THE BALLOON MAN

Baraboo man takes magic act to new level

Tristan Crist performs at Circus World Museum

PART II

Tristan Crist and assistant Cassidy Herriott present "Theatre of Illusion" twice daily – a fast paced show, loaded with comedy, magic, and grand illusions.
"Tristan has done a remarkable job for six years presenting illusions in the broad daylight with the audience on all sides of him," said David SaLoutos, ringmaster and program director for Circus World Museum. "However, magic benefits greatly when presented on a stage with proper theatrical lighting."

SaLoutos said Circus World and Baraboo have gained a year-round theatrical venue where magic performances can continue into the fall season.

Crist said the new theater allows him the opportunity to stay focused on the audience.

"Before I was performing in a round theater and really couldn't gauge the audience's reaction," he said. "Now, I have a stage where the audience is all seated in front of us."

He said he enjoys seeing the look of amazement on the faces before him.

"It's great to see the looks of astonishment after an illusion or a trick is performed," Crist said. "This is a place where people can come and enter a world where anything is possible."

Cassidy Herriott, Crist's assistant, said she also enjoys watching the wonder on the faces of the people who come to watch them perform.

"Their expressions are priceless," she said. "It doesn't matter if they are young or old. We give them a chance to escape reality even if it's for a half hour."

Crist performs his show at 10:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. seven days a week at Circus World Museum.