Chautauqua – Harry Houdini – Rogow Room

Complete site details HERE

Houdini: Taking the Risk, portrayed by Larry Bounds

Harry Houdini, from his birth to his death, led a life of mystery and controversy. He was a world renowned magician, an escape artist, an author, and an avid collector and historian. He was a pioneering filmmaker and aviator. He debunked con men and fake mediums who used magician’s tricks to cheat the public and was the frequent subject of their death threats. He trained police officers in improved restraint techniques and wrote a guide for surviving mine collapses. Nearly a hundred years since his untimely death, Ehrich Weiss, as Houdini, remains the most famous magician in history.

About the performer — Larry has performed on the Greenville Chautauqua stage since 2002. He has portrayed Einstein, Churchill, Disney, and Cronkite, among others, but recreating Houdini holds a special place in his heart. Since 1973 Larry has worked as a professional magician, including 8 years appearing with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach and 3 years as a theme park magician in Kentucky. Over the years he has presented thousands of public, private, and corporate magic shows.Larry is also a well-respected, South Carolina teacher with a Masters degree in education from The University of Tennessee, a National Board Certification, and 35 years of classroom teaching experience. He has recently retired from teaching but serves on several community boards and is an active member of Piedmont Area Mensa.

This program is made possible by the Friends of the Library – Won’t You Be A Friend?  For complete details on the Chautauqua Festival 2022 click HERE.