Master Magician "Mr. Dave" Thomen ‘pops up’ again at the Smithsonian to present another high energy magic show.  The show combines comedy, magic, audience participation, illusions choreographed to music, and the appearance of Donatello the Rabbit, a really cute 6-year-old (rabbit) who seems to enjoy being enchanted for a living. You might even learn a few tricks – so bring those budding illusionists to the Smithsonian and get some Discovery Theater magic dust – and fun!

A Closer Look – About the Artist:
Dave Thomen became interested in magic when he was 9 after watching legendary performer Harry Blackstone Jr. in Hershey, Pa.  The great Blackstone made a light bulb float onto the stage, made an elephant magically appear – and made a lasting impression on his young audience member.  "I'll never forget that," Thomen said. "It was one of the most magical nights of my life." 

Thomen started a magic club at his Middle School in York Springs, PA and learned his great skill at improvisation in those early days.  During a performance as a teenager, a dove he used as part of his show flew into a tree.  The audience thought it was part of the act.  Thomen, adapting on the fly, said the dove was fired. The crowd laughed.  "I never did get the dove back," Thomen said.
In order to pass on this art form to young people interested in magic like he was, Dave has created a pamphlet, called "You Can Do Magic," which demonstrates how to do three simple tricks, including the a great ‘mind-reading crayon trick’ he performs regularly onstage.