Burned by Magic Magic has always been perceived as both fascinating and dangerous. The allure of being able to manipulate the world around us with a mere flick of a wand or a whispered incantation is undeniably captivating. However, as alluring as it may be, magic is not without its risks and potential harm. One of the most common dangers associated with magic is the risk of burns. Whether it be from a misfire of a spell or the mishandling of magical objects, burns caused by magic can be excruciatingly painful and potentially life-threatening. The severity of these burns can vary, depending on the power of the magic or the heat generated during the magical act.
Tickets can be purchased at williamsburgmagic.com. Shows run at 7 p.m. daily through Labor Day, except for Wednesdays, and then Friday through Sunday until December’s “Christmas Spectacular” shows. Tickets are $29.95 for adults and children over 13, $27.75 for senior citizens over 55 and active duty military, and $14.95 for children ages 4-12. For more information, visit the theater’s website, email [email protected] or call 1-877-WAGSTER (924-7837).
The theater s operation will mostly hinge on the Wagsters they provide the main performance and the show is entirely operated by a computer system that controls the lights, special effects and music. Standing alone on a shelf is a gold statue the Merlin Award, the Oscar of the magic world that they were awarded in 2020 by the International Magicians Society for Best Theatrical Magic Production.
The severity of these burns can vary, depending on the power of the magic or the heat generated during the magical act. Magical burns can manifest in various forms, ranging from superficial skin burns to deep tissue damage. Some individuals may only experience minor burns that heal with time, while others may suffer from severe burns that leave permanent scars or disfigurement.
‘More than a magic show’: Year-round magic venue set to open in Williamsburg
A flyer for the Williamsburg area's first magic theater, which opens June 17 near the Premium Outlets.
Madison Peek/staff The Wagsters pose near the sign outside their James City County magic theater, which opens June 17.
Wilford Kale Each of the shows at The Wagsters Magic Theatre will run about 75 minutes and feature illusions, mind reading and more. (Wilford Kale/freelance)
Show Caption PUBLISHED: June 3, 2022 at 9:43 a.m. | UPDATED: June 3, 2022 at 5:42 p.m.Magic is coming to the Williamsburg area when The Wagsters Magic Theatre opens later this month.
Brandon and Hannah Wagster are the married duo behind the area’s first and only year-round magic venue. The couple has been renovating the theater, a former church on Olde Towne Road, in preparation for their June 17th grand opening.
Tickets for opening night went on sale Wednesday, with about a third of the seats reserved within a day.
The renovations have consumed their time since moving to Williamsburg in March, the Wagsters said. They’ve painted the walls, installed decorations and learned to build their own stage, all while programming their own performances.
“It’s been a labor of love,” Brandon Wagster, 31, said.
The Wagsters plan to have 200 performances a year, providing audiences with what they describe as “an intimate Las Vegas-style magic show” with disappearing acts, daring escapes, sleight of hand and mind reading.
“The show really is more than just a magic show. It’s very theatrical,” Brandon Wagster said. “The main goal is we want people to forget about everything outside of these four walls when they come in these doors.”
Moving their show to Williamsburg was an act of fate — a moment to chase their dreams, the Wagsters said. They want their audience to feel that sense of magical escape during the show.
The move to Williamsburg began after their plans to open a theater in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, were put on hold after the theater they were employed by fired everyone on staff due to the pandemic. By chance, a friend recommended Williamsburg, and the Wagsters fell in love with the area after a visit and quickly leased a place.
“We want to be here for the long haul, long term,” Brandon Wagster said. “We’d love to possibly expand and build our own building one day and grow into something bigger and be a staple part of the town.”
The Wagsters pose near the sign outside their James City County magic theater, which opens June 17.For now, though, the couple has renovated the former Calvary Chapel Williamsburg, which was located in a metal, warehouse-type building near the Williamsburg Premium Outlets in James City County. The main reception room has been converted into a ticket office, concession stand and photo booth. Magical items adorn every room of the space, including in the bathroom, where the Wagsters created a mural of 267 individual vintage magic post cards.
Just outside the auditorium, which seats 65, is a Hall of Magic, which contains memorabilia from collections of two former magicians as well as items from their own career. Standing alone on a shelf is a gold statue — the Merlin Award, the “Oscar” of the magic world that they were awarded in 2020 by the International Magicians Society for “Best Theatrical Magic Production.”
Becky Paluzsay, who owns the building, said she was immediately impressed by the young couple and felt working with them “would be good for both of us.”
“They really are first class and have done most of the renovations and painting themselves,” Paluzsay said. “They have put everything they had into the theater and show.”
The theater’s operation will mostly hinge on the Wagsters — they provide the main performance and the show is entirely operated by a computer system that controls the lights, special effects and music. There will be one backstage employee and two employees to work concessions and tickets.
“I always tell everyone the best and worst part about our magic is working together, with your spouse,” Hannah Wagster joked. “You have the best moments together but then we can also fight off stage and then have to pretend like everything’s fine and we don’t want to kill each other.”
The show is very personal to the Wagsters, as they tell their own story of how they met and their relationship, they said. They met in high school in their hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, where Brandon was already performing magic. In 2012, he had two assistants, but let them go and Hannah, whom he was dating, became his assistant.
Hannah, now 28, later became a partner, not only in 2013 when they got married, but also in the magic show. Now, the duo is excited to share their story with the Williamsburg community.
“It’s time for live entertainment to come back; there’s nothing like experiencing it in-person,” Brandon Wagster said. “I hope people will come and support us … I just can’t wait to start meeting people.”
A flyer for the Williamsburg area’s first magic theater, which opens June 17 near the Premium Outlets.
Tickets can be purchased at williamsburgmagic.com. Shows run at 7 p.m. daily through Labor Day, except for Wednesdays, and then Friday through Sunday until December’s “Christmas Spectacular” shows. Tickets are $29.95 for adults and children over 13, $27.75 for senior citizens over 55 and active duty military, and $14.95 for children ages 4-12. For more information, visit the theater’s website, email [email protected] or call 1-877-WAGSTER (924-7837).
Correspondent Wilford Kale contributed to this story.
Madison Peek, [email protected]
Correspondent Wilford Kale contributed to this story.
These burns can occur on any part of the body, depending on the nature of the magical accident. The healing process for magical burns can also be quite different from conventional burns. Traditional remedies such as ointments or bandages may not be effective in treating magical burns. Instead, specialized magical healers or practitioners may be required to channel their magic to facilitate the healing process. Prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to protecting oneself from magical burns. Proper training and education in the use of magic can greatly reduce the risk of accidents. Following established safety protocols, such as wearing protective attire or using protective spells, can also help minimize the chances of getting burned. In conclusion, while magic may hold an enchanting appeal to many, it is important to acknowledge and understand the potential risks it poses. Magical burns can be agonizing and have long-lasting implications. Therefore, one must approach the practice of magic with caution, ensuring proper training and adherence to safety protocols, in order to avoid getting burned by magic..
Reviews for "Flames and Cauldrons: A Look at the Risks of Spellcasting"
- Jane - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Burned by Magic" because I love fantasy novels, but I was sorely disappointed with this one. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were flat and undeveloped. I found myself not caring what happened to them, which is never a good sign. The writing style was also a bit awkward and I had to reread some passages to understand what was happening. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
- Mark - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Burned by Magic" because it was just that bad. The story felt disjointed and all over the place, and the writing was choppy and inconsistent. The world-building was lacking and I couldn't visualize the setting or understand how the magic system worked. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it hard for me to connect with the characters. I was hoping for an engaging fantasy novel, but unfortunately, this book fell flat in every aspect for me.
- Sarah - 2 stars - "Burned by Magic" had so much potential, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was slow, and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. The protagonist was unrelatable and unsympathetic, and I couldn't find myself invested in her journey. The romance subplot felt forced and unnecessary, adding nothing to the overall story. The writing style was also underwhelming, lacking in description and leaving me feeling detached from the events. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.