Magicians do 1,000th show at Aquarium of Niagara

If you're into numbers, here's one for you: 1,000.

That's how many magic shows Rob and Carol Allen, Wheatfield residents, have performed at the Aquarium of Niagara since they first brought their summer show to the Niagara Falls attraction nine years ago.

For summer visitors and Aquarium of Niagara members, it's like buy one, get one free. In this case, non-members and visitors pay regular admission to see the sea lions perform, view the penguins and enjoy all the seafaring creatures and their freshwater friends. Then, they get to experience "The Mist-ical Magic" magic show at 11:20 a.m. and 1:20 p.m., immediately after the sea lion shows. The early show on Monday, July 16, is the actual 1,000th performance. The Allens have entertained approximately 200,000 Aquarium of Niagara members and guests.

"Rob and Carol's talent has been a perfect match for Aquarium visitors. They are consummate professionals, and provide top-shelf family entertainment," said Executive Director Nancy A. Chapin. "We have been fortunate to host their amazing shows for so many years."

"When we came to the Aquarium in 1994, we really didn't know how many summer seasons we'd be staying for," Rob Allen said.

This show has become a summertime tradition, he added. This year there are new illusions and magical routines, live animals that appear and disappear, and audience participation - including children from the audience.

The Allens, sponsored by the Western New York Dairy Association, will be at the Aquarium of Niagara daily except Sundays through Labor Day in the second floor Community Room. For more information, call 285-3575, ext. 206.