MASON CITY — A magician who combines elaborate illusions with live musical performances is headed to North Iowa when Chris Funk, known as “The Wonderist,” takes the stage at the North Iowa Community Auditorium on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Presented by First Citizens Bank and Visit Mason City, the performance is part of North Iowa Area Community College’s 2026-2027 Performing Arts & Leadership Series and promises an evening of magic, music, comedy and audience interaction.
Funk’s touring production, “Redefining Wonder,” puts a musical twist on the traditional magic show, incorporating instruments such as violins and guitars into elaborate illusions.
Audiences can expect unusual spectacles, including a violin performance woven into a magic trick, dancing sheet music and musical instruments seemingly suspended in midair.
Live-feed cameras and interactive video technology also help bring audience members directly into the performance, creating an experience designed to entertain families and spectators of all ages.
Funk’s unusual career path began with a difference of opinion at home. His parents wanted him to pursue music, while he dreamed of becoming a magician. Rather than abandon either interest, he combined the two into an entertainment act that has attracted national attention.
His television appearances include NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” CW’s “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” and “Masters of Illusion,” FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen” and Syfy’s “Wizard Wars.”
Funk has also performed at major Las Vegas venues, including Planet Hollywood, the Venetian, Mandalay Bay, Rio and Tropicana casinos, along with entertainment residencies at Disney. He has appeared in the national touring production “Masters of Illusion LIVE.”
His performances have earned praise from prominent entertainment personalities, including Simon Cowell and the magician duo Penn & Teller, who have applauded his distinctive combination of humor, theatrical presentation and illusion.
Beyond the visual spectacle, Funk incorporates his personal journey into the performance, sharing how his interests in both music and magic ultimately shaped his career.
The November 17 appearance gives North Iowa audiences an opportunity to experience a nationally touring act without traveling to a major entertainment market.
Tickets are available through the NIACC Box Office at 641-422-4188 or online at www.niacc.edu/boxoffice.
Additional information about the performer and his production is available at ChrisFunkMagic.com.
The NIACC Performing Arts & Leadership Series is supported by numerous regional sponsors. The Broadway Sponsor for the 2026-2027 season is Dr. Tom Johnston in memory of Patricia Johnston. Platinum sponsors include the G.G. George Family, Joyce Nielsen in memory of Jack Nielsen, Mason City Clinic P.C. and NSB Bank.
For additional information about the series, visit www.niacc.edu/pals or contact the NIACC Performing Arts & Leadership Series office at 641-422-4253.