All articles with headlines that include "for the Pughkeepsie Journal" are unedited. They were put through rounds of editing before going to publication. This is the article as I wrote it.
This article appeared either in print or online - it is now in the Poughkeepsie Journal archives.
Magician David Haines has been showcasing his Las Vegas style illusions across the globe from casinos to cruise ships, from Hollywood to British Columbia since 1990.
On Saturday Oct. 17, Haines will stage a grandiose “illusion spectacular” at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center. Born and raised in Poughkeepsie, this is the first time in 10 years that Haines will perform in his home town and he plans on making it an unforgettable evening.
Haines found magic at the age of eight and has never looked back. As an up and coming magician, he joined the Poughkeepsie chapter (Assembly #35) of the national organization, the Society of American Magicians. As a member, Haines took an oath of respect, fellowship, and commitment to the elevation of the art of magic.
According to the dean of the Society of American Magicians, George Schindler, members of local branches, or “assemblies” are assured camaraderie and a constant stream of idea sharing within local magic communities.
Since cultivating his career locally and internationally, Haines has forged a style based on gaudy performances akin to Las Vegas-style magic productions. Despite the magnitude of his show, Haines maintains fluidity and confidence.
“His style is very smooth, pleasant, and entertaining… [His act] flows very smoothly from one trick to the next,” said Ed Fitchett, a member of the Society of American Magicians – Assembly #35 – since 1942. Fitchett has watched Haines evolve as a magician and is excited about his upcoming gig.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I’ve got tickets right in the front row.”
According to Haines, the Dutchess County area has never seen anything like the show he is planning. Amongst family, friends, and strangers, Haines wants to “bring Hollywood and Vegas to Dutchess County” through the integration of elaborate sets, large-scale illusions and flashy presentation.
Due to the size and sophistication of this production, teams have spent eight months preparing for the show and will take three full days to set up the venue. According to Haines, the technical aspects of his performance must be executed with precision.
“If the finest details are not in place, there could be serious safety issues,” said Haines.
Haines’s attention to detail, according to Assembly #35’s current president Derrin Berger implies a certain amount of professionalism.
“A lot of time, work and effort go into what he’s doing – it shows,” said Berger. “He cares about what he does. Everything is always very professional.”
This professionalism will become apparent in illusions including, but not limited to: people appearing, disappearing, floating in air, cut in half, close-up magic, comedy, mentalism, a concert-style sound system, intricate lighting fixtures, elaborate backdrops, searchlights beaming miles into the sky outside the entrance, and plenty of audience participation.
Haines holds crowd interactivity as an integral part of his act.
“No matter where in the world I perform, I would just like to entertain,” said Haines “… to know [the audience] can smile and enjoy is magic for me.”
When asked if he was preparing anything special for his homecoming performance, Haines replied simply: “Yes.”
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