Magi-Whirl Gala Show
March 14, 2020 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Close-up shows in the lobby from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
See award-winning magic at the D.C. area’s best magic show of the year! The Gala Show is open to the public — get your tickets now!
Tickets start at just $20 in advance for adults and $15 for children, a savings of 25% to 33%! At the door, ticket prices will be $5 higher.
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Lucy DarlingMistress of Magic |
Mario the Maker MagicianMagician & Creator |
Christophe JelinksiD.C. Magician of the Year |
Mahdi GilbertInspirational Conjurer |
Jay MattioliSensational Illusionist |
Carisa Hendrix
Magician and variety artist Carisa Hendrix is a 8-time Award-Winning Entertainer featured in the
Guinness Book of World Records (2014), Ripley’s Believe it or Not (2015) and the star of the Super Channel documentary Carisa Hendrix: Girl on Fire, which tells the true story behind her 2016 Las Vegas magic show.
Recipient of the prestigious Allan Slaight award and recently nominated for Stage Magician of the Year at the Magic Castle, Carisa is best known for her beloved comedy magic character Lucy Darling. With Lucy and a host of her other characters, Carisa has been delighting audiences internationally for the past 16 years with her signature blend of classy, sassy comedy entertainment. Carisa is also the co-host of the Shezam Podcast, a weekly feminist podcast about the world of magic and variety entertainment.
Mario the Maker Magician
Mario “the Maker Magician” Marchese is a New York based, touring family performer known for his DIY robotic creations, upcycled props, and new school slapstick character. It’s magic through the lens of the Maker Movement! He’s been on Sesame Street, Sprout, and live on tour with David Blaine, who called him “the best kids magician in the world!!”
Mario’s show is an upbeat, hilarious, and very interactive experience that leaves children and families inspired to nurture their own creative paths. Mario works alongside his wife and manager, Katie. They travel the country together along with their two young children.
Christophe Jelinksi
Christophe performs close-up magic and mentalism for casual events, corporate engagements, and large-scale conferences.
In addition to performing, Christophe has delivered talks at TEDxWilmington and TEDxCollegePark. He was named Magician of the Year by I.B.M. Ring 50 for 2018-2019 and again for 2019-2020.
Mahdi Gilbert
Mahdi Gilbert has appeared on national television in Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Portugal, South Korea and the United Kingdom. He fooled Penn & Teller on their hit show “Fool Us!”
The Academy of Magical Arts invited Mahdi to perform his close-up card magic at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, one of the world’s most exclusive clubs. He is one of the only magicians in the world to hold an open invitation to perform whenever he would like.
Mahdi Gilbert is the only magician in the world without hands and feet since the renowned 17th century conjuror, Matthias Buchinger. Mahdi was awarded the Allan Slaight Award for being the first Canadian Rising Star in magic and the Jay Marshall Award by Magicana. Through Mahdi’s ministry, Overcoming The World, and his secular motivational speaking organization, Living The Impossible, he speaks to audiences all over the world.
Jay Mattioli
At 18 years old, Jay Mattioli was hailed by the International Brotherhood of Magicians as a “Champion of Magic,” becoming one of the youngest magicians to ever receive this honor. In 2006, Jay was awarded 1st Prize at the Society of American Magicians International Stage Contest of Magic. Jay is one of only a few magicians in history to receive first prize in both of these international magic competitions.
More recently, Jay electrified the nation and stunned the judges with his appearance on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and FOX’s “Showtime at the Apollo” with Steve Harvey.
A native of New York but now based out of the Washington, DC area, Jay’s magic has appeared in over 20 countries including Hong Kong, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, England, and countless special events throughout the U.S. From Casino showrooms to luxury cruise ships, Jay’s unique style of illusions has captivated the imagination of millions and reminds people of all ages what it is like to believe in the impossible.