Have Wand, Will Travel August 14, 2009

Have Wand, Will Travel

Gregg Tobo brings some old-school magic to the Boulder International Fringe Festival

Some magicians take pride in offering their audiences the newest and most popular effects in magic. They take their cues from the magicians they see on television, hoping to be the first in their market to imitate the stars.

Magician Gregg Tobo delights in dodging the trend, preferring to look to the past for forgotten gems. He draws from a pool of magic classics, some of which date back over 2,000 years. Perhaps that explains the gentle easy feel his show evokes. Tobo is definitely “old-school.” It’s where he feels most at home.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Tobo says while preparing to go on stage in Boulder. “Magic effects become classics because they connect with the audience. They’ve stood the test of time. And you have confidence knowing that audiences will respond favorably. It’s magic that has worked throughout the ages.”

The magician has honed his craft over 30 years, and his rise to recognition and acclaim has been gradual, but steady. He still travels to Las Vegas 2 or 3 times a year to see what’s on the cutting-edge of magic, but in the end, Tobo built his reputation on perfecting the traditional standards of his art.

But is it fair to say that Tobo is a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist?

Some might say yes, but Tobo disagrees. “The magic may be old, but a performance always takes place ‘now.’ The techniques may be ancient, but it’s the magician’s job to make the magic come alive for today’s audience.”

It’s been 2 years since Tobo has created a new show and his new work, eponymously titled, “Gregg Tobo’s Astonishing Magic Show,” will be featured at the Boulder International Fringe Festival in August. The Boulder Fringe (a theater, music, and dance festival), runs 12 days and will feature 70 artists in 14 Boulder venues.

The last few years have been momentous one for Tobo, who got married, bought a new home, and began to raise a family. “These events really helped to shape my feelings about magic, tradition, and hope. As an artist, you can’t hide who you are. All of these thoughts and feelings manifest themselves in my new show.”

While his performance has a venerable feel, Tobo uses the timelessness of his magic to strike an emotional chord with his audience. One comes away feeling inspired by his gentle passion for the past, and inspired by his outlook for the future.

Inspirational magic is the touchstone for Lafayette-based Tobo, who performs primarily for corporate events. His message resonates well with organizations that wish to “preserve the core” and yet “think outside the box.” “Magic allows us to reinvent our futures,” Tobo says. “Magic is linked to a feeling of hope, a feeling that -- against all odds -- things will get better.

“I use magic to awaken people to the truth that the world is a wondrous place. I remind people that while the world only appears sensible if one stands on the sidelines; to actively participate in the world means we must embrace the mystery of it all.”

Gregg Tobo’s Astonishing Magic Show

When: 8:30 Aug. 14, 3:00 Aug. 16, 4:30 Aug. 18, 6:30 Aug. 19, 3:00 Aug. 21, 4:30 Aug. 22. Where: First United Methodist Church, 1421 Spruce Street, Boulder - Tickets: $12/$10 Students & Seniors - Info/Purchase: Go to www.boulderfringe.com