Annual Halloween Magic Show Moves Out of Channahon

Dedicated Channahon and Minooka residents will need to travel almost 30 miles round trip to see this year’s Halloween magic show.

The 22nd Annual Halloween Magic Show, 'Boo Street,' will be presented by the on October 22 at Coal City High School Auditorium. 

Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Despite the move, Krista Walsh, dental hygienist at Channahon Family Dentistry and cast member, said many of the patients seem to be excited about the show.

Walsh said Coal City is proud of updating their school and were really interested in the show. She said it’s a great way to show off their community, especially since many patients and some staff live in Coal City and because the Coal City On Broadway Dancers, who have performed in past shows are now able to perform in their own backyard. 

“Whether or not I work here, as a parent, I appreciate this entertainment because it gets our minds off of what’s happening in the real world,” Walsh said. “It’s a safe and pleasant evening for families.”

said that earlier this year, Coal City High School Superintendent Kent Bugg showed him the auditorium. It will seat 3,400 guests, while, was only able to accommodate 2,500. The parking will allow for 1,200 cars and there is a loading dock for Kashube’s trucks to pull up to and unload his magical props.

The high ceilings at the new venue will allow Kashube to do  his largest magic trick and to put his stage together easily, without the struggles he had at MCHS.

“People will be wowed,” Kaschube said. “That ear-to-ear smile on kids' faces and the first round of applause is the internal payback system.”

Chuck Szoke, executive director of the , said hopefully people who want to see the show will travel to Coal City to see it.

Szoke said the park district’s involvement with the show was solely advertising the event and was not involved in the decision to move the show from Channahon to Coal City.

“Kaschube has a high-quality, professional magical show that is very positive and a continued success,” Szoke said. 

The show originally began in Channahon at Skateland, Szoke said. Every year the show continues to grow. 

The venue had to be moved from the Heritage Field House and eventually to both MCHS campuses.

The Show

An old deserted mansion provides the backdrop for this year’s show.  At the stroke of midnight, the strange inhabitants come to life, thus nicknaming the road 'Boo Street.'

The show is complete with special effects and high-energy dancers. And who knows what animal will appear on stage this year. In the past, there have been tigers, a zebra and even a camel.

According to Walsh, there will be more magic tricks and her character, The Evil Sister is coming back to try to spoil her brother’s plans. The brother is played by Kaschube.

“She has had a makeover and costume change,” Walsh said. “Many (people) wanted her back.”