Carnival of Illusion: An Evening of Old-World Magic
BY RANDY MONTGOMERY ON OCTOBER 1, 2014
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
An evening with Sarlot and Eyed from Carnival of Illusion feels like a magical trip around the world. It’s not the whizz, bang, boom that Vegas offers—it’s far more authentic than that.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Roland Sarlot often saw legendary magicians at the world-famous Magic Castle and was amazed. After graduating school and moving to Tucson, Sarlot decided to leave the field of astronomical instrument design behind to pursue magic.
Susan Eyed grew up in the Midwest and longed to be elsewhere. She received a degree in International Studies and traveled the world. She was profoundly influenced by the culture of the counties visited, which led to the opening of her own dance studio in Arizona.
The pair teamed up in 2002 to create Dance of Illusion—a large stage show of magic and dance built on both of their talents and experience being overseas.
In 2009, the decision was made to take the show to an intimate setting. Inspiration was based on the early 1900’s—the golden era of magic, where the upper crust would be entertained in the parlors of the highest echelons of society.
Carnival of Illusion, a Vaudeville-inspired illusion show, played to 62 sold-out audiences in its first season. "What began as a concept of an intimate illusion show, has turned into a weekly sold-out attraction," says Eyed, one of the few female magicians in the world.
In Carnival of Illusion, the duo remains true to their international backgrounds while combining their personal passions to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
"Our boutique theater has grown so much in the last five seasons. We are super excited to enter our sixth year," Sarlot says.
If you are expecting large-scale Vegas-style theatrics and special effects, look elsewhere. If you are looking for an entertaining evening of Vaudeville- inspired illusion presented by two award-winning entertainers that pour their heart and soul into every performance, then step right up! Get ready to laugh and celebrate an intimate, magical night out.
Carnival of Illusion, Phoenix Season Begins October 11, Arizona Biltmore Resort, 2400 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, Mesa Season Begins October 18 Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.359.7469, carnivalofillusion.com, $45-$60
Growing up in Los Angeles, Roland Sarlot often saw legendary magicians at the world-famous Magic Castle and was amazed. After graduating school and moving to Tucson, Sarlot decided to leave the field of astronomical instrument design behind to pursue magic.
Susan Eyed grew up in the Midwest and longed to be elsewhere. She received a degree in International Studies and traveled the world. She was profoundly influenced by the culture of the counties visited, which led to the opening of her own dance studio in Arizona.
The pair teamed up in 2002 to create Dance of Illusion—a large stage show of magic and dance built on both of their talents and experience being overseas.
In 2009, the decision was made to take the show to an intimate setting. Inspiration was based on the early 1900’s—the golden era of magic, where the upper crust would be entertained in the parlors of the highest echelons of society.
Carnival of Illusion, a Vaudeville-inspired illusion show, played to 62 sold-out audiences in its first season. "What began as a concept of an intimate illusion show, has turned into a weekly sold-out attraction," says Eyed, one of the few female magicians in the world.
In Carnival of Illusion, the duo remains true to their international backgrounds while combining their personal passions to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
"Our boutique theater has grown so much in the last five seasons. We are super excited to enter our sixth year," Sarlot says.
If you are expecting large-scale Vegas-style theatrics and special effects, look elsewhere. If you are looking for an entertaining evening of Vaudeville- inspired illusion presented by two award-winning entertainers that pour their heart and soul into every performance, then step right up! Get ready to laugh and celebrate an intimate, magical night out.
Carnival of Illusion, Phoenix Season Begins October 11, Arizona Biltmore Resort, 2400 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, Mesa Season Begins October 18 Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.359.7469, carnivalofillusion.com, $45-$60