Our Daily Show! Four Magic Productions Set for Alton Little Theater This Weekend!
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ALTON/GRANITE CITY - Community members have the chance to see an enchanting Christmas-themed magic show.
Alton Little Theater will host “The Magicians of Christmas — A Holiday Spectacle of Wonder and Illusion!” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. The Mill in Granite City will host the same show at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. Magicians Tony Loving and John Johnson promise all shows will be a spectacular experience for families, couples and individuals.
“I’m hoping that we help people find the spirit of Christmas this year. That’s my big thing,” said Loving, who organized the show. “Personally, I love doing these shows because everybody’s into it. They’re doing something special for the holidays. They’re bringing their kids out. The kids get some of that wonder built up before Christmas Eve. This is like the start of the holiday season for me.”
The upcoming shows include magic by Loving, also known as Professor Enigmata, and Johnson, Professor Longhair, Kevin Green and Steve Zuehlke. Loving noted that he works hard to make sure every show includes a mix of magic, from mentalism to sleight of hand, to keep audiences entertained.
“When I build the lineups, I try to go in and create that differentiation between the acts,” he explained. “It’s not all the same pull-a-rabbit-out-of-a-hat. You’ve got mentalism. You’ve got the wonderful things that John does with cards and coins. You’ve got the comedy magic of Professor Longhair. Steve Zuehlke is a wonderful straight magician. Kevin Green, we’re looking forward to having him come in and do his bit. Every show, I try to rotate people in so we get different headliners and different people as they’re available. You’re never going to see the same show twice.”
Johnson echoed Loving. He noted that the prices for the show are reasonable, and it’s exciting to see multiple magicians perform their various styles of magic in one show.
Alton Little Theater’s shows cost $25 for adults and $15 for children under age 18. At Granite City’s The Mill, tickets cost $20.
“It’s unusual, unique entertainment,” Johnson said. “Something like this, five magicians for one low cost, you get a lot of variety there and you can see a lot of different styles of magic, a lot of different presentations.”
Johnson and Loving believe the magic shows are perfect for everybody. They regularly welcome families with kids of all ages, and they also love to see couples on dates. They noted that teenagers usually enjoy magic more than might be expected. Ultimately, they believe magic can be fun for all.
Additionally, Johnson pointed out that magic is less common than other forms of entertainment, like bands or concerts. He believes it can be a lot of fun for everyone to come out and see a magic show, especially during the holidays when magic is already in the air.
“Magic is really for everyone,” Johnson said. “Magic is more unique. You don’t always get the opportunity. I encourage everyone, if you have an opportunity to go see magicians live, do it, because you will be pleasantly surprised and mystified.”
To purchase tickets to the Alton Little Theater shows, click here. To purchase tickets to The Mill show, click here.
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