Magician Aldo Colombini and his wife Rachel entertained a full house as the headlining act Feb. 1 at the Wizardz Magic Theater at Seralago Hotel and Suites in west Osceola County. Colombini has performed in large venues in Las Vegas, but like other regional magicians, prefers smaller, more intimate locations such as the theater.

By Peter Covino
Entertainment Editor

It just might be the only place in Central Florida where you can saw a woman in half — and get away with it.

Whether it is pulling a rabbit out of a hat or some amazing card tricks, Monday nights are magical at Wizardz Magic Theater at the Seralago Hotel and Suites in west Osceola County.

It's a gathering of magicians and fans, said area magician Erick Olson, who also is the master of ceremonies for the weekly show. The family operation also features his wife Kim, who is a bit of a magician and juggler herself — selling tickets, making popcorn and managing Erick's career.

“We get some great magicians here,” Olson said.

The proximity to Walt Disney World and large convention centers means the area has more than its share of prominent magicians. And many of them have found out about the magic theater and stop by in between engagements when they are in the Orlando area.

“We get a lot of magicians who appear locally at trade shows and word is getting out about 'Erick's Room,'” he said.

The magic theater has become a sort of workshop for magicians, Olson said, a place for them to hone their craft and network with other magicians.

“When magicians perform here, they know they have to put on a good show,” because there are always magicians in the audience, he said.

On this particular Monday night, award-winning magician Aldo Colombini is the featured performer, as is his wife Rachel, who also is a magician.

Rachel is a rarity in the world of magic — a female magician.

“I did it as a hobby in England,” her native country, Rachel said. And soon, she was operating a magic shop in Manchester.

She made regular trips to the United States to buy magic tricks and supplies, because the U.S. is “technically ahead,” when it comes to magic, she said.

Within a few years, being a magician became a full-time business. Marrying a magician certainly made her even more of a magic enthusiast.

Aldo Colombini is a renowned magician in his native Italy and Europe and has become one of the more popular magicians in the U.S. since moving here in 1993. Colombini has appeared at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas as well as the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

While he has performed in front of thousands of individuals, you can tell the master magician, who has been on stages for more than 40 years, gets a special delight doing his show in front of the small audience at the magic theater.

In between some expert card tricks, and sleight of hand with colored balls, interlocking rings and other tricks of the trade, Colombini has a funny delivery, often using language not normally seen in newspapers.

After delivering a particular set of expletives that had the audience howling, Colombini was just a tiny bit worried he may have been offensive, but then continued fearlessly onward with more of the same.

“Erick said we can say whatever we like, so blame him,” Colombini said.

After about 15 minutes on stage, Colombini got serious.

“And now, the trick you have been waiting for — my last,” he said, to a still appreciative and laughing audience.

For the record, his magic was first-rate.

The Monday night bag of tricks at the magic theater includes a variety of acts, usually some new talent, a veteran magician and a few minutes with Olson as well.

After the show, fans can discuss tricks and even buy a magic trick or two from the magicians, Olson said.

The Wizardz Magic Theater has been going strong since August, Kim Olson said.

“It has been received very well. We have even got some support from the Orlando Magic,” she said.

Doors open each Monday night at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show, and admission is $10. Reservations are almost a necessity because of the theater size. For reservations, call 863-307-9400. For more information, go to www.wizardzmagictheater.com.

The Seralago Hotel is just east of the Old Town shopping attraction off U.S. Highway 192.