The Magic and Tigers of Rick Thomas

Majestic magic

Staff Report

Magician Rick Thomas, a native of Long Beach, Calif., has been performing magic since age 7 -- professionally since age 13 -- developing his skills at the same time he was one of the nation's top-rated ballroom dancers. Thomas' graceful dance moves now are part of his act.

By age 18 Thomas was performing at Disneyland and eventually began working on cruise ships.

He has toured the world, including a five-year engagement in Guam from '92-'97. It was in Guam that Thomas learned to train tigers, and he added the big cats to his production.

"I have always loved animals," he said. "When I was 13, I had birds in my act -- doves and cockatoos."

Thomas respects his audience, just as he respects his community.

"My show is not about the magic," he said. "It's about the hour the audience and I are together. I love watching them respond.

"It's an experience we all have, one that creates a memory. It's about us enjoying time together. The audiences soon realize they don't want a wall between you and them -- they are involved in the show. The magic is secondary. I make sure they are entertained first. If they are fooled in the process, that's icing on the cake."