RED BANK – On the heels of their sold- out shows in London’s West End, the Champions of Magic are coming to the Count Basie Center for the Arts for five shows from Sept. 7-9.
Audiences will witness the impossible, including disappearances, levitation, teleportation and a heart-stopping finale, all presented with lighting and special effects to rival the biggest theatrical spectacles.
The five magicians include Kayla Drescher, who was named the Next Great Magician by David Copperfield. Alex McAleer has the ability to tap into his audiences’ minds and read their thoughts. From straitjackets to water tanks and handcuffs to giant steel traps, Fernando Velasco faces some of the deadliest escape stunts ever performed. Thanks to their spectacular illusions and viral videos, Young & Strange have been featured on television shows around the globe.
Young & Strange are childhood friends who spent their teenage years attempting, and failing, to make Las Vegas-style illusions with cardboard and tape. With little money, they were forced to innovate, creating original illusions and magic tricks.
“We have had a passion for it since childhood and our friendship helped to inspire us towards making it our profession,” said Young & Strange, who opted to answer questions together. “Magic always had a draw to it and we are fortunate enough to make a living from it.”
These performers have been seen on television’s “Access Hollywood Live,” “The Next Great Magician,” “Good Morning Britain,” “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” and “Caught On Camera with Nick Cannon.”
Young & Strange agree, citing the success of newcomers such as Dynamo, who walked across the Thames River and levitated himself alongside a double-decker bus full of passengers and above a London skyscraper.
“I think people know that what they see on TV or YouTube might not be the whole pic- ture, so the more opportunities to see it live, the better,” he said.
Champions of Magic will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8; and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. Tickets are $29 to $59. For more information, visit countbasietheatre.org.
Arts and entertainment writer Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com.
This article was first published in the August 30-Sept. 6, 2018 print edition of The Two River Times.