Vegas magic comes to Libby
Professional magician Duane Laflin and his wife and assistant, Mary, will debut their first show in Libby on Friday, Feb. 2.
By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter
Las Vegas-quality magic opens this weekend in downtown Libby.
Troy illusionist and professional magician Duane Laflin and his wife and assistant, Mary, will debut their first show on Friday, Feb. 2 at Montana Wonder Theater at 412-414 Mineral Ave., across from Libby Cafe. Additional shows will be held Saturday, Feb. 3 and 10, and Friday, Feb. 9. All begin at 7:30 p.m.
"It's really high-powered entertainment and a way to go out for the evening and have some fun," said Duane Laflin, who has worked with Circus Circus and Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, the world-famous Hollywood Magic Castle, Kallang Theatre in Singapore and in Sidney, Australia.
The audience can expect a lot of swords and an appearance from Troy's Kristen Kampfe.
"I will make her pass through the center of a gigantic mirror and you'll see levitation," Duane Laflin said. "Kristen will float through the air."
He also will saw in half a volunteer from the audience.
The Laflins have performed illusions on five continents, 16 countries and in 47 states.
The parents of four grown children, the couple moved eight years ago to Troy from Sterling, Colo., for a slower-paced life. The Laflins discovered Troy after performing at Elohim Center, a Bible camp and retreat in Bull Lake. Two months later, they moved here.
Weary of traveling, they decided to open a theater in Libby after two years of research.
In June 2005, they purchased the former Chapman Variety Store and Farmers Union Insurance building. The couple remodeled them into a 100-seat theater, gift shop, snack bar, museum and stage with modern lighting and sound system.
A new look for the outside will be completed this summer.
The Laflins are calling the upcoming shows previews of what they expect this summer. They intend to be open on weekends June through August. After that they will offer Halloween, Christmas and Valentine shows.
In late May they will debut their "King and Presto" show, which features the music of Elvis Presley, costumes and a unique comedy personality. This show is scheduled to run on Tuesdays throughout the summer.
A one-time preacher, Duane Laflin got into magic during his ministry training while preparing for a children's program that centered on magic. He discovered his talent.
Duane Laflin, who met his wife while both attended Oak Hills Bible College in Bemidji, Minn., worked for 17 years as a pastor at two churches in South Dakota while keeping up with his magic outside the church for fundraisers and such.
Duane Laflin then decided he had to choose between the church or magic.
"I felt like the Lord was telling us to do the magic," he said in an earlier interview. "I still do ministry work. We've worked real hard to develop a reputation of good, clean entertainment. We love what we do."
A show like this in Las Vegas would cost $40 to $75. For the first two weekends, the Laflins will charge $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 295-7790 or 291-2004.