Rick Thomas, internationally-acclaimed, award-winning illusionist, 15-year veteran of the most successful family show in Las Vegas, and winner of numerous international magician and illusionist awards, is coming to Struthers Library Theatre on April 14 for an evening of illusion and spectacle.

Thomas performs the most intriguing and innovative grand illusions in the world with a style unlike any other magical entertainer. Rick weaves magic, music, comedy and dance into a riveting visual delight.

The greatest performers realize at an early age they were born with natural instincts and the talent to captivate an audience. That’s just how it was for Thomas.

Rick’s theatrical background includes ballroom dancing, a fact that accounts for the graceful movements of this tall (6’4″) magician on stage. At the tender age of five, Thomas began teaming with his sister, Tamara, in ballroom dance competitions. Their natural abilities, along with hard work, earned them the title of United States Ballroom Dancing Champions while in their teens.

Rick realizes now that trophies were not his only reward for his many years of competitive dance. The lessons he learned, such as dedication, practice, perseverance, winning and losing would later help him in his pursuit of success as an entertainer.

Rick embarked on his magic career at the age of 7, not long after seeing a magic performance. From that time on, Rick applied the incredible work ethic he established during his dance career to his new calling: magic.

At the age of 13, Rick began performing magic semi-professionally, earning just $5 per show. By the age of 18, he was performing at the Disneyland Hotel, where he headlined for 2 years.

In the following years, Thomas honed his craft and landed his first long-term professional engagement in Asia.

There he developed his dazzling act that featured original illusions, exciting choreography, beautiful dancers, exotic birds, and royal white and orange Bengal Tigers.

With his love for magic matched only by his passion for exotic cats, Thomas is quite dedicated to these beautiful animals. Though the tigers are retired from their performance careers, they continue to enjoy a beautiful habitat on two acres adjacent to Rick’s Las Vegas home. Along with the undeniable grace and majesty of Rick’s white and orange Bengal tigers, Thomas’ conviction sparks a hope for future generations.

Beyond the array of magical effects, Thomas possesses an engaging persona and is an exciting, versatile professional entertainer. Without a doubt, Rick Thomas loves the live theater and intends to pursue a lifetime of entertainment.

Four years ago, Rick was asked to bring his show to the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center in Branson, Missouri. The first season it went so well that Rick was asked to stay on permanently in Branson. Rick moved his show from Las Vegas to Branson.

But for three months a year, Rick took a hiatus from Branson, allowing him to continue to tour the world with his show. This April 14, Rick’s world tour will bring his show to audience members in Warren, at Struthers Library Theatre. Tickets for the show are $20, $24 and $28. Tickets may be purchased at www.strutherslibrarytheatre.com, at the theatre office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, by calling the theatre office at (814) 23-7231, or at the theatre box office an hour prior to the April 14 show.