KAILUA-KONA — Arnie Rabin has been a performing magician on the Big Island for decades now, but he still remembers what it was like when he first got started.
“There was no magic going on in Kona,” Rabin said. “When magicians would come on the tour circuit, they would always go to Honolulu. And we thought it would be a good idea to bring the magic here. And we could learn from the magicians, and also entertain Kona. Because of my love of the art, I just wanted to share it.”
Rabin, along with fellow magician Barry Gitelson, have been sharing that magic for 32 years now, as the duo will perform Saturday in the 32nd annual Magic Spectacular at the Aloha Theatre. The show, which also features headlining magician Dirk Losander, is an annual fundraiser that Rabin and Gitelson co-founded that benefits the Society for Kona’s Education and Art.
The performances are at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Aloha Theatre. Tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults, and are available by calling 328-9392.
“It’s generational now,” Rabin said. “It’s just amazing to be a part of something that is so loved and so well received.”
Gitelson, better known as the Great Barusky, said Saturday’s show will differ from previous years because of the main act.
“We are just so fortunate to have Dirk Losander from Las Vegas here,” Gitelson said. “He’s just the best, and he’s known the world over.”
Susan Rice is the executive director for SKEA, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide activities in the arts for children and others in the Kailua-Kona community. Rice said Gitelson and Rabin are the big reasons why the show has been such a success the last 32 years.
“They are the ones who have been keeping it going all these years,” Rice said.
Rice believes that the annual show is important to the community for more reasons than just the spectacle and entertainment.
“It’s so children can learn magic, but also learn about performing arts,” Rice said. “And also so they can gain confidence and poise on stage. It’s always a sold out show every year — people love it. And it’s a great thing for Kona.”
Rabin and Gitelson kept mostly quiet on what their acts would consist of, but they both offered a small preview of what those in attendance could witness Saturday.
“I’m preparing some new material,” Rabin said. “To me, it’s always a challenge to come up with new material, so I’m really excited to share it.”
“I will be doing a death-defying stunt,” Gitelson said. “The rest of my act will be the usual tricks and comedy — if I survive the stunt, of course.”
