Spencers Theatre comes to Peddie School in Hightstown
By:Susan Van Dongen
With his sensitivity and insight into human behavior, illusionist Kevin Spencer would have made a great shrink. In fact, not too long ago he was pursuing an advanced degree in clinical psychology, but only half-heartedly. Mr. Spencer really wanted to be a magician always had.
The psychological studies didn’t hurt, however. And although he can’t put the whole audience on the couch, Mr. Spencer can use his power of observation as well as intuition to better understand and entertain the crowd.
"It absolutely has helped, in many ways," says Mr. Spencer, speaking from his home in Lynchburg, Va. "So much of life is about knowing and understanding other people and the way we behave. But it’s especially true with magic, because (the art form) is built on the psychology of deception.
"Also, because we travel so much, we can see how audiences differ in different parts of the country," he continues. "It’s good to have a feel for those variations. And audiences take on a collective personality. When you’re performing, you have to get a fast read on their collective personality so you can more specifically tailor the show. The execution of the magic doesn’t change, but maybe some of your delivery does."
Mr. Spencer and his wife, Cindy, will be "psychoanalyzing" as well as amazing the crowd in Hightstown Nov. 13, when the Spencers Theatre of Illusion comes to the Mount-Burke Theatre at the Peddie School.
Critically acclaimed, the illusionists have been compared to David Copperfield, Harry Blackstone Jr. and the late Doug Henning.
By combining original theatrical elements with cutting-edge illusions, audience interaction, dramatic lighting, special effects, music, movement and stage magic, the Spencers have taken the ancient art of magic into the 21st century. For more than a decade, they’ve toured their show throughout the U.S. and in five countries.
Last year, the Spencers took their legerdemain to Asia where, Mr. Spencer says, magic was born thousands of years ago 5500 B.C., in fact. He and his wife were thrilled that the Eastern audience embraced their very Western-style act, validating the universal appeal of the art form.
"The art of illusion transcended the cultural differences," he says.
The performance is a complete theatrical experience, much more than just "the magic guy on the stage doing a series of tricks." Mr. Spencer says it combines elements you’d see in a Broadway show with the high-energy and excitement of a rock concert.
"So it’s a little bit Broadway and little bit rock ‘n’ roll blended into this theatrical presentation of grand illusion," he says. "We want our audiences not just to watch but to experience what we do on an emotional level. So we choose our illusions carefully some are light and fun, some are romantic, some are dramatic. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions."
They also pay homage to their predecessors, legends like Harry Houdini. In fact, the climax of their show is Mr. Spencer’s recreation of Houdini’s underwater escape act. Other hocus-pocus highlights include "folding" Ms. Spencer inside a 12-inch box and Mr. Spencer walking through the blades of an industrial fan.
An Indiana native, Mr. Spencer says he’s been doing magic since he was 5, when he told his mother he wanted to be a magician when he grew up. A few years later, his parents gave him a magic kit for Christmas, and he continued to practice and learn a number of tricks through grade school and into high school.
"I’m the guy who grew up and got to live his dream," Mr. Spencer says.
He also worked his way through college doing magic, which was about the same time he decided on the art form as his life’s work.
"I saw my first live magic show in college when Harry Blackstone Jr. performed at the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga (Tenn.)," he says. "I was totally enthralled by the performance and decided then I would try and make it in this field."
Cindy Spencer says she became involved in magic "because I married a magician!"
With her dramatic features, she’s a perfect foil for her husband’s antics. In addition, their relationship and intimacy helps people to better relate to certain parts of the show particularly the romantic passages.
"It allows us to do those scenes with a sense of reality," Mr. Spencer says. "Audiences have commented that they sense and see the relationship we have. Cindy is much more than just the traditional assistant on the stage. She really is an integral part of what we do. Plus, when we’re on the road in uncertain territory, she has a backup for the backup. She can handle anything."
Spencers Theatre of Illusion will perform at Mount-
Burke Theatre, Peddie School, South Main Street, Hightstown, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. Tickets cost $16. For information, call (609) 490-7550. On the Web: www.peddie.org/capps. Spencers Theatre of Illusion on the Web: www.spencersmagic.com

