Extraordinary Deceptions - A Magical Holiday Extravaganza December 14, 2007

"Extraordinary Deceptions - A Magical Holiday Extravaganza" spices up this December’s seasonal offerings with an evening of magic, mystery and illusion starring singular magician Michael Gutenplan.

’Magic’ Michael performs seemingly impossible feats up-close in The Powerhouse’s intimate venue, from card tricks and mind reading to an amazing, death-defying bullet catch. Oh, yes - an audience member will be sawed in half at each performance. Designed to entertain the entire family, "Extraordinary Deceptions" is filled with fun, magic and Michael’s cheerfully droll wit.

"I want audiences to have a unique experience," he explains. "’Extraordinary Deceptions’ is about the simple pleasures of real magic. There are no hokey trick boxes, gaudy costumes or cheesy theatrical effects, things that most people associate with magic shows."

The New York Times agrees. "Young and eager, [Mr. Gutenplan] is an old-fashioned magician, working with cards, money and minds (he reads them), rather than with complicated machinery or pyrotechnics. He also requests a helper for almost every trick, a practice that delights most magic fans under 18, if not their more shy elders... Mr. Gutenplan’s show lives up to its title," wrote Times Family Fare columnist Laurel Graeber.

'Magic’ Michael has performed his original and unique magic across the U.S. and Europe and is a member of The Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Extraordinary Deceptions runs Fridays at 8 pm; Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 2:30 pm, December 14 through December 30. Tickets to all performances are $25.00. A family four-pack is available for $80.00 by using the promotional code MAGIC.

The Powerhouse Theatre is located at 3116 2nd Street in south Santa Monica, just off Main Street between Rose and Marine. The theater can be reached via public transportation using MTA buses 33 & 333- Main St, Santa Monica; Big Blue Bus-various lines; or the Tide shuttle. Guests in wheelchairs should call in advance to make arrangements. To purchase tickets and for information, call (310) 396-3680 x3 or go to www.powerhousetheatre.com.

Official Website: http://www.powerhousetheatre.com