CHANNAHON — Over 2,000 adults and children lined up through the halls of Minooka Community High School South Campus, out the front door and down the sidewalk waiting to see Dr. Mark Kaschube, the Magic Dentist from Channahon Family Dentistry, perform.

Dr. Kaschube and his staff have been staging magic shows for their patients and the communities they serve for 21 year.

“October is my favorite month,” Dr. Kaschube said. “It starts with my birthday on Oct. 1, and ends with Halloween. It’s the perfect time to put on a show and bring smiles to the face of children.”

His show, which is supported by local businesses — including his own dental practice, is free to attend.
He doesn't charge for the show because he doesn't want people to have to make the choice of going to see the show or putting dinner on the table, especially in these tough economic times.

As the floor in front of the stage fills with children and their parents, the question of what animal will magically appear this year can frequently be heard.

“I don’t know how he’s going to top the tigers he had last year,” Maggie Donaldson said. “With the Addams Family theme, we are expecting a large snake or reptile this year.”

The surprise finale didn’t produce a reptile nor snake. Instead Dr. Kaschube produced a large camel from behind a curtain.

The camel played second to another tiger produced during a magic trick performed by Dr. Kaschube; his wife, Aga; and his children, Alexander and Vienna, who are aspiring magicians themselves.

“I like the tiger best,” Alexander said after the show.

Missing from this year’s show was the evil sister traditionally played by Krista Walsh, who instead played Morticia Addams opposite Dr. Kaschube’s Gomez.

“I missed the evil sister,” said Susan Ross. “But she is beautiful as Morticia.”

The two-hour show was filled with magic, dancing and ended with a bang as confetti cannons fired confetti into the audience.

“The magic tricks were interesting,” Mackenzie Spencer said as she scooped up hands full of confetti to throw in the air.

“The tiger was my favorite thing.”