The WYO makes Magic this November

The WYO Performing Arts & Education Center is getting magical this November with two local magicians. 

John Rotellini and AJ Longhurst will perform “Amazing Meets Extraordinary: Magic Takes the WYO” Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m.

Rotellini and Longhurst bring their own magical experience to the stage and both are rooted in theater, a WYO specialty, according to a WYO Theater press release.  

For Rotellini, a childhood love of magic paired with an eclectic collection of interests led him to a career in doing extraordinary things onstage. By combining sleight of hand magic and illusions with psychology and theatre, Rotellini has created live, interactive events that have wowed audiences around the world, the press release said.

Longhurst’s stage name, The Amazing AJ! also found an interest in magic at a young age, when he had his first magical experience witnessing a magic trick up close. Longhurst has performed magic professionally for more than 10 years and has been a professional actor for more than 20 years. Four years ago, Longhurst started a new career by teaching. At AJ’s Magic Academy, Longhurst weaves communication and life skills into his magic lessons, proving to students that magic can change a life.

“It’s thrilling to return to my roots on the WYO stage,” Rotellini said. 

“Though it looks a bit different than when I was a kid, it’s as exciting as ever to share my magic with my hometown audience,” Longhurst said, “Theater is definitely one of my passions and while I’ve performed on the WYO stage many times, I’ve never had the opportunity to perform my magic there. It’s going to be an excellent event.”

The event is sponsored by the WYO’s Major Season Sponsors along with Lyle & Dianna Neal, John & Jeanette Trohkimoinen and Alphagraphics. 

Patrons can purchase tickets at wyotheater.com to attend either the live stream or the live event itself with a limited number of seats available. Concertgoers will be encouraged to wear masks.