Thursday, 18 Jul 2002

Now, how did he do it?
- Today

Better impact. The second season of the Magic of Love hopes to achieve this when it is staged at the Touch Community Theatre.

The musical, blending magic tricks and illusions was staged at the Singapore Indoor Stadium when it made its debut last September. It was seen by almost 40,000 people during its 11-show run.
But the Touch Community Theatre, located at Jalan Bukit Merah, can hold only 800 people - that's about a fifth of the 4,000-turnout per show at the Indoor Stadium. Creator and lead actor, Lawrence Khong told TODAY that a smaller audience would help him create a 'magical impact'.

"It's difficult to combine both elements of theatre and magic. We tried to strike a balance last year but it didn't quite turn out the way I wanted it to," said the 50-year-old magician.

He is also the founder of Faith Community Baptist Church and Touch Community Services.

Lawrence has been performing magic and illusion acts since his National Service days and played in Mount Charleston, Las Vegas with his magician-daughter, Priscilla, 21, last December.

"Theatre critics said we were not 'deep'enough, while those who came for the magic said it wasn’t punchy," he said with a tinge of regret.

Hence, he decided to do it again - with the focus on magic this time.

While the theatrical effects will be secondary, the story will still project the wholesome message of love.

Set in Shanghai, China in 1937, Magic of Love tells the heart-warming story of a father (played by Lawrence) and daughter (Priscilla) magic team.

The twist comes when they win a magic competition and club owner (Lee Weng Kee) plots to steal their trick.

The call of fame and fortune pulls apart father and daughter and threatens to separate them forever.

Will the magic of love reunite them?

After its run in Singapore, Magic of Love will return to East Malaysia, before touring Hong Kong and China.

The performances in Hong Kong and China will be in Cantonese and Mandarin to cater to local audiences.

Lawrence has set his sights on bringing Magic of Love to the United Kingdom and United States next year.

Lawrence has set his sights on bringing Magic of Love to the United Kingdom and United States next year.

He added that his performances would be preceded by and interactive session.

"Even if you've watched the previous show, go for it again," said Lawrence.

"The magic will blow your mind as it reaches a climax at the finale."

And Lawrence is confident that the first thing people would be talking about after the show is: "Wow, how did he do it?"