The Magicians Table, Straz Center, Jaeb Theater in Tampa, Florida

             The Magicians Table invites guests into an intimate world of mystery, illusion, and storytelling. At the theater, the set is constructed like a warehouse of the late magician and carnival owner Dieter Roterburg. This is an interactive two-hour show which combines close-up magic, live theater, and music into one unforgettable evening.

The guests are seated inches away from the most talented magicians, witnessing mind-bending illusions performed right at their tables. Each magician (typically four) brings a unique style and personality, creating a dynamic showcase of close-up magic.

Throughout the evening, Calliope, Dieter’s devoted widow, guides the audience through a theatrical celebration of her late husband’s life. She shares intimate stories, cherished memories, and reflections along with Dieter’s closest friends and fellow magicians. They honor his legacy through a collection of captivating performances filled with curiosity and humor.

For one of the performances, each of us at the table pulled paper instructions from a Top Hat (like playing UNO). The Top Hat landed in front of me, which made me the selected Magician for this set. I donned the top hat and listened to the instructions given to me by one of the participants at the table. In front of me was a pad locked box. Based on the instructions, we had to figure out the four number combo to unlock the box. The first set of the instructions did not deactivate the padlock.

 The last set of instructions informed us to insert the four-digit year of the oldest person at our table. After a query of the table, the older person was born in 1952. I plugged that number into the padlock and the box opened! Inside the box was a folded and sealed letter. 

            On the outside of the letter, it said, “Read Me….” I opened the letter. The first line of the letter informed, “TO BE READ ALOUD.” I read the letter to the table, and this is what it said:

“Remember that our magician was chosen COMPLETELY AT RANDOM – using instructions drawn, in any order, out of the Top Hat.

But every trick needs a kicker…..a PREDICTION.

Our magician could only have been ONE person – as the fates decided.

Take a bow, for you were amazing….

GINA!"

Wow! Who would have thought that inside the locked box was a letter addressed to me!! Now that’s MAGIC!!

Blending comedy, storytelling, live music, and breathtaking magic, The Magicians Table creates an immersive night designed to astonish magic lovers. The Magicians Table run through May 31, 2026, at the Straz Center, Jaeb Theater in Tampa Florida. The experience will be magical!!

https://www.strazcenter.org/events/the-magicians-table/

 

All the best,

GMarie

The Honor Flight Program

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of volunteering with the Honor Flight program. The program is a nonprofit dedicated to honoring U.S. military veterans, especially those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. They are flown for free (including meals and accommodation) to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifices. They go to see the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Marine Corp War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery to include the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Priority is given to aging and terminally ill veterans, since many may not otherwise have the chance to go. Each veteran is accompanied by a volunteer “guardian” who helps them throughout the trip. Donations and volunteers fund the program entirely.           

Veterans from any branch who served during WWII, the Korean War, 

Vietnam War or other eligible eras with an honorable discharge can apply.

 

Do you know a veteran that would want to go on an Honor Flight? 

Are you an organization that wants to provide sponsorship?

Or would you like to volunteer your time?

More information can be found at:  

https://www.honorflight.org

All the best, 

GMarie

Sarasota Film Festival

        The 28th annual Sarasota Film Festival hosted in Sarasota, Florida, showcased the very best in film, presenting a variety to include features and shorts.

        Today, I attended the feature, Fish Fry & Fellowship, which was a film about friendship and community, directed by Paul Ratner and produced by Charles Williams, Durand Adams, and Petra Ratner. The story’s setting is Palmetto, Florida where the community was once segregated, but now come together every Friday to eat fish, catch up and reminisce. The weekly fish fry is what brings them all together resulting in lifelong reunions and friendships.

        A fish fry was to precede the film's screening but one of the notable personalities featured in the film, Manatee County football coach, civil rights icon and WWII veteran, Eddie Shannon, passed away this week at 104 and funeral services were held today. Rest in peace, Sir🙏🏽.

        The film was enjoyable💕and the filmmakers and producers were present for a Q & A session. The festival runs from April 10 to April 19, featuring 200 films: 47 feature films and 39 shorts across various Sarasota venues. Ticket prices range from $20 to $50, so if you get a chance, attend some features and support the Arts. 🎥🎬 

Sarasota Film Festival | Florida's Premier Independent Film Festival | Sarasota Film Festival

All the best,

GMarie