Photo Credit: Dan Norman
By Alejandra Iannone, Director
Closing HOUDINI 100 got me thinking about what it takes to make art, to make space for others and oneself, to make a living—a life—as an artist.
And what it means to leave a legacy.
Though I enjoy the "business" side of show business, I didn't want these reflections becoming a marketing blurb, so I’m sharing them now. I’m turning 40 in a week—yes, I’m a Scorpio, so cue some existential drama.
“We have starved, and starred together.” -HOUDINI 100
Madame Zora’s line struck a chord every time I heard it in rehearsal and performance. It still hits home and lingers long after closing.
HOUDINI 100 tested my patience, peace, friendships, and partnerships. Still, how lucky am I to be an artist with access to safe housing, healthcare, labor rights, Minnesota taxpayer support for the arts, and organizations like MRAC and Springboard for the Arts?
At the risk of sounding Pollyanna during a distressing global time, I’m deeply grateful we were able to create HOUDINI 100 this way.
“Control doesn’t mean keeping everything in your hands. It means knowing exactly when to let go… and where everything will return.”
-HOUDINI 100
Houdini and I first "met" in 2016 when Sparkle Theatricals created Spirit Forward. I’ve learned a lot about him—and myself—in the decade since. Getting to return to an idea or a person from your past with a decade of life experience is lucky.
Facts about Houdini’s life land differently now. He and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle were great friends until they weren’t, divided by views and values. You think those two ever missed each other? I do.
Rick and I moved to Columbia Heights in July 2025. Sparkle Theatricals moved with us. We were working on another show that we chose to cancel; HOUDINI 100 happened instead. Our process had bumps, bruises, and messiness—but it also had beauty, curiosity, and laughter. Being in rooms with multidisciplinary artists with so many skills was inspiring!
“Nothing is obscure to the observant eye.” - HOUDINI 100
It isn’t lost on me that we presented a playful farce just blocks from where ICE inflicted inexcusable harm on our community—or that alongside fun, wonder, and whimsy, HOUDINI 100 reflected on abuse of power, deception, chaos, skepticism, and truth.
Thank you to my family, friends, guides, and collaborators; to our sponsors and donors; to MRAC and the voters of Minnesota; to the Kitchigami Regional Library System and our Camp Houdini participants; to S.A.M. and I.B.M.; to Tom, Ryan, Jeremy, and everyone at The Heights Theater; and to John Sperduti for the magic show at my 4th birthday party. I might know how you got milk to run through my sleeve. Maybe.
“Goddammit! We were this close to being this close to Harry Houdini!”
-HOUDINI 100
Big picture: we are in this together. And moving forward, let this be clear: Sparkle Theatricals prohibits firearms at all of our events. No exceptions, no excuses. Leave the guns elsewhere.
Thank you for supporting the arts.
Peace.
