With his unique blend of magic and humor, Mark Toland fit in quite well with a gaggle of preschoolers Tuesday.
Toland, a 25-year-old who tours across the country with his magic show, stopped by the Iola Preschool after returning to his native Iola for nearby performances in Pittsburg and Joplin, Mo., last weekend.
He regaled the youngsters with an assortment of tricks, including an exploding and reappearing animal balloon, a magical picture book whose pages filled with color with a seeming tap of his wand and a special tissue that soon became a multi-colored string of paper.
But the illusions were only part of the entertainment. Toland greeted his helpers with high-fives each time they went on stage to assist. The kids, too, enjoyed his energetic interactions, as the performances were frequently interrupted with bits of laughter — from both Toland and his youthful audience.
Now working out of Chicago, Toland has entertained for the United States Marine Corps, the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade, Ross Perot and colleges and private events across the country.
Toland is headed now to Wisconsin for performances in Black River Falls this weekend.
He then has a number of shows in the Chicago area through December.
Toland is the son of Karen and the late John Toland, Iola.
Illusionist returns to hometown
