Magician Gets His Groove Back

People arriving at the Saturday night for an evening of magic, music and comedy can also expect a short trip in the way-back machine – to the mid-1990s, when swing was king.

is a revival of a show that combined the Novato resident’s magic and comedic talents with the swing music of Lee Press-on and the Nails, a band that had its hey day during the swing revival of the 90s. Alexander and the big band played together as the New Swing Circus frequently back then, but haven’t performed together in more than 10 years. Saturday’s show serves as a reunion of sorts.

“We went our separate ways for a while – Lee moved to LA - and I did my shows and they went off and did theirs,” Alexander said. “But some of my favorite show were those that we did together. The characters really gelled wonderfully together. And now we’re all kind of back.”

Alexander, who moved to Novato about 10 years ago, spends most of his time on the road, doing magic shows for corporate and high-end private parties. But while Alexander has earned a reputation as one of the top magicians in the Bay Area, it’s clear that he’s excited to infuse his performance with more swing music and circus elements.

“And I love the Throckmorton,” said Alexander, who has performed the night after Thanksgiving Day at the Throckmorton for the past five years.

As the audience arrives Saturday night, they’ll be greeted with a variety of interactive entertainment. “The show starts before the show actually starts,” Alexander said.

Lee Press-on and the Nails kick off the night before Alexander starts his show – two 45-minute sets – with the band concluding the night with a short set, Alexander said.

“It’s almost like a mixture of speakeasy and vaudeville,” he said. “It’s far from just magic.”

The 411: w/ Lee Press-on and the Nails, Saturday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m., . Tickets are $22 general admission, $25 day of show and $30 reserved seating. Click here or call 415.383.9600 to buy tickets.