On Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m., the Historic State Theatre of Boyertown will host an “Evening of Entertainment” to include three mind-bending acts of illusion and mentalism, as well as live music.
Emcee Wayne Shifflet will host the event, which features Illusionist Connor Staskel and Quickchange Artists Brent and Crystal Lill, along with a final performance from Mentalist Jesse Dameron. Live music will be performed by local band Quarter Life Chaos.
“This is the first time we’ve done an illusions show to this extent, so it’s a big deal,” Ellen Rauch, public relations for the event, said. “We have a pretty huge group of people coming.”
Dameron initially approached the venue for a gig, where he found the owner’s mother, a fact he was unaware of at the time.
“I asked her to hold her watch tightly in her hand,” Dameron said. “Then I waved my hand over it and asked her to look at the time. The minute hand jumped 15 minutes from my wave, and it freaked her out.”
This trick sparked an idea that will come alive at the theater’s upcoming event.
“The mentalism is usually a combination of intuition and esoteric psychology, like suggestion,” Dameron said. “Mystery is just one ‘feel good’ element of the show. There are inspirational speaking messages, comedy bits and I deliberately craft shows so people sitting next to each other in the audience can empathize with the fun experience. Social solidarity feels good.”
What makes Dameron’s show special, he says, is audience participation.
“The audience is not watching the show as much as exploring the show,” he said. “They become the show itself.”
The other artists slated to perform at the event were hand picked by Dameron.
“I saw every one of them perform professionally, and the audiences enjoyed their entertainment,” he said. “I can vouch that everything they do is incredible.”
Dameron was born in Sellersville and spends most of his time in Pottstown, which he calls home. He is 29 years old and began his hobby of mentalism at young age, which grew into a career.
Other upcoming gigs for Dameron include a Quakertown Lions Club 75th Anniversary event, a performance at Albright College and a possible appearance on a local ABC News show in Syracuse, New York.
Dameron has also offered free performances at charitable events.
“Nearly all my gigs are private,” Dameron said. “So I wanted to book a gig than anyone and everyone can attend.”
The theater hopes the event will open the door for more successful live entertainment events.
“One of the reasons we’ve gone to live entertainment is that movie companies are no longer providing 35 millimeter film,” Rauch said. “We are trying to draw in the best of live entertainment and keep the Theatre alive for future generations.”
Rauch expects the event to be memorable for those in attendance.
“The illusionists will be asking for audience participation,” she said. “The audience will be involved a lot, and the show will be filmed.”
The show is intended for an audience of 18 years or older.
On the night of the event, doors will open at 7 p.m. and tickets will be on sale at the box office. Tickets can also be purchased in advance at www.statetheatreboyertown.com.
