After over 25 years, Shazam! is back on the road with a brand-new company of wonderworkers, featuring magic’s brightest young star, Matthew Laslo. This new edition of Shazam! pays tribute to the late, great master magician, Portland native, Stan Kramien, who toured North America for more than 35 years with his large scale illusion shows, Magic Capades, Magicazam, and Shazam!, along with numerous appearances on radio and television, including Johnny Carson’s, The Tonight Show.
For years, Stan and his son Rick Kramien hosted the Northwest Magic Jamboree, an annual magic convention at Big Top Ranch in Newberg, Oregon, featuring big names in the magic world like Harry Blackstone Jr, Mark Wilson of CBS’s The Magic Land of Alakazam, Johnny Thompson and Murray of Las Vegas, and many more. These acts would perform, lecture, and judge talent competitions for aspiring magicians of all ages.
In 2012, the final year of the Jamboree, 11-year-old Matthew Laslo made the decision to go for his dream of becoming a professional touring magician. He prepared his act and headed to Newberg, hoping to get a nod from the pros. He competed in the all ages stage magic competition, where he won the top prize for originality and showmanship. Stan and Rick saw something special in Matthew and knew that the future of magic was right in front of them.
Stan and Rick kept in touch with Matthew over the next few years, mentoring and following his journey into show business. During this time, Stan and Rick had dreams of putting together one final show, but Stan’s health declined and he passed away on March 27th, 2015, just shy of his 90th birthday. Rick’s passion and love for show business drove him to create a new version of Shazam! in honor of his dad Stan. It was time to pass the torch from one generation of magicians to the next, keeping the magic alive!
Shazam! The Magic Show is a brand-new Broadway style magic show, featuring unbelievable illusions, fast-paced choreography, powerful singing and non-stop entertainment! Witness the incredible story of Matthew Laslo, who dreams of becoming a star in the magic world as he learns from his mentor, master magician, the Great Kramien. Watch as Matthew and friends take you and your family on an unforgettable journey full of thrills, excitement, and surprises that will leave you awestruck.
