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ILLUSIONISTS TO RING IN THE HOLIDAYS AT D.C.’S
NATIONAL THEATRE BEGINNING DECEMBER 3

Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, November 6, 2019) – Family-friendly spectacular THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF
THE HOLIDAYS will ring in the holiday season at D.C.’s National Theatre from December 3-8, 2019. MAGIC OF
THE HOLIDAYS is an all-new installment of the world-famous touring magic blockbuster that has appeared on
Broadway and beyond. The show marks the seventh installment in the venue’s 2019-2020 Broadway at the
National series, which is set to include an unprecedented 16 productions.
Tickets for THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS are currently on sale and may be purchased at
TheNationalDC.com, by calling 1-800-514-3849, or in person at the National Theatre Box Office (open for the
season Monday-Friday from 12pm-6pm and two hours prior to every performance). The National Theatre is
located at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in downtown Washington, D.C.
Ring in the holidays with the mind-blowing spectacular THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS,
showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. THE ILLUSIONISTS has shattered
box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous
and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of
unprecedented proportions.
This year’s family-friendly show promises even more illusions, close-up magic, mentalism, daring escapes, and
technological spectacle performed by master entertainers who’ve captivated audiences worldwide. In addition
to creative producer Simon Painter, the creative team for THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS includes
executive producer Tim Lawson.

THE ELUSIVE, VALENTIN AZEMA
With a French touch, a bit of humor and a limitless passion for the art of magic, you will share with Valentin a
one-of-a-kind experience of wonder and mystery.

 THE TRICKSTER, DARREN PARTRIDGE (“DIZZY”)
Dizzy’s wild combination of magic, physical comedy, and theatrical thievery, all delivered with mischievous
British charm, leaves his audiences both spellbound and gasping for breath. It’s an experience you will not
believe and will never forget.

THE TRANSFORMATIONALISTS, SOS & VICTORIA
The lightning-fast and world-famous quick-change artists Sos & Victoria have perfected their modern
interpretation of traditional performance art by combining fashion, stagecraft, and sleight-of-hand in a display
that has dazzled audiences all over the world. Masters of quick couture, this dapper duo are always prepared
and dressed to impress. A flick of the wrists, a twist, and a twirl are all it takes for them to transmute their
apparel into looks for any occasion.

THE DAREDEVIL, JONATHAN GOODWIN
British born daredevil and escape artist Jonathan Goodwin is widely considered one of the most creative, skilled,
and frankly crazy stunt performers in the world. He has been described as “the world’s greatest theatrical
daredevil.” Goodwin has been hanged, buried alive, hung by his toes from helicopters, burned at the stake,
attacked by sharks, bitten by rattlesnakes, dodged arrows, and climbed under moving cars.

THE MANIPULATOR, FLORIAN SAINVET
Born in Bordeaux, France, Florian Sainvet began his career in magic at the age of sixteen, but it was while
devouring his favorite science fiction films and universes at his beloved neighborhood cinema that he discovered
his true calling: as a futuristic manipulator and illusionist.

THE SHOWMAN, STEVE VALENTINE
Over the last 20 years, Steve Valentine has appeared in over 250 hours of TV and film, carving out a unique place
for himself in show business. This true showman is constantly changing and morphing into a myriad of wild,
quirky, funny, dangerous, and always unique characters.

THE DELUSIONIST, STUART MACLEOD
A Scottish BAFTA nominee, Stuart MacLeod has created some of the most controversial magic on television,
played to sell-out crowds all over the world and racked up over 100 million views on YouTube.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM
A visionary creative and entrepreneur, Simon Painter is the most sought-after magic producer in the world. He
began his career as a classical violinist, but soon transitioned from performing to producing with massive
success. His first show Le Grand Cirque premiered at the Sydney Opera House, selling over 40,000 tickets in 10
days. Simon has now been at the forefront of the live entertainment industry for over a decade, having launched
and managed major performance venues and produced such acclaimed productions as Cirque Le Noir, Cirque
Paris, and Cirque Adrenaline. In collaboration with Tim Lawson, Simon created The Illusionists, which has
become the world’s best-selling magic show of all time since its debut in 2012. Along with its sequels The
Illusionists 2.0 - The Next Generation of Magic and The Illusionists - Turn of the Century, the franchise continues
to smash records and tour internationally, including four performances on Broadway. Simon was also the
creative force behind The Unbelievables, Now You See Me Live, and Circus 1903, which is making a triumphant
return to London after a sell-out season at The Southbank Centre earlier this year. He continues to serve as
President and Chief Executive Producer for The Works Entertainment, dreaming up ideas for innovative worldclass spectacles on a daily basis.
Executive Producer Tim Lawson is VP of The Works Entertainment and CEO of TML Enterprises, servicing over
400 cities and 45 countries with first-class musicals and family entertainment. Theatrical credits
include Sweet Charity, Buddy – The Musical, Jolson, Spirit of the Dance, Oh! What A Night, Fiddler on the

 Roof starring Topol, It’s A Dad Thing!, Shout! The Musical, Jekyll and Hyde, The Rocky Horror Show narrated by
Richard O’Brien, the Helpmann Award winning and London Palladium production of A Chorus Line, Chitty Chitty
Bang Bang, a new production of Fiddler on the Roof with Anthony Warlow, The Wedding Singer, and the
upcoming tour of A Streetcar Named Desire. Alongside partner Simon Painter for The Works, they have created,
produced and presented many brands that play simultaneously and break box office records around the world
including The Illusionists which has broken 4 house records in Broadway and 2 in London; Circus 1903 – The
Golden Age of Magic which returns to London later in the year following an extensive international tour; Le Noir;
Cirque Adrenaline; Cirque Paris; Now You See Me; and their newest production Stratosphere, which premieres
this December at The Sydney Opera House.
MagicSpace Entertainment is headed by Lee D. Marshall, Joe Marsh, John Ballard, and Steve Boulay and has
been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows, concerts and museum exhibits worldwide for
over 35 years. Consistently one of the top promoters in the world, MagicSpace Entertainment typically produces
and presents more than 350 events worldwide per year. Recent Broadway credits include The Illusionists—
Witness the Impossible (Broadway and West End), The Illusionists—Live on Broadway, The Illusionists—Turn of
the Century, Donny & Marie: A Broadway Christmas, American Idiot, Rain—A Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway
and Alton Brown Live—Eat Your Science on Broadway. National tour credits include The Illusionists—Live From
Broadway, A Magical Cirque Christmas, The Bachelor Live on Stage, Lord of the Dance created by Michael
Flatley, Jamie Hyneman, and Adam Savage starring in Mythbusters—Unleashed, Alton Brown Live, Mannheim
Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Donny & Marie Christmas, Rain—A Tribute to the Beatles, The Magic of
David Copperfield, Circus 1903—The Golden Age of Circus, Brain Candy Live starring Adam Savage and Michael
Stevens, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line, and national concert tours by Janet Jackson, Cher and Fleetwood
Mac to name just a few. Touring museum exhibitions produced include Jurassic World: The Exhibition,
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition, Titanic: The Exhibition, Diana—A Celebration, St.
Peter, and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes exhibition. MagicSpace Entertainment has an office in Park City,
UT. For more information, visit www.magicspace.net.
The Works Entertainment, recently acquired by Cirque du Soleil, creates and presents the work of Simon
Painter and Tim Lawson across an ever-expanding network of more than 450 cities in 45 countries. Their shows
have broken box office records countless times in numerous territories, including Sydney (The Sydney Opera
House), Broadway (twice at the Marquis, Neil Simon and Palace Theatres), Mexico (Auditorio Nacional), and
London (Shaftesbury Theatre). Their first production, Le Grand Cirque debuted at the Sydney Opera House and
became the biggest-selling show at the iconic venue, leading to multiple international productions. Their success
was repeated over the following years with Aerial Dreams and Cirque Adrenaline which premiered at the Sydney
Opera House and toured internationally. Recognizing the opportunity in the market for a high-quality touring
magic show, the company created a production showcasing seven of the world’s best magicians. The Illusionists
- Witness the Impossible quickly became the most successful group magic show in the world, with multiple
productions playing simultaneously throughout the world and spawning TV specials on ITV UK and NBC.
Following this unprecedented success, The Works Entertainment developed two sequels: The Illusionists 2.0 —
The Next Generation of Magic and The Illusionists 1903 — Turn of The Century. Their other international touring
shows include Le Noir —The Dark Side of Cirque, Cirque Adrenaline, A Magical Cirque Christmas, The
Unbelievables, Lionsgate’s Now You See Me, and Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus which will return to the
Southbank Centre this year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CALENDAR INFORMATION
THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS will run Tuesday, December 3 through Sunday, December 8, 2019.
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Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 7:30pm
Friday at 8pm

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Saturday matinee at 3pm
Saturday evening at 8pm
Sunday matinee at 2:30pm
Sunday evening at 7:30pm

The production is recommended for ages 6 and up, and runs approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one
intermission.

LOCATION
The National Theatre is located at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in downtown Washington, D.C. Nearby metro
stops include Metro Center and Federal Triangle. For parking information, please visit
TheNationalDC.com/Directions-Parking.

TICKETS
Tickets for THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS are currently on sale and may be purchased at
TheNationalDC.com, by calling 1-800-514-3849, or in person at the National Theatre Box Office (open MondayFriday from 12pm-6pm and two hours prior to every performance).

GROUPS OF 10+
Groups of 10 or more can save on most Broadway at the National performances. To book, contact the group
sales department at groupsales@thenationaldc.com or by calling the Group Sales Hotline at 202-753-6867.

TICKET LOTTERY
Two hours prior to the above-mentioned show times, individuals may submit their names in person to be drawn
to purchase up to two tickets at $25 per ticket (inclusive of all fees). Twenty lottery seats will be available for
purchase for each of the above-mentioned performances. Names will be announced 30 minutes after the entry
period begins (90 minutes prior to the show time). Individuals must be present, with cash, to redeem the offer.

RESTAUARANT PARTNERS
The National Theatre invites patrons to dine pre- or post-show with partners The Occidental, BLT Prime by David
Burke, Claudia’s Steakhouse, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, Fig & Olive, Flight Wine Bar, The Hamilton,
Mirabelle, MXDC, and Proper 21. For more information about restaurant partners and special deals, visit
TheNationalDC.com/Hotel-Restaurant-Partners.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL THEATRE
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, the National Theatre opened in 1835 and is the oldest
touring theatre in the country. Managed and programmed by Jam Theatricals since 2012, the National is home
to the new and exciting subscription series Broadway at the National and has featured the world premieres of
IF/THEN, MEAN GIRLS, and BEETLEJUICE. Other significant recent theatrical presentations include BLITHE SPIRIT
starring Angela Lansbury and LES MISÉRABLES, as well as numerous Washington, D.C. premieres, notably
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, AMERICAN IDIOT, FUN HOME, SOMETHING ROTTEN!, NEWSIES, and more. In addition,
the National has presented many special events and concerts, including Kacey Musgraves, Dave Koz, Bryan
Adams, Bill Burr, Eddie Izzard, Savion Glover, ThePianoGuys, Amanda Palmer, and John Cameron Mitchell.
The remainder of the 2019-2020 Broadway at the National season will include: RENT (November 12-17, 2019),
JOHN LEGUIZAMO’S LATIN HISTORY FOR MORONS (November 21-23, 2019), MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT:
DIARIES (November 29, 2019), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (December 10-15, 2019), JERSEY BOYS (December 17,
2019 - January 5, 2020), and THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY (January 31 - February 1, 2020), THE KING’S
SPEECH (February 11-16, 2020), BANDSTAND (March 3-8, 2020), STING STARRING IN THE LAST SHIP (March 27 April 5, 2020), ROALD DAHL’S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (April 7-26, 2020), BLUE MAN GROUP

 (May 8-17, 2020), BABY SHARK LIVE! (June 5-7, 2020), and SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL (July 22 August 2, 2020).
For more information and a complete list of upcoming events, visit TheNationalDC.com, or follow the National
Theatre on Facebook (NationalTheatreWashingtonDC), Twitter (@NatTheatreDC), and Instagram
(@NatTheatreDC).

Download production photos & b-roll at TheNationalDC.com/Press using password NTPress2019
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