MAGIC AT CONEY!!! - VAUDEVILLE REVISITED Set for Coney Island Today

Over 100 years ago, Coney Island was the Mecca of magicians, comedians and artists from around the world. The local sideshows at Dreamland, Luna Park and Steeplechase Park, as well as the dance halls and theaters were a proving ground for those performing artists looking to hone their skills. There were usually a dozen or more acts in every vaudeville performance. The performances ranged from the truly talented to the simply quirky. Aside from the magicians, there were musicians, such as the piano player Eubie Blake, and the child star, Baby Rose Marie. There were great acts of physical talent, everything from contortionists, to tumblers to dancers. Actors performed plays and jugglers juggled.

Vaudeville was symbolic of the cultural diversity of early twentieth century America. Vaudeville was a fusion of centuries-old cultural traditions, including the English Music Hall, minstrel shows of antebellum America, and Yiddish theater. Vaudeville was the earliest entertainment form to cross racial and class boundaries. The appeal of the vaudeville show was that it worked hard to attract all classes of people from every cultural background rather than performances that were targeted to the cultured upper crust only.

Coney Island has been going through a transformation since Super Storm Sandy. New attractions, improving the infrastructure and adding more shopping and restaurants have all contributed to the renaissance of the area. "Magic at Coney!!!" has successfully re-kindled that spark of enchantment for the past three seasons. "Magic at Coney!!! - Vaudeville Revisited" continues in that vein, allowing a family audience the ability to step back to that hallowed age of the splendor of Coney Island.

For the past three seasons, "Magic at Coney!!!" has re-kindled that spark of enchantment. Together with Coney Island U.S.A., Magical Promotions has presented an evening of fun and wonder for the entire family. Magic at Coney!!! is a magical variety show highlighting internationally known, award-winning magicians.

"Magic at Coney!!! - Vaudeville Revisited" will demonstrate the type of family vaudeville show one would have witnessed at the turn of the 20th century. Dressed in period costumes, the audience will be transported back in time, participating in escape, mind-reading, comedy, musical and sleight-of-hand acts, rarely seen on the current stage, and impossible to observe in an urban environment.

Performers:

- Master of Ceremonies: Gary Dreifus
Magician, mentalist, hypnotist, magic instructor and world-renowned magical host.

- Miss Cherry Delight
The reigning Miss Coney Island. An Actress, Singer, Make-Up Artist, Burlesque, Wild West and Circus Sideshow performer who has entertained all over the country from New York to Las Vegas.

- Carl Mercurio
Classic blend of comedy and magic by the world-class author, magician and humorist.

- Lee Alan Barrett
Award winning Magic from one of the top stand-up Comedy Magicians in the country.

- Dennis DiMartino
The irascible Dennis DiMartino is a regular at Coney Island, having appeared on Good Morning America, The Conan O'Brien show and at Brooklyn Cyclones baseball games.

- Omar OLusion
Omar is a magician who has performed his unique style of entertainment for Ripley's Believe It or Not, Spike YV and NY Carousel. He is one of the funniest, zaniest performers to ever grace the Coney Island stage.

- Debi Does Magic and Konjuring Kim
Graduates of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow Magic Course. Debi and Kim are both actively involved in Coney Island USA

The show will play twice today, May 11, 2013. First show at 3 PM; Second show at 7 PM at Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Avenue (between Stillwell Ave. and West 12th St.), Brooklyn, NY 11224. Call 718-372-5159 for more information. Public transportation: D,N,F,Q to Stillwell Ave.

Tickets are $15 per person; $10 per child under 12 For groups of 10 or more, special pricing is available. Call Debi Ryan at 718-372-5159 to make arrangements. For tickets visit: www.coneyisland.com.