The first thing I noticed about
Lon Cerel was his tie.
Covered with brightly colored, cartoonish balloons, it stood out from his otherwise nondescript clothing. After talking with the local magician, balloon-maker, entertainer, and comedian, I realized that it wasn't only his tie that was one-of-a-kind - Lon is quite an interesting individual.

Armed with magic tricks, a witty sense of humor, and a lively imagination, this long time East Side party icon continues to amaze residents all over the state. And now he's embarking on one of his most difficult challenges of his illustrious career: trying to convince kids that reading is better for you than TV and video games.

Appropriately, this past month was National Reading Month, which gave Cerel the chance to speak out as a proponent of kids' reading programs, while, of course, doing some razzle dazzle of his own. Using magic as a vehicle to teach others to use their imaginations, Cerel is working to encourage children to open a book rather than simply switching on the television.

He instituted a program, "The Magic of Reading," to reinforce the benefits of reading and library use both for school and recreational purposes. His program, which uses the facade of a magic show to promote reading, also deals with issues such as respect for others, consequences, self-esteem, and cooperation. Co-developed by Cerel's wife, a retired teacher, "The Magic of Reading" program is currently in its third full year. "Books give you wings," Cerel explains. "You can meet people and go places that are only in your imagination."

Cerel doesn't only encourage reading, he has also authored a book as well. The book, entitled: How To Blow Up Animals: A Beginner's Guide to Fun with Balloons, pretty much says it all. Cerel holds the title of "World's Fastest Balloon Animal Artist" - he can create a French poodle out of a balloon in an incredible 2.98 seconds! This highly-illustrated book combines colorful, instructive pictures with Cerel's trademark humor to provide readers with step-by-step instructions on how to create countless animals, hats, and various other creatures with balloons.

Cerel started performing his magic tricks at the age of six. By nine, he was getting paid for his talents, though he admits that he now charges a little more than he did back then. The magician is now celebrating his 25th anniversary of entertaining people of all ages, holding fast to his motto: "You have to grow old, but you don't have to grow up."

Initially entering college with the desire to become a doctor, Cerel changed his major to psychology after two years. After graduating from Providence College in 1978, he decided to follow his passion for magic and entertaining. He hasn't looked back since.

Cerel gears his act towards specific audiences, performing for both the young and the young-at-heart. In a forty-eight hour period, Lon literally entertained people of all ages, performing for nursery-schoolers at Mount Hope Day Care here on the East Side, and then moving right on to the Jewish Community center where he amazed and amused senior citizens. He incorporates more schtick and politically-charged comedy in his adult performances, while using more visual magic and illusion to entertain his younger audiences.

All of his shows, though combine his own quirky brand of humor and energy, with plenty of audience participation. Aside from being multi-generational, his acts also bridge language barriers as well, as Cerel can perform his act in several languages, even offering silent shows for the hearing impaired.

For three consecutive years, Lon Cerel has been voted "Rhode Island's Best Family Entertainer" by the readers of The Rhode Island Parents' Paper, and has entertained audiences at such varied places as Harvard University, Nickelodeon Television and numerous fairs and festivals throughout the Northeast - as well as hundred of elementary schools, libraries and campgrounds across New England. He performs at trade shows, corporate events, and, of course, birthday parties. If he is successful at producing a new generation of book lovers, they'll be able to read all about him for years to come.

© Providence Monthly