Illusionist to perform at LBW next week

Published 12:00 am Saturday, March 12, 2011

She’s been called “a lady Houdini,” and she will regale Covington County residents with her amazing feats of escape this Thursday at the LBW Dixon Center.

The show, called “Living Illusions,” features escapologist Kristen Johnson and master of illusions Kevin Ridgeway.

The 90-minute show is filled with Las Vegas-style illusions and escapes featuring “dazzling special effects, breath-taking illusions and death-defying escapes ensuring the audience a wave of emotions,” said event promoter Mark Bell. “It’s the only show in North America currently touring and performing the Water Torture Cell escape immortalized by the great Harry Houdini.”

Bell said Johnson is recognized as the world’s premier female escape artist and is the only female in the country attempting the suspenseful escape. Her exploits have been featured on the Travel Channel, the Discovery Channel, ESPN and CNN Headline News.

Andalusia will be her 895th attempt at the escape.

“Every escape artist, including Houdini himself, covered the water cell with a veil. not allowing the audience to actually see the escape,’ he said. “Since most have never witnessed this daring event first hand, they’re mesmerized as they watch an audience member help shackle and chain Kristen with locks, Smith and Wesson handcuffs and leg irons before she is immersed into a watery grave and the lid padlocked into place above her head.”

Bell said at the event, a $10,000 challenge is offered to anyone who can prove that Johnson takes a second breath, uses an underwater breathing apparatus or a key once she has dropped below the water. Her record underwater is currently 3 minutes 18 seconds on one breath, he said.

“Some may have heard of when she attempted a performance of her water torture cell escape during a halftime show of a basketball game featuring the Detroit Pistons versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 16, 2009,” he said. “After removing her chains, she lost consciousness while attempting to open the top of the cell. She had to be quickly rescued by assistants.

“A week later she was back at it, doing her signature escape for 4,000 people at Ford Park Event Center in Beaumont, Texas,” he said. “It’s no wonder why she’s billed as the best.”

Doors will open at 6 p.m. Showtime is at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance, or available in a family four pack for $30. They may be purchased at Christian Book and Gift at Tabby D’s, by visiting markbelltickets.com or by calling 1-888-805-3398.

Tickets are $12 at the door the night of the performance.