By BY MICHELE LEMMON FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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When she makes snow inside the Riffe Center's Capitol Theatre, Olivia Langwasser will have a far easier task than another one she has faced in her young life.
Olivia has fought cancer for two years.
A sign of her battle: the new head of hair she is growing.
Children like Olivia explain why, in 2002, magician Jon Petz created "Miracles & Magic," a variety show that benefits Adventures for Wish Kids -- an agency that organizes activities for youngsters with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Olivia, 7, will help Petz create a snowfall this weekend in the theater.
The latest event, the sixth, will also feature Ed Alonzo, a comedian, an illusionist and an actor perhaps best-known for the role of Max on Saved by the Bell; Mike Caveney, a magician from California; and Charlie Frye, a vaudeville-style juggler and magician from Las Vegas.
Petz, a performer who also produces the show, hails from central Ohio.
Last year, about 1,400 people attended "Miracles & Magic" -- which collected $80,000 for the charity.
"Not only do our kids get a remarkable adventure, but we also raise money for them," said Jeffrey Damron, executive director of Adventures for Wish Kids.
The show isn't meant just for children and families served by the organization.
The two-hour program, Petz said, is staged to appeal to any family.
"We're taking the approach of comedy magic this year," he said, "so there are going to be a lot of laughs."
Laughs are certainly appreciated by youngsters such as Olivia.
On Aug.
For Immediate Release
February 14, 2008
Columbus, OH
Jon Petz, a Columbus based corporate speaker and entertainer, has been selected to join the team of former NBC's Seinfeld® writers and producer of the FOX show Comic Strip Live™ to bring the hit Las Vegas comedy game show, BONK™, to new markets.
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National City Presents 'Miracles & Magic' to Benefit
Adventures For Wish Kids
Family-style variety show to be held April 4th & 5th, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Miracles & Magic, Ohio's top variety show of comedy, magic and grand illusion, will once again hit the stage at the Riffe Center Capitol Theater in Columbus on Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
