The Daily Times

Editor’s Note: In honor of The Gate’s and New Hope’s special event April Foolies at 7 p.m. March 30 at the Clayton Center for the Arts, The Daily Times is running a weekly special feature on each of the six acts performing in the self-proclaimed “Talent Show with a Twist.”

You won’t see Magician Ben Young pull a rabbit out of a hat or attempt to saw a woman in half at one of his shows.

Young said that he does not adhere to the conventions of traditional magicians and that his style is like a “stand-up comedian who does magic.”

“A larger emphasis is placed on making people laugh and having a great time rather than presenting each trick as some serious miracle,” Young said.

Young, who normally performs his comedy magic and mind-reading shows at company and association events, will be doing one of his sets for April Foolies at 7 p.m. March 30 at the Clayton Center for the Arts.

New experience

Young has never been on-stage at April Foolies, and he promises to bring a performance unlike any other seen before at the fundraiser talent show that benefits The Gate and New Hope.

“I think the regular Foolies attendees are going to love the variety of having a magician in the lineup. I mean, seriously, I perform the impossible!” Young said enthusiastically.

What “impossible” feats does Young plan to achieve at April Foolies?

“I don’t want to give anything away,” Young said. “But I will read some minds, perform the weirdest trick I do — (which is) also one of my favorites, and a finale that could, well, get me killed.”

Off-stage bonus

Young added that he plans to continue his set off-stage as he will provide one-on-one entertainment immediately following April Foolies.

“I’ll be performing strolling magic and mind reading during the VIP reception after the show,” Young said.

For Young, performing magic is more about the journey and less about the destination.

“There are lots of twists and turns before the big ending of each trick,” Young said. “It’s the ride that I love.”

Young’s strategy to win over the crowd so that his act will raise the most money from the audience is a unique one.

“I would hope that people applaud because they enjoy having their minds blown,” Young said. “If nothing else, seeing me face death just for their entertainment should warrant some applause and hopefully money, too.

“Overall, I’m funny and personable, and that’s why people will just toss their entire wallets in the buckets. If all else fails, I’ll try to hypnotize them.”

Tickets for April Foolies are available at New Hope, The Gate, the Clayton Center Box Office, and from committee members.

Tickets are $15 general admission or $30 for VIP tickets, which includes general admission and a post-show reception with beverages and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Like April Foolies on Facebook for more information.