Ryan ChartrandA night filled with magic and spiritual experience will take place at Cal Poly, lead by world-renowned illusionist and investigator of the supernatural Andr‚ Kole.
Sponsored by Cal Poly’s Campus Crusade for Christ, Kole will be performing at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center Monday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
“This will not only be a night of superb entertainment but will also include a unique and inspiring stage presentation using magical illustration to share some truths about the spiritual dimension of our lives,” said Kevin Lamb, staff member of Cal Poly’s Campus Crusade for Christ.
People from all over the world said this program was one of the most memorable evenings they had ever spent,” Lamb said. “We believe that people will find Andr‚ Kole a thought-provoking and credible presentation of illusion and reality that anyone, especially a student, won’t want to miss.”
Kole has mystified hundreds of millions in the last 20 years with his full-stage productions of illusion and has bridged many language barriers with his universal art of magic and illusion, according to Lamb. He has performed throughout the United States and in 79 countries and has given over 3,500 performances at colleges and universities. Kole also showed off his talent on special televised appearances that aired in 40 countries.
There is only one trick, however, that Kole has yet to master. He has never pulled a rabbit from a hat. The reason – he is allergic to rabbits, Lamb said.
A number of years ago, Kole assisted David Copperfield with his most famous illusion – the disappearance of the Statue of Liberty. In Kole’s performance, he makes a 10-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty weighing several hundred pounds disappear.
Other than disappearing acts, Kole will perform levitation illusions. He will also be performing with this son, Tim Kole.
Some may ask why a Christian-based organization is sponsoring an illusionist whose performances relate to magic, which was deemed ‘evil witchcraft’ in the past.
Well, in addition to his performances, Kole has spent more than 20 years investigating psychic phenomena and controversial mysteries.
“[Kole] doesn’t claim that he has any supernatural powers but reveals what’s actually the truth,” Lamb said. “As part of his production, Kole exposes some of the fraudulent and deceitful hoaxes that he investigated and reveals the truth behind transcendental levitation, dematerialization, the Bermuda Triangle mystery, crystal power, communication with the dead and much more.”
Kole not only creates illusions but attempts to explain them, and incorporates spiritual questions pertaining to the meaning of life in his performances.
“In a time when distinctions between illusion and reality are often blurred and vague, we want to help people more accurately discern truth,” Lamb said.
“It’s a good, world-class show,” said Bob Dorsch, director of operations for Kole. “It reveals the fundamental questions in life like ‘why am I here’ or the real purpose in life.”
“Kole’s performance will be an evening of illusion and inspiration that people will remember for the rest of their lives,” Dorsch said.