Artistry and entertainment converge in 'Spencers: Theatre of Illusion'

Described as "Modern Day Houdinis," Kevin and Cindy Spencer are revolutionizing magic with what they call the "Theatre of Illusion." This captivating multimedia show will appear at the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27.

Husband-wife duo Kevin and Cindy Spencer have redefined the genre of magic with their high-tech stage show that combines drama, comedy, romance and suspense with dazzling special effects and stage design. Mesmerizing audiences of all ages with their charisma and skill, the Spencers combine state-of-the art illusions with audience interaction; they even involve the whole audience in an amazing mind-reading experience. During their theatrical performances, people levitate, walk through walls, vanish and reappear.

Even the story behind the Spencer duo is magical. Cindy was a shy gal whose desire to perform outweighed her fears and Kevin grew up with the childhood dream of becoming a musician. The two grew toward and away from their crafts and each other for decades, until fate forged the Illusion team. The rest, as they say, is history. Baffling and entertaining audiences all over the world, the pair has traveled across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. They are also the only artists in history to be named Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year for a record-breaking six consecutive years and have twice been named America's Best Entertainers.

Tickets for this performance are $36 and $26. UNL students with valid ID, as well as youths age 18 and younger, may purchase tickets for half price. Call the Lied Ticket Office at (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231 for ticket availability. Regular ticket office hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.liedcenter.org. The Lied Center is located on the UNL City Campus at 301 N. 12th St.

As part of the Lied Center's ongoing education programming, a pre-performance talk will be held in the Lied's Steinhart Room 30 minutes prior to curtain. The pre-talk speaker will be local entertainer Bill Maltas. Seating is limited in the Steinhart, and the pre-talk will begin a half hour before curtain or when the room is full.

The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported the programs of this organization through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature; the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. For more information, call the Nebraska Arts Council at (402) 595-2122.

Lied Center programming is supported by Friends of Lied and grants from Association of Performing Arts Presenters; National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; Mid-America Arts Alliance; Nebraska Arts Council; New England Foundation for the Arts; and Lincoln Arts Council. All events in the Lied Center are made possible entirely or in part by the Lied Performance Fund, which has been established in memory of Ernst F. Lied and his parents, Ernst M. and Ida K. Lied.

For more information about the Spencers: Theatre of Illusion, visit: www.spencersmagic.com.