Magic was in the air at this year’s Friends Fall Luncheon to benefit Riverside Theatre, which featured a mind-blowing show by renowned magician Michael Ammar, and outstanding performances by students starring in Riverside’s educational and outreach programs, followed by a delicious lunch at tables set up in the Orchid Lobby and Waxlax Theatre.
“Today is about magic,” said Allen Cornell, producing artistic director, welcoming everyone from the stage.
Reading from something called “The Magic of Live Performances,” he said that plays evoke a wide range of emotions and have the power to transport people to another world. Unlike with movies, audiences and stage performers can connect with shared experiences and emotions, touching our hearts and challenging our perspectives.
“So each time you have the opportunity to attend a live performance here at Riverside, embrace the magic that unfolds upon you. Allow yourselves to be transported, inspired and uplifted by the power of live theater,” said Cornell.
“Marching on with Allen’s words, theater is not just song and dance and drama, but it’s magic and it’s illusion and children,” said Cindy Rounsavall, who with Rennie Gibb co-hosted the show portion of the event, while Tina Di Scipio and Cindy Nicolaides co-chaired the luncheon.
Introducing Ammar, Steve Bell said that he first met the celebrated magician at a cocktail party and has since invited him to entertain his friends more than a dozen times.
“I love to watch the audience reactions and surprises, and I hope that will happen again today,” said Bell, adding that Ammar has performed all over the world, including for the Pope and at three presidential inaugurations. His book, “The Magic Book of All Time,” is now in its 22nd publication.
Ammar proceeded to amaze everyone with a whole assortment of quick sleight-of-hand magic tricks, interacting with the audience using everyday objects such as money, a lemon and a rope rather than stage props – well, except for a remarkable feat where he made a bowling ball appear out of nowhere.
Afterward, the audience was treated to a couple of exceptional performances by some of the children who benefit from Riverside’s education programs.
Kevin Quillinan, director of Theatre Education, said their programming was focused on three areas: performing arts instruction for children of all ages, including adults; shows performed for and by young people in a professional manner; and outreach and engagement programs with their community partners.
Included that afternoon was a solo performance by Ellie Palm, representing Riverside’s Junior Theatre Festival group; a piece from “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” performed by Casey Watkins and Yahir Ramirez; and a solo performance by Xena Roman, a young girl from the Riverside Community Partner, Gifford Youth Achievement Center. Performers from Riverside and GYAC will compete again this year at the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, where they won multiple awards last year.
For more information, visit RiversideTheatre.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
