Area illusionist appearing (and disappearing) in new location this summer
Magician and Illusionist Tristan Crist moved to Lake Geneva in late 2015 and opened the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre in a small downtown commercial storefront. The concept was to create an intimate venue designed to present large illusions up-close and personal.
The idea of a permanent magic theatre left locals scratching their heads wondering if the new business would survive in the quaint tourist town. Almost like magic, the business grew and thrived in the first few months of shows.
As the buzz started to spread about a helicopter appearing on stage in the small 50-seat venue, the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre quickly became the number one “thing to do” in Lake Geneva on TripAdvisor.
Fast forward 3-1/2 years and more than 1,000 shows later the magician and self-made entrepreneur has become a local fixture in the community and has opened a brand-new, larger venue just a few miles up the road in Lake Geneva.
“We are beyond excited about the brand-new theatre,” Crist stated in a press release. “It represents everything I have spent my life working towards. An intimate venue to showcase the best magic and illusions in the world with adequate parking, lobby space, restrooms, lighting, sound systems, LED video walls and a modern industrial vibe that will propel our business forward with a fresh new look and feel.
“We took everything that made us successful in our first Lake Geneva venue and built off of that to create what I truly believe is the ultimate performance space for a magic themed entertainment attraction.”
Crist bought a 2-acre plot of commercial land across from the Lake Geneva Walmart in May of 2018. The initial challenge was removing 20-foot-high hills of topsoil that were piled on the land from other surrounding commercial developments. The next year was spent working with local contractors and government officials to design and build the permanent home of the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre.
The venue seats 156 people and is open year-round. Patrons can enjoy concessions as well as beer and wine in the lobby before the show. After making their way to the main theatre, they are immersed in the world of magic and illusion as the magician divides his assistants in half and makes motorcycles and helicopters appear out of nowhere. It’s a high-tech and modern illusion experience only feet in front the audience.
The new theatre is at 100 N. Edwards Blvd., Lake Geneva and is easily accessible from the area’s major resorts. The location, across from Walmart and behind the Aldi in Lake Geneva features free on-site parking.
For tickets, show schedules and more information, visit LakeGenevaMagic.com or call the box office at 262-248-0505.
