GOOSE BUMPS ARE PART OF THE ILLUSIONIST’S RIDE
Photo by Jenna Hauck, The Chilliwack Progress
Goose bumps are a natural reaction to being utterly astonished.
They're all part of the package from illusionist Ted Outerbridge, and his wife, Marion Outerbridge.
Outerbridge's latest show, The Time Capsule Tour, arrives in Chilliwack for one thrilling night on Saturday, March 19.
"It's a 90-minute ride," enthuses Ted. "It's very interactive, which keeps it fresh. It starts off with us getting to know the audience and then we share a little about ourselves."
It goes from silly to awe-inspiring and larger-than-life in short order, with the Outerbridges combining illusions with scenarios from everyday life.
"The show is about sharing the wonder," says Ted.
"When I went to my first rock concert, The Who, it gave me goose bumps.
"My first experience watching a magic show did the same thing. So Marion and I have spent a lot of time over the years brainstorming ways to give people goose bumps."
They've honed the experience to a sharp edge, having won the 2010 Touring Artist of the Year award from B.C. Touring Council a year ago.
"That was big-time recognition," says Ted. "Plus we broke into the U.S. this year as well."
It's their passion for creating the show that sets them apart.
"Our attitude is that there are miracles everywhere, and in order to make a magic entertaining, people have to care about what they're watching."
As with soul-searing lyrics written by a tortured and talented songwriter, there are also sections in the show that can literally make some people cry with their beauty, promises Ted.
"It's not a bunch of tricks out of a magic store catalogue, we celebrate moments in time that the entire audience can appreciate or relate to in some way," says Ted.
The illusions are custom-designed by the duo, which makes them unique, such as the seven-foot-high alarm clock that the nimble and graceful Marion climbs into.
Marion, who has a masters degree in ballet from Russia, says the show delivers a blend of illusion, dance and theatre for an exciting family friendly night.
"It's for everybody!"
They spend about half the year touring, travelling and performing for astounded audiences.
Marion met Ted when he was looking for a second dancer for his show.
"My friend the other dancer was a matchmaker," she offers.
It's been hearts and stars ever since.
So bringing the crowd together during their show is crucial. One way they accomplish it is with one pivotal question: What would you put in a time capsule? Randomly selected audience members will decide which timely and localized items they would include.
In fact one of the highlights of the show could be Outerbridge's prediction of the contents of a time capsule before it's opened.
The capsule is on display right now at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. It was shipped there months ago.
"Time capsules are exciting and they've been around since the beginning of time," he offers. "Cave paintings are basically time capsules and so are pyramids."
The burning question remains, what will he say is in the locked capsule?
Oooohhhhh. Only one way to find out.
Outerbridge: The Time Capsule Tour, March 19, at the Cultural Centre 604.391.SHOW, in person, or at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca.