The Niagara Falls Magic Theatre opened Tuesday, with a performance by illusionist Leon Etienne. A hip, underground club, the new attraction is equally as inviting for a date, a business outing or a family trip. It’s located on the Comfort Inn campus on Prospect Street.

Etienne, who first began his foray into sleight-of-hand 28 years ago in Utica, has brought his “Magic Rocks!” show to “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” “America’s Got Talent” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” He spent a portion of last summer entertaining audiences at the Woodbox Theatre inside the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, with stand-alone shows inside the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, and Historic Palace Theatre in Lockport.

“The opportunity to have a long-term residency at a permanent venue in Niagara Falls, New York, is something I've dreamt about for years,” Etienne said. “Setting up a permanent venue in a high-traffic tourist area has been a goal since I began my career. This will allow us to bring a world-class production to Western New York for locals and tourists to enjoy year-round.

“We've been told by local business people and community members this new, exciting offering is exactly what is needed on the New York side of the falls. After you've done the big attractions, there isn't really much to do on the New York side until the fireworks at night. We're hoping to fill that gap with our critically acclaimed, family-friendly magic show.”

“Magic Rocks!” takes the stage at the Niagara Falls Magic Theatre at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Tickets are available online at https://nfmagic.com/.

Etienne stressed, “This is NOT one summer and done. We are here for the long-haul. We have built a place that is truly world-class and unique. We are heavily invested in this community. We're going to be offering shows year-round."

Etienne and his partner, Chelsea LaCongo, spent the past nine-plus months renovating their new downtown Niagara Falls space. The lobby area has a cool, black and white color palate, with tables and seating areas – as well as beverages and merchandise. A freshly renovated theater room has a wide stage and plenty of seating designed to optimize sight lines.

The show is interactive, with audience members asked to help execute some of the more-elaborate tricks. Of course, rock music plays before and during the magic show.

PHOTOS:

••••••••

Click here >> Learn more about Leon