AN INTIMATE EVENING OF GRAND ILLUSION With David Copperfield 10/7-10/8

For four remarkable performances, Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series welcomes David Copperfield and An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion at the Benedum Center on Wednesday, October 7, and Thursday, October 8, 2009.

Mr. Copperfield turns fantasy to reality with his elaborate illusions that incorporate audience members with every turn. He explains, “We call it an ‘intimate’ evening of grand illusion partly because it’s interactive.” Mr. Copperfield adds, “In one of the pieces, for example, the audience discovers how to predict lottery numbers that will come up that night. They get to participate in illusions that blur the line between magic and reality.” Along with “The Lottery,” Mr. Copperfield has also performed “Killer,” an close-up illusion involving a lethal African scorpion, “Squeezebox,” in which Copperfield takes liposuction to a new level by fitting his 6’1” frame into a shoebox, and “Thirteen,” where the magic man makes thirteen random audience members disappear, only to reappear in surprising places. This show promises to thrill and enchant, leaving guests wondering if magic really has come to life.

David Copperfield has been hailed as the “world’s greatest magician” having completed several worldwide tours, network television events and starring in the critically acclaimed Broadway show, “Dreams and Nightmares.” His unparalleled talents have produced illusions including the disappearance of the Statue of the Liberty and walking through the Great Wall of China! Emmy Award winner and twice named “Entertainer of the Year,” David Copperfield has delighted audiences with his unique brand of magic since the early age of 12 when he became the youngest person ever to be admitted to the Society of American Magicians. Since then, Mr. Copperfield has produced mind-boggling illusions, the likes of which take two years on average to create! His first television appearance came when he was asked to host and star in “The Magic of ABC.” The show was such a tremendous success that Mr. Copperfield was signed by CBS to perform a series of specials beginning with “The Magic of David Copperfield.” With each performance, Mr. Copperfield’s illusions further astounded live audiences without the use of camera tricks or visual effects.

A generous humanitarian, Mr. Copperfield has founded what he calls his greatest work to date, “Project Magic.” Since 1982, this rehabilitation program has used sleight-of-hand magic as a means to strengthen dexterity and motor skills in disabled patients. “Project Magic” has been accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association and is currently practiced in over 1,100 hospitals and 30 countries worldwide.

An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series. Tickets ($30.25-$50.25) for the Wednesday, October 7, and Thursday, October 8, 2009, performances of David Copperfield at the Benedum Center may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue), online at www.pgharts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666.  To purchase 10 or more tickets at special discounted rates, please call (412) 471-6930.

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