Article and Photos by Dave Lukow

Leon Etienne survived the “Jaws of Death” at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Feb. 12.

The illusionist – a Utica native – completed his escape from a straitjacket, untied his feet and landed on the ground just seconds before the gigantic metal jaws snatched him. The jaws were held open by a piece of burning rope that gave Etienne 90 seconds to get out. Had the rope burned to nothing, razor-sharp teeth would’ve grasped.

After the performance, Etienne discussed avoiding an awful outcome.

“We were at 87 seconds,” he said. “It was close.”

Despite being in the midst of a death-defying stunt, Etienne did notice the response of onlookers gathered inside near the Stir stage.

“It was fun to see the reaction in their eyes,” he said. “That was cool.”

The performance marked the eighth time Etienne has completed the feat, including on the TV show “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.” It was developed at his facility in Utica three years ago.

“It draws attention,” he said. “It’s designed to get attention.”

Attention is something Etienne, known as “America’s Rock Illusionist,” is familiar with. Along with fooling Penn & Teller, he was a semifinalist for season 8 of “America’s Got Talent” and has appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Known around the globe, he’s done shows in Germany, Ireland, Wales, Australia and England, where he played The Magic Circle in London.

“We tour all over the world,” Etienne said.

His team, which includes his assistant Chelsea LaCongo, gets particular pleasure from performing in Western New York.

“We love Niagara Falls,” Etienne said. “We’re starting to hit the Western New York market about twice a year. Western New York audiences are the best. It’s a great market.”

He was especially pleased with accommodations and assistance at Seneca Niagara.

Chris “Coop” Cooper was one staff member he found invaluable.

“We’ve been treated great. Coop was my right-hand woman here,” Etienne said. “There’s a lot of good people in Western New York.”

Those in attendance Wednesday night showed the same kind of appreciation, for both the venue and the star.

“This is so wonderful,” said Tara Trimble, an audience member. “I’m a fan of Seneca Niagara – and I absolutely love magicians and illusionists.”

Watching Etienne’s maneuvers, it’s clear his talent goes beyond magic and illusion. His athletic prowess is formidable.

“I played sports all growing up,” he said. “I played ice hockey up to college.”

To keep in top condition, he follows a regular workout regimen.

“I try to stay athletic,” he said before the show. “I ran yesterday.”

The time to perfect “Jaws of Death” may have taken multiple years, but other tricks take much longer to develop.

“I’ve been working on one trick 10 years now,” Etienne said. “It’s not ready yet.”

He talked more about the process, both from a philosophical and mechanical perspective.

“Magic is an art,” he said. “There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes engineering.”

Because of the intricacy involved, many people may want to watch the show behind the show.

“There’s a market for engineering aspects down the road,” Etienne said.

Before local audiences see anything of that nature, they’ll get to view more of the amazing when Etienne and LaCongo take the stage at the Seneca Niagara Event Center at 8 p.m. Saturday. The show, “Magic Rocks!,” will serve as an unveiling.

“We’re debuting another new trick we’re really excited about,” Etienne said.

For more on tickets and pricing, go to www.SenecaNiagaraCasino.com.

 

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