Conjuring a return to the stage “Lance Burton & Friends” will Iowa opportunity lures Master Magician be performing two shows Nov 25 & 26 at the Civic Center stage of Des Moines Performing Arts. This will be Lance’s first show following his 2010 retire- from retirement for show ment, and Iowa will host this momentous event. By John Busbee unparalleled . tion to explore Iowa as the The Culture Buzz, Recipi- The Larsens also helped their location for a performance. “It’s quite an honor for Lance to ent of Iowa Governor’s Arts young prodigy connect with West has performed through- choose Iowa for his first magic Award for Collaboration & one of Iowa’s famous sons, out the United States, includ- performance out of retirement,” Partnership in the Arts . That first ap- ing Las Vegas and the Magic said Keith West. “Everyone has pearance on Carson’s Tonight Castle. been hoping that Lance would Lance Burton. Mention his Show in October of 1981 return to the stage, and Des name, and images of jaw- produced a flood of offers as Las Vegas anchors his Moines gets that honor.” dropping illusion, a master Burton’s performance cap- growth to World Champion of his craft and memorable tured Carson’s and the nation’s Magician “I knew I would probably return performances flood one’s attention. Burton returned to Springboarding from the to my love of magic and perfor- mind. In 2010, Burton walked Carson’s show nine more very magical majesty of his To- mance,” Burton offered. “I also away at the peak of his career, memorable times. night Show success, Burton knew that I wanted to do it with having presented 15,000 accepted an eight-week people I’ve known and worked shows to countless millions of Burton’s first visit to Iowa contract at the Folies Bergere with over the years. This blend of avid fans. The Lance Burton happened in 2016 with the in Las Vegas. His show broke performers will give this a true Theatre, a multi-million the Heartland’s most honored The making of a Master premiere of his comedy all records, being extended for family show appeal. Magic, jug- dollar performing hall built venues, the Civic Center of Magician feature, “Billy Topit: Master nine years. Yearning to push gling, comedy, illusion – I want specifically for him in the Des Moines (Des Moines From humble beginnings in Magician,” at the Wild Rose himself further, he risked his everyone to leave with special prestigious Monte Carlo Re- Performing Arts). his heart of America Ken- Film Festival. This film was career by asking for a week off memories from this show.” sort & Casino, vibrated with tucky home, Burton first the realization of a dream to enter the Fédération Inter- ovations from 13-plus years “I am excited to return to the experienced magic before age which his retirement allowed national Société de Magiques Burton’s fellow performers of 5000 shows. Lance Burton, stage. Especially here in Iowa,” five. His early fascination with him to fulfill. He quickly in Lausanne, Switzerland in include Fielding West (comedy praised as “the most brilliant Burton explained. “Since re- magic fueled his rise to one of bonded with Iowa during an 1982. His bold request reaped magician), Michael Goudeau magician of this century (Dai tiring, I have been approached the best magicians of modern extended stay during the film rewards: he became the first (juggler), and Keith West (il- Vernon, Patriarch of Magic), many times about performing times. As a boy, he attended festival, including a fundraiser American and youngest lusionist). Each has exceptional had retired. again. I always declined. But a Christmas party, where screener of his film to support performer to be recognized as performing credits, and Master now the time feels right! The magician Harry Collins was the Animal Rescue League a World Champion Magician, Magician Burton’s finesse in pro- A series of events beginning best part is I get to perform the featured entertainment. after his 20th birthday. He of Iowa. Burton continues winning this competition’s ducing appealing shows will keep years ago would eventually with some of my best friends, Burton was hooked, and Col- became the inaugural winner to parlay his talents and suc- Grande Prix event. audiences enthralled. lead to a two-performance re- who also happen to be great lins would become his men- of the “Gold Medal for Excel- cess into fundraisers for the turn to the stage this weekend artists.” tor. A neighbor encouraged lence” from the International Shriner’s Hospital and animal This was one more corner- Iowa ready to receive the return as Burton presents, “Lance his calling, giving the young Brotherhood of Magicians. rescue groups. stone that led to Burton’s of Lance Burton Des Moines Burton & Friends,” at one of Burton “Magic Made Easy.” This preceded his next major unparalleled 31-year career Performing Arts’ Civic Center He quickly mastered the ten break. A long-time relationship with and an unprecedented run of stage is a defining venue for such tricks in that book. Iowa-based magician, Keith over 15,000 shows. an historic show. Many National The Iowa connection West, cemented the connec- Tours have started in this venue, Collins noted the intense With the recognition from the and it continues as one of the top dedication of the young International Brotherhood ticket-selling venues in the world. Lance Burton, and guided of Magicians, Burton moved This show will be a cornucopia that development through to Southern California. He of illusion, magic, juggling, com- his teens. His first competi- connected with Bill and Milt edy, audience participation and tion, at age 17, was in a junior Larsen, two show busi- more. With a magician of Lance magician competition in ness legends from a family Burton’s reputation anchoring a 1977. He took first prize. His of magicians. They helped stellar roster of gifted performers, peers were praising his work, realize their father’s dream “Lance Burton & Friends” prom- and his next notable achieve- of a performance haven a ises to be another truly – ahem – ment would be in 1980, just nightclub for magicians – the “magical” evening for everyone.