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With more than 100 elementary-school-age kids gathered around, magician Don Miller somehow garnered their immediate attention and produced a magic man flow of giggles, oohs and aahs as he performed a 40-minute show at Sacred Heart School earlier this week.
Along with a handful of tricks and jokes, Miller managed to keep their undivided attention - a feat many teachers might agree was the biggest trick of all.
For Miller, a 20-year veteran of illusions and magic spiced with comedic relief, his ability to relate to a wide range of audiences is part of his secret to success.
Miller and his "wicky, wacky" magic will be one of two main acts appearing at Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw as part of the Magic and Marionettes on October 25.
His career has literally been a magical mystery tour. He began doing simple magic tricks for his sister at age 8 but in recent years has taken his show around the world.
He graduated from Indiana State University, where he studied music and science. For a while, he worked as a standup comedian and later fused the two abilities.
"I do magic and comedy. If it's not funny, it's magical," he said with a sarcastic grin.
Miller was the first magician to perform in the Children's Museum in Indianapolis and was the resident magician at the Indianapolis Zoo for seven years.
He has done three television shows, most recently the "Wacky Magic Club," televised in Indianapolis.
During much of his career, he juggled nearly 100 magic shows a year while working as vice president of marketing for an Indianapolis firm.
Six years ago, the 44-year-old became a full-time magician - a job that includes an array of corporate work, children's shows and traveling abroad.
He's performed across the United States and in Russia, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Britain and Holland.
"Comedy and magic really transcend languages," Miller said Tuesday.
In countries that don't speak English, his show incorporates pantomime.
"It works really well, especially with kids," he said. "We've entertained deaf children. Of course, there's no speaking in that, and it works just as well."
Miller's magic depends greatly on audience participation and he's also promising to do some illusionary work as part of the show.
Also part of the family-oriented twin bill will be Heidi Pearson and the Melchoir Marionettes.
Show time is 2 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for children 11 and under.
Pearson will open the show by presenting the Marionettes' "Comedy Cabaret on Strings," a fast-moving musical variety show. Among the featured Marionettes will be a kangaroo, bumblebee, penguin and chicken.
The Marionettes were formed in the 1950s and have performed with many headliners and even toured Europe. From July through October, the entertainers can be seen at their own Melchoir Marionette Theatre in Nashville, Ind.
Following the two acts, there will be a question and answer session for spectators. For more details, contact the theater at 267-8041.
