Magic show this weekend at Ritz

The Arts Council of Mississippi County will present "Reza at the Ritz" at 7 p.m. Friday, March 20.

Reza is a magician/illusionist who has taken the art of illusion to a new level, delivering his rock concert style magic show to audiences across the country and around the world.

Audiences shouldn't expect rabbits out of hats. Reza grabs the audience and never let's go with his charm and amazing, cutting-edge grand illusion. Viewers will witness his demonstrations of the impossible as he walks through a wall of solid metal, appears and vanishes instantly and even divides a beautiful girl into five distinct sections. Reza's signature piece involves making a prediction on an old VHS tape months before the show, and reaching into the minds -- and hearts -- of a few members of the audience as his prediction comes true.

Reza has made his presence felt in the world of illusion from a very young age. His focus on the art began at the age of 7 after being inspired by a magic show in his hometown of Brookings, South Dakota.

By the age of 14, Reza was landing significant gigs performing for resorts and large corporations. When he turned 15, Reza left his hometown to perform a six week run in Branson, Missouri. The 18-show-a-week schedule allowed Reza to hone his gift for entertaining.

After Branson, one opportunity led to the next, and as the doors began to open, Reza's style took on a fresh and cutting-edge feel. With a largely original show and an engaging stage presence, Reza began selling out theaters as the entertainment world took notice.

Fast forward to present day. The once "youth magician prodigy" is today one of the fastest rising stars in the industry, with his mind set on changing the world's perception of magic.

To date, Reza has been featured on television and radio shows broadcasting in 31 countries around the world, with sold-out shows from Denver to New York, and Orlando to Los Angeles. In addition to Reza's own tour dates, he was also featured in "Masters of Magic," playing in theaters and arenas across the country.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult. This program is a 2014-15 Series event presented by The Arts Council of Mississippi County.

For more information about this or any Arts Council events and activities, call 870-762-1744 or visit the website www.artsmissco.org.