History-making musical

This weekend Toowoomba audiences will be treated to a world premiere performance.

The sparkling new music theatre marks the culmination of a decade of research, writing and composing for renowned Australian poet Bruce Dawe AO and local composer Russell Bauer.

Their play, Houdini: The Man from Beyond celebrates of the legendary life of Harry Houdini and the hundred-year anniversary of his history-making first powered flight in Australia.

Multi-award winning Brisbane theatre professional Sue Rider has taken-on the formidable task of directing the premiere season.

'This is the story of a real man: an entertainer who took delight in drawing gasps of disbelief from an audience, who could not resist an opportunity to show off his skills, who took enormous risks to be the best,' said Ms Rider said.

'At the same time he was a husband, a brother and a son, and part of the fascination of the play is to see how these relationships shaped – and were shaped by – his public life.'

By 1910, Houdini was the most famous showman in the world, with audiences from around the globe flocking to see his legendary stunts and trying in vain to unravel his deceptions, but he was never satisfied.

Throughout his career, Houdini continually re-invented himself and left an incredible impression on history as an illusionist, author, actor, inventor and aviator.

The musical captures the essence of his death-defying life; following the final and most successful years of his career, from his flight over Australia in 1910, through some of his most memorable tricks, and to his show-downs with the spiritualists.

In true musical fashion, the show brims with a sparkling score and catchy songs plus a good dash of Houdini showmanship and magic.

'Our challenge is to tell his story with truth, integrity and sheer entertainment.'

Houdini: The Man from Beyond opens on Friday 20 August at 7.30pm in the USQ Arts Theatre.

The season continues with 7.30pm performances on 21, 27 and 28 August, an 11am matinee on Wednesday 25 August, and 2pm matinees on Sundays 22 and 29 August.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 concession, $15 student, $7.50 child and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111.