"America’s Got Talent" finalist John van der Put, more commonly known by his stage name Piff the Magic Dragon, will be stopping to perform his nationally known magic tricks July 7-10.
Van der Put performs entertaining magic shows dressed as a dragon with his assistant, Mr. Piffles the magic performing Chihuahua. The two made it to the finals in Season 10 of "America’s Got Talent." They have been touring internationally since the show ended.
“Performing live every night is different,” van der Put said in an interview with the Deseret News. “I have a lot of audience interaction. Every single show is different for me. I get to meet all these crazy people and travel all over the place, and I love making people laugh.”
Van der Put has been doing magic tricks since he was a teenager. The creation of Piff came after he graduated from college and began pursuing magic as a career.
“I went to a costume party in a dragon outfit,” van der Put said. “When I showed up to this party, there was no one else in costume. It was just me.”
A friend suggested van der Put perform his magic shows in the outfit. After trying it once, it was a big hit.
With their first time in Salt Lake City, van der Put has big plans for his and Mr. Piffles' performances.
“We’ve also got a couple of new things to try … as well as some of the old favorites,” van der Put said.
Van der Put will be performing at Wise Guys Comedy club for ages 21 and older.
For information on van der Put, see piffthemagicdragon.com.
If you go ...
What: Piff the Magic Dragon
When: July 7-10, times vary
Where: Wiseguys Comedy Club, 194 S. 400 West
How much: $25
Phone: 801-532-5233
Web: wiseguyscomedy.com
Email: cstimpson@deseretnews.com