What do The Caledon Town Hall Players (CTHP) do when they need a new light and sound board? They plan a show - a magic show, to be precise.

When Brampton magician, Gord Cadabra, heard that CTHP had been working with a borrowed light and sound board for nearly a year after their own had broken beyond all repair, he offered to perform his one man comedy/ magic show "Magic With the Sleight-est Hint of Cheese" on April 19 to help the group raise money.

Gord had an interest in magic all of his life but never considered it as, "a thing to do" until the early 1990s.

"I thought I'd just buy a book and fiddle with things, but the first time I performed a trick I got this amazing reaction. I knew then that magic was for me."

Gord Cadabra performs a type of magic known as stage magic. "It's an offshoot of what is called Parlor magic, a type that used to happen back in the early 20th century.

Some magicians would set up a stage in their parlors and entertain from there. Of course these days no one has a parlor, so the action moved to the stage."'

The biggest influence on Gord has been magician/ comedian Harry Anderson, partly because he was prominent on television for several years in the 90's.

The two magicians share a sense of humor which is evident in Gord's stage show.

In the beginning of his career, Gord would emulate Harry with his snazzy way of dressing in a suit, tie, and fedora hat until he discovered his own style and character.

"I still love Harry, but eventually you have to find your own character and way of doing things."

Gord got his start by performing at children's parties followed by closeup magic going from table to table at restaurants. These days, Gord prefers the stage where he can combine his two favorite things, magic and comedy in a show that he co-wrote with friend Todd McGinnis.

Gord Cadabra performs two renditions of his 'One Man Magic Show with the Sleight-est Hint of Cheese' at the Old Caledon Town Hall on April 19. At 2:00 p.m. Gord will reveal a show for kids of all ages at $10 each or $25 for a family of four. There is also an evening show with dinner at The Knox United Church for $30 per person or $15 for show only. The evening show is not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Tickets can be reserved through the box office at 519-927-5460.

CTHP will also be hosting a silent auction the same day starting at 11 a.m. and ending 15 minutes after the evening performance. For an ongoing list of items up for bid, visit the CTHP website at www. caledontownhallplayers. com.

Anyone wishing to make donations to the silent auction can contact Amanda Laughlin at thelaughlins @sympatico.ca. Any advertising provided will be prominently displayed with donations and a charitable tax receipt will be issued.

All proceeds from both magic shows and the silent auction will go towards a new sound and light board for The Caledon Town Hall Players.