Magician Rob Lake returns to Lake Tahoe, treats first responders to show

International award winning magician Rob Lake has returned to the South Shore, bringing his trademark illusions to Harrah's Tahoe.

On Saturday night Lake invited South Lake Tahoe area firefighters and law enforcement to the show, along with their families (and media too).

In an interview with Lake last November he told the story of how he caught the magic bug as a 10-year-old when he saw a magic show with his family. "I knew immediately then and there I was going to be a magician," he said.

Lake said most of his training comes from the school and public libraries.

"I devoured everything I could," said Lake.

In 90 minutes on the stage Saturday, Lake shows how far one can go in pursuit of their dreams.

The 34-year-old Norman, Oklahoma native cut a woman in half, and again in nine pieces, removed her head, pulled dry sand out of water in several different colors, made his motorcycle disappear as well as several audience engagements.

Each night is different because of the audience participation Lake said. For example, Saturday's audience tossed a ball to random people. Each person who caught it said a number. All of those numbers ended up on purchased lottery ticket Lake had in a sealed envelope.

One of his illusions on the Harrah's stage took almost seven years to perfect, while another took just three months. Lake is always working on new things for his show that takes him on the road about 95 percent of the year. Lake's production includes a traveling team of 20 people, including dancers, technicians and stage crews.

Two of the dancers just came from Las Vegas to join Lake for the Tahoe run which lasts until Labor Day weekend. All four of Lake's dancer said they are enjoying their stay on the South Shore and even finding some time to sit on the beach and visit local exercise and dance classes.

Lake is enjoying Tahoe as well.

"It is so beautiful here, it's stunning," he said. "I said to myself, 'Is this real?'"

Lake doesn't keep all of his magic and illusions to himself. The illusion and magic business is a small, one where everyone knows everyone else, said Lake. Other magicians have purchased his illusions.

On March 29, 2013, Rob Lake made an armored truck containing $1,000,000 cash magically appear outside of the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn., in front of over 15,000 audience members.

Since his first international tour at the age of 22, Lake continues to tour both around the United States, Europe and Asia. He takes his show to entertain the troops as well.

Before he disappears again, put the Rob Lake show on your list of what do to in Lake Tahoe. For tickets, https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe/shows.