Mental Madness magic show set to amaze guests for a great cause

The Cider Mill stage, located at 2 Nanticoke Ave. in Endicott, N.Y., is the setting for “The Mental Madness Tour 2018,” scheduled for Nov. 2 and 3.

Presented by Magic Beyond Imagination, the show is billed as, “An intimate magical experience” and features three of the most extraordinary magicians in the world, Garrett Thomas, Kozmo and Joe Maxwell. The trio brings to the southern tier an advanced type of magic show that will demonstrate their mastery of the craft and will offer show-goers an experience like no other.

A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Boys and Girls Club in Owego, N.Y.

Complete with a big-screen set-up, the 200-seat Cider Mill venue will provide an intimate setting for the trio’s up-close-and-personal magic expertise.

“This is not just a show,” said Thomas, who is considered to be the best close-up magician in the world.

Thomas explained that the gift of magic defines himself and the others in the trio, and as an example of his personal passion for magic, he is always prepared to mesmerize, and where he carries an 8-ball wherever he goes.

Thomas further explained that the event is a “stand-in-front-of” type of magic and remarked, “We are bringing Mental Madness to areas that wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to see this type of close-up and skilled magic,” adding, “You have to see it live.”

And, Thomas remarked, “Every seat will be a good seat, and there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”

Kozmo, who hails from Tioga County, N.Y., and remembered by many in his early career as a street magician, has refined and evolved his craft, and commented, “We’re going to show you things that will amaze you.”

During separate phone interviews, Kozmo described Thomas as, “Unbelievably good, compelling and mysterious,” while Thomas described Kozmo as, “Fun and in-your-face, and energized with some comedy.”

Thomas has worked with world-class magicians, most notably David Blaine, and has toured all over the world, and in any given week performs in multiple shows across the U.S. Sharing his magic prowess with a long list of celebrities, Thomas more recently performed at a private event hosted by music superstar, Madonna.

Kozmo has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, performed at the Great Wall of China, and has also entertained many the celebrity, too, most recently Paul Reubens, otherwise known as Pee-wee Herman.

Also on the bill is magician and musician, Joe Maxwell, who will also serve as the Mental Madness master of ceremonies. Maxwell has appeared on Saturday Night Live and the Late Show with David Letterman, and has performed for Scarlett Johansson and Rudy Giuliani, among others. 

From sleight-of-hand to illusions and puzzles, the magical evening will defy logic, and will surely entertain even more as the magicians interact with guests and ask for audience participation.  

Blending traditional magic, such as where did the coin go with the more advanced magic such as coins jumping right in front of your eyes, the trio will present miracles with ordinary objects, while also offering a fresh twist on favorites such as the Rubik’s Cube.  

Doors open on Friday and Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. performance, with Thomas and Kozmo scheduled for upwards of 45 minutes each. Tickets are $39 in advance and $49 V.I.P., which includes early entrance, a souvenir lanyard and front row seating. Tickets are available for purchase at the Boys and Girls Club in Owego or at ticketmaster.com. A portion of the ticket sales benefits the Boys and Girls Club.

For additional information, find Beyond Imagination Entertainment on Facebook.