IT'S MAGIC Returns to Thousand Oaks With Award-Winning Magicians, 11/30

Back by popular demand, the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza presents It's Magic! at the Fred Kavli Theatre, Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

It's Magic! has been delighting generations of families and magic enthusiasts for more than 50 years. This dazzling live stage show is unique in that it features top professional magicians from all over the world, with each act carefully selected to represent the variety of the arts of magic. The audience will see internationally recognized and award-winning magicians direct from Las Vegas and Hollywood's Magic Castle perform sleight of hand, full stage illusions and comedy. The Los AngelesTimes calls It's Magic! "A must for magic buffs of all ages." The all- new 2013 lineup includes Christopher Hart, Jay Johnson, Milt Larsen, Adam Trent and Rick Thomas.

The tradition of an all-star magic show started in 1956 when two young entrepreneurs, Milt Larsen (who will give a rare performance in Thousand Oaks) and Oliver Berliner, produced a show called Hocus Pocus' 56 at the magnificent Carthay Circle The­ater in Los Angeles. The following year, the show was renamed It's Magic! and moved to the 1300 seat Wilshire Ebell Theater. At first, the shows played for a very limited time only. However, as the number of fans grew, the number of performances was expanded. The success of It's Magic! proved there was a genuine interest in the ancient art form of magic and gave Larsen the idea of forming a full-time private club for magicians and magic enthusiasts. Thus was born the Magic Castle, which opened its doors in 1963. Many credit this show as the spark that rekindled the resurgence of the art of magic in America.

Over the 58 years the show has been produced, Southern California audiences have been treated to such legendary magicians as Harry Blackstone (Junior and Senior), John Calvert, Senor Wences, Richiardi, Chang, Mark Wilson, and dozens of other major magic stars. It also provided the "springboard" for newcomers like Lance Burton, Mark Kalin, The Pendragons and Harry Anderson, who have since become stars.

Single tickets are priced at $45,$25 with group discounts available. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or through the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office, located at 2100Thousand Oaks Boulevard. For more information call 805-449-ARTS (2787) or visit www.civicartsplaza.com.