Plunge into 2017 with ‘Magic at Coney!!!’

Two Special Magic Shows at the Coney Island Museum

December 28, 2016 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

‘Magic at Coney!!!’ on New Year’s Day at Coney Island Museum. Eagle photo by Arthur De Gaeta

The Coney Island Museum. Photo: Arthur De Gaeta/Brooklyn Eagle

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New Years at Coney Island has always been a highly anticipated regional event. Thanks to the Polar Bear Plunge, Jan. 1 is the neighborhood’s second largest gathering of the year, after the summertime Mermaid’s Parade. People come from all over the region to take the plunge into the ice-cold waters of the Atlantic.

This year, in conjunction with Coney Island USA and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, ‘Magic at Coney!!!’ is helping to keep the fun alive with two Sunday performances in the 50-seat theatre at the Coney Island Museum. The magical variety act, hosted by well-known and award-winning local magician Gary Dreifus, will include mentalists, illusionists and escape artists.

Dreifus, the founder, producer and host of Magic at Coney!!!, has been performing magic, mentalism and hypnosis for more than 40 years. He has designed and taught magic programs at several schools, colleges, community and senior centers and is one of the select few individuals to receive the coveted degree of Doctor of Magic from the International Magicians Society.

“Magic still wows crowds,” said Dreifus. “You let children watch a live magic act and their minds explode. They want to know how it’s done. They get excited about life’s possibilities, and that’s why we do what we do. We’ve got an incredible lineup and can’t wait to perform.”

Other highlights include:

Award-winning magic from Lee Ann Barrett, one of the top stand-up comedy magicians in the country and an icon at Magic at Coney!!! Barrett has appeared on “CBS This Morning” and has performed for organizations including the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for kids.

Omar Olusion, known as magic’s funniest professional, not only impresses the crowds with his illusions and close-up magic, but is equally famous in the New York City area for his emcee and DJ skills.

Torkova, an award-winning magician and mind reader, who has wowed audiences for more than 30 years with his memorable and “eerie” performance act.

Thomas Solomon, the World’s Greatest Escape Artist, as evidenced by an award-winning handcuff act (2000 World Magic Awards) at The Roxy, The Magic Castle, Limelight, MK, Bally’s, the White House and on several television specials throughout the world. He has received numerous citations from President Barack Obama, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for his work on behalf of wounded veterans.

Performances are every Sunday at noon with two shows on New Year’s Day at noon and 3 p.m.