David Copperfield returns to share illusions

They say humans can't walk through steel. David Copperfield, world renowned as the "King of Magic," invites you to see for yourself tonight, at 6:30 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. at the IU Auditorium as part of his "An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion" tour. \nAll tickets sold today will be $10. This applies to all tickets sold only today for all sections of the Auditorium at the IU Auditorium Box Office.\nCopperfield's illusion, "Man Versus Steel," is one among several stunning exhibitions. Central to the show's theme is the subject of audience members reaching their dreams. "Reunion" is an experience where Copperfield allows an audience member to make a reconciliation with a loved one -- no matter where on the planet that loved one may be. The magician supposedly transports the audience member to their loved one's location, anywhere from Bloomington to Beijing. \n"'Grand Illusion' was partly inspired by an unfulfilled wish of my grandfather's that a lot of people share -- winning the lottery and finally owning that one special thing you always dreamed of," Copperfield said in a press release.\nThis will be Copperfield's third show at IU. Audience members at his past two shows have been surprised to find how involved they feel during the performance and how entertaining Copperfield's personality really is. \nDoug Booher, IU Auditorium director, attended both shows.\n"The show is a lot like what you see on TV," Booher said. "He (Copperfield) talks personally with the audience, giving them a little about his background and where he grew up. He is funny."\nF. Kathleen Foley of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "To pull off a production this huge, you've got to have an out-sized talent … But (David Copperfield)'s effectively low-key style plays counterpoint to his large scale effects. In fact, those who have never seen Copperfield perform before will be startled by just how funny he is…" \nBut let's face it, the audience is there for the tricks. In "Killer," the great magician faces off with a lethal black scorpion. "The Lottery" is currently Copperfield's "favorite illusion," one in which he teaches an audience member how to win the lottery. There is also, of course, "Thirteen," Copperfield's most highly requested creation, where thirteen audience members are chosen randomly and vanish.\n"What's great about magic is that it's for all ages," Booher said. "For the young, it brings wonder; for the old, a renewed sense of the inexplicability of things, of mystery. I was a skeptic at his first show, and was completely amazed."\nCopperfield's own philosophy on magic is somewhat of a turn from conventional public opinion.\n"I think magic has always been thought of as an emotionless entertainment form," he said in an e-mail. "I want people to really connect with their emotions ... At some shows, people have cried (after the "Reunion" experience) and that's what I want to evoke, those emotions deep inside."\nTickets are available through Ticketmaster or the IU Auditorium, ranging from $22 to $42 with a $10 discount for IU students. For more information, call (812) 855-1103.\n-- Contact staff writer Daniel Castro at dacastro@indiana.edu.