacular at the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas.

Mr. Kole was featured on the Discovery Channel’s Secrets, and he also appeared on NBC’s World's Greatest Magic and opened and closed ABC’s Champions of Magic television special from Monaco. Most recently, he produced and toured his own large scale show of comedy, exotic animals and his signature original magic and illusion. Mr. Kole comes from a distinguished magical family: His father, Andre Kole, is a leading inventor of magical effects who served as a creative consultant for David Copperfield. According to Mr. Copperfield, “The international acclaim that Tim has received is due to his unique talent and dedication to upholding the finest traditions of the magic society.”

Among the illusions Mr. Kole will perform for Abracadabra are “Just Passing Through,” in which he is lowered into the center section of a woman and then walks the length of her body; “The Jet Engine Penetration,” in which he walks through the moving blades of a plane’s jet engine; and “The Statue,” in which he makes a 9-foot-tall metal statue vanish in slow motion from bottom to top in full view of the audience.

Abracadabra week begins on Thursday, August 18 with the popular Preview House Party. Pre-show festivities from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. include complimentary hors d’oeuvres, live music and strolling magic. The Abracadabra performance begins at 8:00 p.m.

This year's Abracadabra Gala performance is scheduled for Friday, August 19, starting at 5:30 p.m. and features an Alice in Wonderland theme, complete with strolling magicians and costumed entertainers. The full evening of events includes a pre-show reception, performance and gourmet dinner by Jeff Thomas Catering and dancing to the music of The Airwave Band following the show. Tickets are $250 per person. Corporate tables and sponsorships also are available. Space for the gala is limited.

Abracadabra also will be performed at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. both Saturday, August 20, and Sunday, August 21. Tickets for the House Party and weekend public performances are priced from $39.50 to $48.50 for adults, depending on the show and seat location. Tickets are from $15 to $20 for children ages five to 12. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children under the age of five cannot be admitted.

In addition to Fidelity Investments, support for Abracadabra is provided by Henkle Schueler & Associates and JBM Envelope.

Reservations for all performances (with the exception of the gala) can be made by calling the Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888 or toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana,
800/582-3208. Tickets for Abracadabra performances also are available online at the Playhouse web site at www.cincyplay.com. Gala tickets are available through the Playhouse development office at 513/345-2242.

Artists fly to and from Cincinnati on Delta Connection Comair, the Playhouse’s official airline.

The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Playhouse also receives funding from the City of Cincinnati.

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