Boulder City Chautauqua
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 6:00 PM
Our 2:00 PM Matinee will feature an exciting magic act followed by the headliner performance by Joey Madia, portraying the charismatic 'Robin Hood of pirates,' Samuel Bellamy.
At 6:00 PM, the exciting finale of the weekend will feature music by local favorite Steve Cottrell, and scholar Larry Bounds, in his exciting portrayal of Harry Houdini.
Ticket Price: $20.00
per performance
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
See Below for In-Person Ticket Locations
Tickets will also be available at the Door
TICKETS AVAILABLE BY MAIL BEGINNING JULY 2025
(Do not send after October 13)
Send check or money order made
payable to Boulder City Chautauqua to:
Boulder City Chautauqua
PO Box 61994
Boulder City, NV 89006
6:00 PM - HARRY HOUDINI
Erik Weisz (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), known as Harry Houdini, was a Hungarian-American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer noted for his escape acts. Houdini first attracted notice in vaudeville in the United States and then as Harry "Handcuff" Houdini on a tour of Europe, where he challenged police forces to keep him locked up. Soon he extended his repertoire to include chains, ropes slung from skyscrapers, straitjackets under water, and having to escape from and hold his breath inside a sealed milk can with water in it. In 1904, thousands watched as Houdini tried to escape from special handcuffs commissioned by London's Daily Mirror, keeping them in suspense for an hour. Another stunt saw him buried alive and only just able to claw himself to the surface, emerging in a state of near-breakdown. While many suspected that these escapes were faked, Houdini presented himself as the scourge of fake spiritualists, pursuing a personal crusade to expose their fraudulent methods. As president of the Society of American Magicians, he was keen to uphold professional standards and expose fraudulent artists. He was also quick to sue anyone who imitated his escape stunts.
TICKETS AVAILABLE IN PERSON
BEGINNING AUGUST 2025
At the following locations:
Ace Hardware, 541 Nevada Way
Boulder Dam Hotel, 1305 Arizona Street
BC Chamber of Commerce, 100 Nevada Way
Home Hardware, 706 Canyon Road
(check or cash only please at these locations)
The exciting kick-off of the 2025 Boulder City Chautauqua will begin with a rousing musical performance, followed by a portrayal of the inimitable P T Barnum, by scholar Doug Mishler.
6:00 PM - P T BARNUM
Phineas Taylor Barnum (July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891) was an American showman, businessman, and politician remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and founding with James Anthony Bailey the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was also an author, publisher, and philanthropist, although he said of himself: "I am a showman by profession ... and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me." According to Barnum's critics, his personal aim was "to put money in his own coffers". The adage "there's a sucker born every minute" has frequently been attributed to him, although no evidence exists that he had coined the phrase.
2:00 PM Matinee - SAMUEL BELLAMY
Captain Samuel Bellamy (c. 23 February 1689 – 26 April 1717), later known as "Black Sam" Bellamy, was an English sailor turned pirate during the early 18th century. He is best known as the wealthiest pirate in recorded history, and one of the faces of the Golden Age of Piracy. Though his known career as a pirate captain lasted little more than a year, he and his crew captured at least 53 ships. Called "Black Sam" in Cape Cod folklore because he eschewed the fashionable powdered wig in favor of tying back his long black hair with a simple band, Bellamy became known for his mercy and generosity toward those he captured on his raids. This reputation earned him another nickname, the "Prince of Pirates". He likened himself to Robin Hood, with his crew calling themselves "Robin Hood's Men".
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2025
Boulder City Chautauqua
Showmen or Charlatans?
Harry Houdini
Pirate Samuel Bellamy
P. T. Barnum
Friday & Saturday, October 24-25, 2025
Boulder Creek Pavilion | 1501 Veterans Memorial Drive
(corner Adams Blvd & Veterans Memorial Drive)
Chautauqua Scholar Meet and Greet Reception
An evening with the Scholars, plus wine, dinner & dessert
Thursday, October 23, 5:45-8:30pm
$40 Donation
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