This is part of IndyFringe 2022, Aug. 18-Sept. 4 (individual performance times vary) in downtown Indianapolis. Details and tickets at IndyFringe.org.

By John Lyle Belden

Family-friendly Las Vegas magician Jordan Rooks has returned to Indy, by way of Hogwarts.

When you enter the District Theatre cabaret stage for “A Magic Show with Jordan Rooks,” you will be guided to your seat in near-darkness. Don’t worry, this will all make sense once things get started. A brief video (shot on a phone by his Mom) shows Jordan getting a genuine Olivander’s magic wand at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (theme park in Orlando).

Now that he has magic, granting him control over gravity, cards, and Froot Loops, he shares it with us by giving audience members their own magic wands (unicorn hair may be replaced with ink, though) that we get to use by the end of the show. Rooks also calls on audience members of all ages for aid, as well as sharing his entertaining twist on the classic straitjacket escape. You might even get to meet his Mom.

His souvenir wristbands are glow-in-the-dark this year, and if you get one on the way out after the performance, any donations you give for them all go to worthy causes. Remaining show dates are Thursday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and 28, and Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4.