Dee Williams from Rover’s Rest Stop with Dianne Barry and Ellen Engle from Matthew’s Crossing with Jacque Stewart Texeira
Jacquelyn Stewart
“The Magic of Raymond” was performed to a sell-out crowd on January 6, 2019, at Sun Lakes Country Club. The amount raised from ticket sales plus donations exceeded the original goal of $500 for each charity. A check for $775 was presented to Dee Williams for Rover’s Rest Stop, and one for $1,245 to Ellen Engle for Matthew’s Crossing.
An enthusiastic audience seemed to be delighted with the magical illusions and stage comedy performed by Raymond Texeira in his “Just One More Time” show. Magician Michael Grady also came on stage and performed his “Torn and Restored Newspaper” routine. Prior to the show, Michael amused the audience with his table magic along with Steven Berg.
The show started with these words from Jim Brown, “Things that may look like an illusion – just could be possible.” The various illusions included construction of a magical box, a story with enchanting lights, a dancing tissue, a rope trick, guests vying for the envelope containing $100, volunteers assisting on stage, a teaching video and several other acts with corny – yes, I said corny but cute – jokes between Raymond and emcee Jim Brown. According to the comments from the departing crowd, the evening was a lot of fun, and everyone was happy with the money raised for these two worthwhile charities.
The all-volunteer cast and crew was comprised of your neighbors in the Sun Lakes community. They had many laughs putting the show together and were a little sad when it was over. It included MJ Clement and Jim Barry on lights, Steve Ficker on sound, Bob East and Rich Callister on props, Susie Ficker on timing, Dianne Barry and Jacque Stewart Texeira, stage assistants, and a decorating and floor crew of Jan East, Pat Krieling, Colleen Linko and John and Dar Brausch.
According to Raymond, “Of all the crews I’ve worked with, this one was the best ever. Keep the magic!”