The Dahlonega Magic Theater is a renowned entertainment venue located in Dahlonega, Georgia. It is known for its mesmerizing magic performances that captivate audiences of all ages. The theater provides a unique and immersive experience, taking guests on a journey into the world of magic and illusion. The theater itself is a small and intimate space, allowing for an up-close and personal experience with the performers. The seating arrangement ensures that every audience member has a good view of the stage, creating a sense of intimacy between the magician and the spectators. The shows at the Dahlonega Magic Theater are carefully curated to showcase a variety of magical acts, including mind-bending illusions, mind reading, sleight of hand, and classic tricks that leave audiences in awe.
"At times deliriously fun and delightfully gory. Its blood-filled heart, however, is its main characters and their personal struggles. Both actors, in their own ways, strain under the unrelenting pressure of others’ expectations. To give the Reaper life, McAuley shares snippets of fictional movie screenplays that show the Reaper is just as deadly and entertaining as Jason or Freddy. This book is a must for fans of the slasher genre, but it also offers a sickle-sharp critique of the expendability of actors fed into the Hollywood machine." — Library Journal
You re never sure whether to root for Howard as a bastion of standards in a degraded creative industry or to pity him as a man whose self-regard is at odds with his body of work. Trevor is determined to stay sober and revamp his image while Howard refuses to let go of the character he created, setting the stage for a cross-generational clash over the soul of a monster.
The shows at the Dahlonega Magic Theater are carefully curated to showcase a variety of magical acts, including mind-bending illusions, mind reading, sleight of hand, and classic tricks that leave audiences in awe. The skilled magicians who perform at the theater are masters of their craft, combining skill, showmanship, and a touch of humor to create a truly unforgettable experience. One of the highlights of the Dahlonega Magic Theater is the interactive nature of the shows.
Curse of the Reaper: A Novel (Hardcover)
Scream meets The Shining in this page-turning horror tale about an aging actor haunted by the slasher movie villain he brought to life.
Decades after playing the titular killer in the 80s horror franchise Night of the Reaper , Howard Browning has been reduced to signing autographs for his dwindling fanbase at genre conventions. When the studio announces a series reboot, the aging thespian is crushed to learn he’s being replaced in the iconic role by heartthrob Trevor Mane, a former sitcom child-star who’s fresh out of rehab. Trevor is determined to stay sober and revamp his image while Howard refuses to let go of the character he created, setting the stage for a cross-generational clash over the soul of a monster. But as Howard fights to reclaim his legacy, the sinister alter ego consumes his unraveling mind, pushing him to the brink of violence. Is the method actor succumbing to madness or has the devilish Reaper taken on a life of its own?
In his razor-sharp debut novel, film and television writer Brian McAuley melds wicked suspense with dark humor and heart. Curse of the Reaper is a tightly plotted thriller that walks the tightrope between the psychological and the supernatural, while characters struggling with addiction and identity bring to light the harrowing cost of Hollywood fame.
About the Author
Brian McAuley is a WGA screenwriter who has worked on everything from family sitcoms to horror films. He received his MFA in Screenwriting from Columbia University and he teaches at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, where he currently resides. Curse of the Reaper is his first novel.
Praise For…
In Praise of CURSE OF THE REAPER
"McAuley excels at balancing the psychological against the supernatural, but he’s even better at satirizing the Hollywood machine. The author puts his experience of the screenwriting game to good use in a biting commentary on horror fandom, franchise culture, and thespian hubris. You’re never sure whether to root for Howard as a bastion of standards in a degraded creative industry or to pity him as a man whose self-regard is at odds with his body of work. Curse of the Reaper is a very funny book with some of the best “bad scriptwriting” ever committed to page. But when McAuley turns to horror in earnest, he goes hard." Esquire (Best Horror Novels of 2022)
"At times deliriously fun and delightfully gory. Its blood-filled heart, however, is its main characters and their personal struggles. Both actors, in their own ways, strain under the unrelenting pressure of others’ expectations. To give the Reaper life, McAuley shares snippets of fictional movie screenplays that show the Reaper is just as deadly and entertaining as Jason or Freddy. This book is a must for fans of the slasher genre, but it also offers a sickle-sharp critique of the expendability of actors fed into the Hollywood machine." — Library Journal
“Curse of the Reaper is the best kind of horror—one that’s equal parts psychological nightmare and bone-crunching bloodshed. McAuley’s novel is a grim amalgam, retelling the inner-struggle of a modern day Jekyll and Hyde and blending it (on high!) with every great 80’s slasher movie ever made. Reaper tackles madness, addiction, the costs of stardom, and the innate servitude of every artist whose soul is chained to the growling, hungry beast within. A wonderful, terrifying, thrilling novel not to be missed.”—Philip Fracassi, author of A Child Alone With Strangers
“In Curse of the Reaper, Brian McAuley carves a grinning specter from our cultural addictions to fandom and nostalgia, gleefully ripping through the boundaries between method and madness, pure scares and pitch-perfect schlock. With vividly wounded characters and a true fan’s eye for the horror show, Curse of the Reaper is an unmissable glimpse behind the screen.”—Gordon B. White, author of Rookfield and As Summer’s Mask Slips and Other Disruptions
“The purpose of horror is to access the unconscious fears of the reader and exploit them. Brian McAuley does just that in Curse of the Reaper. An homage to the horror films of the 80's, he delivers horror in a way that will have you clutching the edge of your seat while whipping through the book until the very end. And I enjoyed every single page of it.”—Tracy Cross, author of Rootwork
“Brian McAuley takes Method acting to maniacal meta-horror heights in his Poe-infused slasher Curse of the Reaper, which reads like a pitch-perfect riff off of Peter Bogdanovich’s Targets, a Los Angeles-cast Cask of Amontillado, and a Jerry Stahl-penned tug-of-war between Boris Karloff and Kane Hodder. Read it.” — Clay McLeod Chapman, author of The Remaking and Ghost Eaters
“A love letter to slashers, and a nod to our addictions. To drugs, to fame. To the memories of who we once were.” —Jamie Flanagan, co-writer of Netflix’s Midnight Mas s and The Haunting of Bly Mano r
“McAuley's Curse of the Reaper is a clever and creepy romp through the slasher genre, reveling in how it haunts and delights us, and how the real horror never, really ever ends.” — Kate Maruyama, author of Harrowgate and Family Solstice
- Fiction / Horror
- Fiction / Thrillers / Supernatural
- Fiction / Noir
- Fiction / Psychological
Robert Englund was a jumping-off point, but Howard's character is even more inspired by Norma Desmond, the somewhat delusional faded star in Sunset Boulevard. And the idea of Howard as a method actor who has really created a space within his psyche for this character over the course of eight films, how it's become part of his identity. A lot of the novel is Howard grappling with The Reaper's desires. And there are different ways to read that, like, is it a supernatural force? Or is it just an unacknowledged side of his personality that he needs to project onto this other character?
Audience members often become participants in the magic, as the magicians invite volunteers on stage to assist with various tricks. This not only adds an element of excitement to the show but also creates a sense of wonder and mystery as the audience witnesses magic happening right before their eyes. The theater also offers a variety of magic workshops and classes for those interested in learning the secrets behind some of the tricks. These workshops provide a unique opportunity to learn from professional magicians and gain insight into the world of magic. In addition to its regular shows, the Dahlonega Magic Theater also hosts special events and performances throughout the year. From holiday-themed shows to guest performances by renowned magicians, there is always something new and exciting happening at the theater. Overall, the Dahlonega Magic Theater is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves magic and entertainment. With its intimate setting, captivating performances, and interactive nature, it is truly a magical experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend. Whether you are a fan of magic or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable night out, the Dahlonega Magic Theater is the perfect place to be..
Reviews for "Dive into the Realm of Illusions at Dahlonega Magic Theater"
1. John - 2/5 -
The Dahlonega magic theater was quite disappointing. The show lacked originality and the tricks seemed outdated. The magician's performance was lackluster and he failed to keep the audience engaged. The overall atmosphere was dull and the venue was quite small and cramped. I expected a more mesmerizing and thrilling experience, but unfortunately, this was not the case.
2. Emily - 1/5 -
I had high hopes for the Dahlonega magic theater, but it turned out to be a major letdown. The magician's tricks were poorly executed and easily noticeable, taking away any sense of wonder. The show lacked creativity and felt like a cheap imitation of other magic performances. The venue itself was in need of renovation and the seats were uncomfortable. Overall, it was a waste of time and money, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2/5 -
The Dahlonega magic theater promised an enchanting and captivating experience, but it failed to deliver. The magician's performance felt amateurish and the tricks were predictable. The pacing of the show was off, making it difficult to stay engaged. The limited seating capacity made it feel cramped and uncomfortable. I was expecting a more polished and professional production, and I was left disappointed.