World-famous American magician David Copperfield is to stage two shows in St Petersburg in October.
The likely performance dates at the 20,000-seat Sport and Concert Complex on Yuri Gagarin Prospect are either Sunday, October 1 or Tuesday, October 10; but the dates have yet to be confirmed.
It will be the first time that the illusionist -- said to be the highest-paid entertainer in America -- will be up to his tricks in Russia. His visit will also take him to Moscow.
After years of successful TV network specials and extensive touring, David Copperfield has been hailed by audiences and critics the world over as the greatest magician in our time.
He has been seen worldwide by more people than any other magician in history, including Houdini, and ranks among the top ten most popular performers along with Madonna, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kevin Costner.
Copperfield is famous for his spectacular sets, light-shows, scenery and his use of audience-participation in performances. If he comes to Russia, he will be joined by a staff of 100 people, 30 from West Germany where he is currently touring, and 30 of his own regular staff from America. The rest will be made up of his personnel.
Partly Ukrainian in origin, David Copperfield is known as a modest man of simple tastes despite his huge wealth. He earns around $47 million a year. Copperfield is said not to like champagne, vodka or caviar, and doesn't smoke.
The magician works 12 months a year performing an incredible 500 shows. His 1993 European tour shattered box office records. The former European record was held by Pink Floyd when in 1983 they played seven shows at the Westfallenhalle in Dortmund, Europe's largest venue.
David Copperfield, who has performed seven times before US presidents, also owns The International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts, the world's largest repository of antiquarian books on magic, illusions and other ephemera on magic and allied arts. The museum includes hundreds of Houdini items and memorabilia.
The average time it takes him to create a new illusion, from conception to performance, is over 2 years; some illusions, such as flying, took seven years to perfect.
And when on tour he has so many props and staff that they require a jumbo jet all to themselves!
When and if he comes to St Petersburg, he will have the help of eight translators, two of whom will work with him personally. The price of tickets is not expected to be cheap. Prices start at $20 and could reach to $100 for the best seats.
*More information will be given in the St Petersburg Press when dates are confirmed. The complex (SKK) can be contacted on tel. 298-2164.