Destin Magic: Illusionist, comedian and ventriloquist coming to HarborWalk

And now it’s time for some slide-of-hand; A brand new show is coming to Destin in the form of multi-talented entertainer Bart Rockett. Not limited to magic tricks, Rockett is also an accomplished comedian, ventriloquist, illusionist, and musician and likes to use every facet of his abilities to fascinate his audience.

“I hesitate at calling myself a magician because I am not a magic fan,” said Rockett. “I think magic is dorky and arrogant. What actually inspired me to this career is I’ve always been intrigued in how it worked. I really consider myself to be an entertainer that uses illusions, music, and comedy to entertain people.”

Rockett comes to Destin as a world-renown performer as he has played a hand in multiple projects in the entertainment industry. His claim to fame is his variety show that he performs on cruise ships, mainly on the Norwegian and Princess Celebrity lines, but he has also ventured into acting on-screen. Most recently he appeared in NBC’s drama show “Parenthood,” helped behind the scenes for “America’s Got Talent,” and starred in some commercials.

“I’m involved in a lot of things,” said Rockett. “With ‘America’s Got Talent’ I help them develop their illusion shows so I don’t always have to be in front of the camera.”

Coming to Destin, Rockett said he will be slowing down his travelling show a bit during the summer to experience a whole new aspect of entertainment; an intimate audience.

“This will be the smallest venue I’ve ever worked, but I like it because here anybody can be part of the magic,” he said. “I’m excited because it’s like I’m entertaining in my living room.”

The new theater at the HarborWalk Village will seat 205 people in a lounge-type seating arrangement much like a dinner theater set-up.

“I will be able to do things here that I couldn’t get away with before in audiences of 2,000,” said Rockett. “Here the magic will be happening before their very eyes.”

Not wanting to give away the elements of surprise and wonder, Rockett only gave hints as to what his show will include.

“We will have live shots every night from Hollywood and from the Gulfarium,” he said. “I’m really excited about the aquarium element, because what other show have you heard of where illusions are happening elsewhere? People in this room will be interacting with a dolphin. What they are experiencing will be like going to Vegas.”

Other fun aspects of Rockett’s show will be the activities offered surrounding the production. A magic store is located in the lobby of the theater complete with a green screen photo booth and a variety of magic sets.

“We have Epic Image, where visitors can have their photos made floating in the air or sawed in half, and we will have a close-up magician on hand during the summer,” Rockett said. “After every show, the following day, we will be offering a two-hour workshop for kids where they will be taught how to do magic with everyday items. We are also working on themed cocktails and themed non-alcoholic drinks for customers to enjoy during the show.”

Bart Rockett will be hosting shows daily throughout the summer with a grand opening on May 1, and a soft opening scheduled to be revealed within the month of April. For more information or to book tickets visit www.destinmagic.com or call 654-7469.