@ RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
In its 18th year, the “Nothin’ Up My Sleeve” vaudeville magic benefit takes to the Raue Center for the Arts stage on Sunday, October 29th at 3:00 pm. Adults and children alike will be amazed.
Steve Chezaday
For over two decades, Chezaday has thrilled spectators of all ages with magic that challenges the imagination. With his energetic style, Chezaday strives to create new and innovative illusions to astound his audience. Through sold-out performances across the country and numerous television appearances, Chezaday has truly become a rising star in the world of magic! From Strolling Magic that may happen in your own hands, to Grand Illusions you would see in Las Vegas, each performance features audience participation and is designed to meet your entertainment needs.
Bobby Hunt
From Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus, Bobby Hunt, A.K.A “Circus Boy” has opened for Weird Al Yankovic, Jackie Mason, The Beach Boys, Billy ray Cyrus, The Smothers Brothers, The Righteous Brothers, Loverboy, and Harry Anderson Traveling the globe because he couldn’t work locally. The question I’m often asked most often is “Howdja become Circus Boy?” Well, my mom did a whip cracking, rope-spinning cowgirl act, during which she’d crack a cigarette out of my dad’s mouth. (That’s why I’m so well behaved!) Also, my dad was a clown, gymnast, magician, and prop builder. So physical entertainment runs in my family. At 5’6″ and 130 pounds, I was too small for contact sports, so I became Circus Boy!!
Wizzo The Wacky Wizard
Mystery abounds when Wizzo is around. It’s been nearly five decades since “Wizzo the Wacky Wizard” traveled from the far off magical land of Arobia to the USA to visit with the world famous magician Marshall Brodien. On this trip, Brodien introduced the wizard to his friends on WGN TV’s “Bozo’s Circus” where Wizzo’s silly antics and amazing magic fit right in. Fans took a liking to Wizzo and over the next 37 years he clowned around with his circus friends; Bozo, Ringmaster Ned, Sandy the Tramp, Oliver O. Oliver and his best buddy Cooky the Clown. During their lifelong friendship, Wizzo and Cooky brought joy and laughter to millions at fairs, festivals, and personal appearances around the Chicagoland area and the midwest. The fun and joy continue today. Be sure to catch Marshall Brodien’s pal “Wizoo the Wacky Wizard” at his next appearances. You never know what Wizzo will “Doody, doody, doo” next.
Plaz
Placido Garcia has always had a passion for magic ever since he was a child. In 1997, he noticed a magic kiosk was opening up in the mall he worked at and purchased his very first magic trick, called D’Lites. He mastered the D’Lites and amazed his friends and family. He then became a return customer, purchasing and learning most of the tricks they sold. After a few short months, the owner of the kiosk had offered Plaz a job. He ended up being the #1 salesman in magic, so the owner offered to take him to the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. When they returned from the seminar, the owner offered him the opportunity to take over the magic kiosk. Through his new found ownership he met Marshall Brodien, also known as “Wizzo” on the Bozo Show, and son Marshall Brodien Jr. They quickly became friends sharing similar interests. Without their help he would never be where he is today. Plaz has performed for clients such as Allstate Insurance, Medina Country Club, Kraft Foods, Hyatt and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, just to name a few.
Nino Cruzillini
At age 14 Nino, a Chicago native, appeared on a popular children’s show twice.BHe was hooked ever since and performed on television, radio and appears in newspapers throughout the U.S. He’s now widely recognized as a Master Magician, Mind Reader, Hypnotist and Speaker who loves to make private and corporate events more Fun and Educational. The press dubbed Nino “The Harry Houdini of Lake Geneva, WI.” and “World’s Fastest Comedy Hypnotist” who has “The Longest Running Magic Variety Show WI. “ at The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, WI.
A few accomplishments were right here at “Nothin’ Up My Sleeve”, driving a car blindfolded with partner producer Glenn Chelius through the streets of Crystal Lake, IL. PLUS beat Harry Houdini’s Straitjacket Escape Record 2 times suspended above the audience from our theater’s ceiling! Nino was the opening act for the famous rock band
“10,000 Maniacs” and also performed shows with comedian Drew Lynch.
Glenn Chelius
Caught the magic bug at the age of 6 after receiving his first magic set for Christmas. His mom and dad both supported his interest and helped him put a magic show together that he could take to the road. He earned a nice wage for an 8 year old, performing at birthday parties, park districts, and nursing homes. When he was not practicing, performing, or taking care of his two doves, Hocus & Pocus, he was looking through magic catalogs figuring out what his next trick would be.
Glenn was fortunate to have a teacher in Junior High that was also a magician and led a magic club after school. It was this club that he made his first magic friends and together they performed a show for the entire school. Glenn has also enjoyed a long career in the Direct Marketing industry, while performing magic and producing magic shows like Nothin’ Up My Sleeve. You may have seen Glenn on television with his co-producer Nino Cruzillini, as they had a two year run producing and starring in a local cable access show called The TV Magic Show. Glenn feels extremely blessed to have had as much fun as he has in magic while making many friends along the way.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Paul, board president
John Jacobsen, vice president
Chuck Stevens, treasurer
Luanne Flavin, secretary
Stacey McInerney
Volunteer Liaison
John Green
Mike H. Johnson
Richard Kuranda
Jack Minsley
Rich Naponelli
Michelle Nowland
Sandra Pierce
Regan Shepley
Steven Szalaj
Jerry Trachsler
RAUE CENTER STAFF
Richard Kuranda
Raue Center CEO & Founding Artistic Director of Williams Street Repertory
Justin Wellington
Managing Director
Jenna Klaproth
Operations Manager
Meredith Schaefer-Flowers
Director of Marketing &
Institutional Advancement
Michele V. Knight
Marketing Manager
James Knight
Economic Development Manager
Rob Scharlow
Raue Center School for the Arts
Director of Education
Maribeth Ling
Front of House Manager
Chris Tumblin
Raue Center Director of Production
Ryan Meadow
Raue Center Production Manager
Box Office Staff
Dan Cosgray
Naomi Unverzagt
About Raue Center For The Arts
Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.
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