American Magician Howard Van Baltus has been on a lifelong quest to spread his greatest passion: magic. In 2020, with the unwavering support of his wife, he embarked on a bold venture: putting together a unique magic show in the heart of Mérida. Now, after years of hard work and dedication, Van Baltus is finally ready to present this magnificent magic show that promises to captivate your senses. But let’s backtrack a little to where the story truly begins.
Demonstrating a great interest in magic from a young age, Van Baltus was gifted a magic kit at the age of seven. This present ignited his imagination and led him to devour all the magic-related books he could lay his hands on. His fascination for magic, along with his discipline for the art of illusion, continued to grow over time, and he eventually launched an online magic shop, selling a curated selection of magic kits, like the one that had been gifted to him all those years ago. Back when magic online stores were still scarce, Van Baltus’s shop stood out, rapidly becoming very popular and expanding its collection of high-quality magic props that were coveted by magicians far and wide.
Besides owning the magic shop, Van Baltus was also a celebrated magician in the New York magic scene, wowing audiences with self-created performances for many years. When he made the life-changing decision to relocate to Mérida in the 2010s, his magic had to take a back seat for a while. Moving to a country where the language and culture were new to him was not an easy feat, and the first few months were a little tough. However, not one to shy away from a challenge, he made the effort of putting himself out there and soon became friends with people from all walks of life.
Van Baltus’s extensive social network proved to be even more of a blessing when he hatched the idea of staging a magic show in Mérida. Having spent years cultivating relationships, he found that many of his friends and acquaintances were uniquely gifted in their respective areas and could potentially lend their talents to his latest project.
With his team in place, Van Baltus was ready to conjure up some magic like never before. Now, the process to create a magic show is certainly not easy. For two long years, the crew has rehearsed tirelessly, honing their skills, learning the ins and outs of each prop, perfecting their timing, and executing each trick seamlessly. And it’s not just about the mechanics of magic. Every aspect of the show has to be meticulously planned, from the perfect venue to perform at, the costumes, choreography, music, and smoke machines, to the ideal lighting. Only when each and every one of those aspects has fallen into place could they be certain that the show could succeed.
That time has come, and Van Baltus is now ready to share his magic with the wonderful people of Mérida, a place that has become his beloved home. In the heart of the Barrio de Santiago, Teatro Libertad will become a wonderland. For 90 minutes, twice a week and for a short season, you’ll forget about the worries of everyday life, regain your childlike innocence, and experience the magic that surrounds us all, through a show that involves illusions, yes, but also music, dance, and fun for the whole family.
As for the future? Van Baltus dreams of creating a legacy that will endure for years to come, and remains in the hearts of Yucatecans, where Teatro Libertad will be synonymous with an unforgettable performance. He envisions a future where the show becomes a long-running presentation, captivating audiences of all ages with his incredible illusions, and keeping the magic alive for generations to come.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Step into a world of wonder and join Van Baltus and his stellar crew on a phenomenal show starting this April 27. Whether you go with your kids, friends, family, or by yourself, “La Magia de Van Baltus” is the perfect way to enjoy a different kind of show and rediscover the childlike wonder that is at the heart of all great magic. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and become part of a show you’ll never forget!
@yucatantoday ¡Sé testigo de un espectáculo lleno de ilusiones, baile, luces, música y muchas sorpresas más! Vive La Magia de Van Baltus por primera vez este jueves 27 de abril en el Teatro Libertad. Adquiere tus boletos en www.vanbaltus.com/eventos
By Sara Alba
Panamanian with a Mexican accent since 2005. Editorial Assistant, a walking jukebox, and always lurking on social media, in the constant search of hidden gems to visit and share.
Photography by Jorge Méndez for use in Yucatán Today.
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