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Westford brings magic to Roxy Theatre

Published January 18. 2023 09:26AM
by ED COURRIER Special to The Press

American illusionist John Westford brought his brand of magic to the Roxy Theatre stage, 2004 Main St., Northampton, Dec. 3, 2022.

Hosted by the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley as a fundraiser, Westford’s 2022 east coast tour, including New Jersey, North Carolina, West Virginia, Florida and Virginia, played for one night at Northampton’s historic site.

“John Westford had this great idea to do this fundraiser along with his friends Mike, Ted and Dave from the Armadillos,” Executive Director Michelle Zenie said. “It’s a great turnout, great night, and, of course, the Roxy is a great venue.”

Based in the Harrisburg area, Westford had been taking his magic act to cruise ships on and off for 12 years or so.

“We switched gears to do theaters like this,” he said.

Westford’s wife, Susan, has served as his able assistant since 1992.

First-place winner of Nabisco Corporation’s “Unlock the Magic” promotional tour, Westford was awarded the opportunity to share the stage in Atlantic City with the legendary Harry Blackstone Jr.

Now a legend himself, Westford has brought his magic to more than 30 countries and nearly every state in the union. He has also made frequent appearances on television, in commercials and in the movies.

Guitarist Michael Cullin, lead singer Ted Holman and percussionist David McKee performed classic rock and originals for the opening act. Holman and Westford had become friends while living in Perry County. Holman and Cullin formed the Armadillos in college in 1984.

“I still am their biggest fan,” said Westford, who invited them to share the stage with him as Mike, Ted and Dave. Cullin and McKee also perform in State College as the Extractors.

PCFLV’s next fundraiser is the 2023 Hearts of Gold gala, scheduled for March 25.

The cancer foundation is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing financial, emotional and social programs and services to local kids with cancer and their families.

PCFLV is located at 2132 S. 12th St., suite 401, Allentown. For more information, visit pcflv.org or call 484-221-9294.

PRESS PHOTOS BY ED COURRIER Eric Costello, of Allentown, reacts to the punch line of a card trick he participated in with illusionist John Westford during a fundraiser for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, held Dec. 3, 2022, at Roxy Theatre, 2004 Main St., Northampton. Westford brought his brand of magic as part of his 2022 East Coast tour throughout New Jersey, North Carolina, West Virginia, Florida and Virginia.
The Roxy Theatre, 2004 Main St., Northampton, welcomed magician John Westford to a fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, held Dec. 3, 2022.
Percussionist David McKee, lead singer Ted Holman and Michael Cullin, on guitar and vocals, perform an original song during the opening act of the evening.
Ethan Gyecsek, a seventh-grader at Northampton Area Middle School, checks out a large crate before escape artist Westford is locked inside of it. Behind Ethan are Westford and his wife and assistant, Susan.
PCFLV Executive Director Michelle Zenie and Roxy owner Richard Wolfe greet guests as they enter the theater.
Kids Keelin and Hadley and parents Patrick and Betsy McCormick show off their autographed posters in the theater lobby after John Westford's performance for PCFLV.