This Magic Moment: New Festival at the Alcazar

Recovery from the pandemic is still a part of our world, and if there’s anything that hasn’t fully come back, it might be our shared experiences of humor and magic. Combining those two for an immersive weekend is the point behind the first annual Comedy & Magic Festival at the Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria. Fourteen different acts arrayed between (and often combining) genres will perform over the course of the August 23 & 24 shows at the theater in an effort to prompt our spirits to once again soar. 

“There are so many serious, challenging and heartbreaking things going on in our world. The bottom line is we really need to laugh more than ever,” explained producer Kymberlee Weil, who in addition to her Speaking Strategist career has been an improv performer and instructor for nearly a decade, including running the Carpinteria Improv Co. at the Alcazar. “Letting go and laughing and having emotions of awe and wonder evoked by magic can change us in a moment. That shared experience is necessary for us as humans.” 

Weil has tapped a cross-country cross-section of talent for the first festival, including the duo of Mo and Katy, who combine theatrical flair and military precision in their shared role as emcees for the evenings. 

“They actually pre-interviewed all of our comedians and magicians in advance to get to know them and not just read from cue cards,” Weil said. “They’re holding the whole thing together and it’s going to be utterly hilarious and unforgettable.” 

The stand-ups run the gamut in terms of styles, and the magicians will represent everything from sleight-of-hand to mental magic, and even a duo that does improvised rap. Carp Improv will also be offering an interactive improv experience in and among the crowd during intermission.

“The idea is to create a powerful experience where time stops – you are not aware of anything but this moment, which both comedy and magic can create,” Weil said. “You’re just fully present and immersed in this state of wonder.” 

Visit www.thealcazar.org for lineup, details and tickets.