Wayne the Wizard: Celebrating decades of magic in Madison
Eliana Wasserman
For over 45 years, magician, ventriloquist and balloon sculptor Wayne Peterson, better known as Wayne the Wizard, has been a beloved figure in Madison, enchanting audiences with his magical performances and creating a legacy filled with laughter and wonder.
A Magical Beginning
Wayne’s introduction to magic began in the 1960s from his visits to the “Moon Fun Shop,” a novelty store located next to the old Capitol Theater—now Overture Center. Surrounded by magic tricks and comic books, a young Wayne was captivated, sparking a passion that would develop into a lifelong performing career.
Pursuing this passion led Wayne to become a fixture in the Madison entertainment scene, performing at the old Shakey’s Pizza parlor on Madison’s East Side and entertaining at local birthday parties and festivals.
Civic Center Memories
Before Overture Center was founded in 2004, Wayne often performed at the Madison Civic Center, including its grand opening in 1980. He fondly recalls the excitement of that day, and his Harry Houdini-inspired comedy bit alongside Ronald McDonald.
Wayne recalls doing magic shows on the old Isthmus Stage at the Madison Civic Center, memorable for its unique seating arrangement: "It was an interesting challenge to maintain the art of illusion when there were onlookers above and to the sides of me.”
After performing at the Madison Civic Center’s Kids in the Crossroads series, Wayne seamlessly transitioned to performing at Overture Center, bringing magic to children and families at Kids in the Rotunda and Duck Soup Cinema.
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Wayne performing at Madison Civic Center's grand opening in 1980 -
Wayne performing at Kids in the Rotunda -
Wayne performing at Kids in the Rotunda
The Magic of the Audience
For Wayne, the best part of performing has always been the audience. “The kids are incredibly receptive; I’ve never had a bad audience,” he shares with pride. Over the years, he has met countless people and has built relationships with families who return year after year, creating a multi-generational experience where children he once entertained now bring their own kids to see him perform
The Show Must Go On!
Wayne has had some particularly unforgettable moments from his many years of performing. Once, during a rope and lantern tube trick on the Isthmus stage an accidental bump shattered the glass lantern on stage. The audience erupted in laughter as his long-time stage assistant and wife, Linda, quickly swept away the broken pieces. Wayne continued the performance in stride, and the audience thought it was all part of the act. (Linda and Wayne will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary next year!)
Lasting Impact
Wayne appreciates how Overture Center gives opportunities to local performers to showcase their art and entertain audiences of all ages. Wayne underscores the value of Overture’s family programming like Kids in the Rotunda and Duck Soup Cinema, as it allows kids and their families to enjoy entertainment together in downtown Madison.
Although Wayne is semi-retired, he continues to perform at Duck Soup Cinema. He still takes immense pride in seeing large crowds at Overture and knowing that his magic resonates across generations.