Photos: 2016 Murray SawChuck
Once you’ve seen him perform, you’ll never forget him. And that’s exactly what Murray SawChuck wants.
“I want people to remember me,” says SawChuck, “not just for the magic, illusions and comedy but for my appearance.
“I’ve made a point of branding myself with wild hair, kind of goofy glasses and a distinctive blue suit. I like the idea that people can laugh at my appearance – it’s part of the appeal.”
And he has been honing his appeal from the first time he stepped on stage at age four.
Murray SawChuck grew up in Burnaby, British Columbia. From an early age, he learned how to play several musical instruments and took dance lessons. A gift of a magic set would change everything.
Photo: 2016 Murray SawChuck
“I liked being on stage,” he says, “but I also learned that you had to provide something worthwhile to get applause. For me, combining magic with a bit of comedy would be just the ticket.” And it was.
Between 1993 and 2002, SawChuck paid his dues touring Europe and performing on cruise ships. He was named Magic Champion at the Pacific Rim Professional Magic Challenge in 1999.
In 2002, he opened his first Las Vegas show, while his good friend Michael Bublé released his first album. “Michael and I used to compete in talent shows as teens,” he says. “He always won for vocals and I won for variety.”
SawChuck became a big name in 2010 when he appeared on America’s Got Talent and made a full-sized train disappear. This year, his YouTube views are over 400 million.
“Now that’s the illusion I’m most associated with,” he laughs. “And I guess that’s not a bad thing.
“It was the first time in the world for an illusion like that and I was just as surprised as the audience that I’d done it.”
SawChuck has since gone on to numerous performances on television, reality TV shows, stage shows and is currently the headliner at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
And this February, he brings his magical illusions and comedy to Centrepointe Theatres for one night only. He knows there’ll be aspiring magicians in the audience.
“My best advice is don’t give up,” says SawChuck, “and know that you will fail. But take the lessons, do the work and if you love it, you have to stick with it.”
And a huge part of his appeal is that he loves what he’s doing, and it shows.
Visit www.centrepointetheatres.com for ticket information.