Isaiah Foster has created a magic show that mixes tricks, storytelling, and a dash of history. “The Conjurer” tells a familiar story of a young magician who hones his skills to become a master. It’s all set in the early 1900s, complete with period costumes and an old world twist on his tricks.

“It’s an era when magic kind of exploded,” Foster told the La Crosse Tribune. “There were a lot of things in that time that were pretty revolutionary for magic.”

There were also different standards for when and how people practiced their prestidigitation. For instance, Foster includes a bit about a miracle headache cure, harkening to the quack medicines sold by shills while a voice-over shares some history about that historical gimmick. The show also has an extra personal touch, as Foster’s son plays a past version of the story’s hero. “The Conjurer” ends with father and son performing the cups and balls at the same time.

“It’s the oldest trick in the book,” Foster said. “It’s a visual review of where it started and where it ends.”

The show is playing January 19 and 20 at the Pump House Regional Arts Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.