By Dustin J. Seibert
The Cincinnati Enquirer

In an age of startlingly real computer-generated special effects, when you think of magicians, you might conjure visions of lame card tricks and rabbits being pulled out of hats. But these are not your average magicians.

The married team of Jonathan and Charlotte Pendragon are among the cream of the crop in grand illusion performers, and they will be headlining the Abracadabra magic show in August at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Proceeds from the show will go toward artistic education and outreach programs for the Playhouse.

The 14th annual fund-raiser will have a "Best of the Best" theme, featuring two of the strongest acts from years past: the Pendragons and comedian/magician Mac King. Both acts have appeared on numerous television specials, including NBC's World's Greatest Magic.

"They are the two acts that people always ask 'when will they come back?' " says Ed Stern, producing artistic director for the Playhouse.

Still convinced that levitating women is for cheesy Vegas lounge acts? Here are a few reasons why you should grab tickets for the extravaganza:

You will see cool spins on old tricks: Unimpressed by magicians who saw women in half through wooden boxes? Check out the Pendragons' "Clearly Impossible" illusion, where Jonathan "saws" Charlotte in half through a glass box, leaving her entire body visible during the trick.

Eat, drink and be amazed: The "Preview House Party" event will have an Italian street fair theme, with complimentary eats from Vito's Cafe, Ferrari's and Karlo's Bistro Italia. The gala event will include a pre-show gourmet dinner and post-show dancing to the AirWave Band.

Great seats everywhere in the house: There are only 626 seats in the Playhouse, so you can see the magic up close and personal. "We have an intimacy factor, which makes magic more impacting," Stern says.

You can laugh and be astonished at the same time: Kentucky-native Mac King will split sides and blow minds with mind-boggling tricks, such as catching live fish over the heads of the audience, all while delivering a humorous monologue.

Embrace your inner child with your child: Children older than 4 can come to the show, so you can use them as an excuse to check out the spectacle yourself. "Adults become kids again," says Stern.

E-mail: dseibert@enquirer.com