Reza goes big in mixing magic and pop culture

DIXON – Illusionist Reza intends to bring audience members to the edge of their seats with “Edge of Illusion,” scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday at Dixon Historic Theatre.

“It’s like a rock concert meets a magic show. It’s very interactive and has these intimate moments that connect you to the show,” Reza said in a phone interview. “We intertwine magic and pop culture and make it relatable.”

More than 30 million people have witnessed his feats in live performances or during TV appearances on MTV, A&E and The CW.

His signature illusions include making a helicopter appear on stage and passing through the blades of an industrial fan. Reza claims to surpass the record time of Houdini’s famous trick – Metamorphosis – in which a restrained assistant in an enclosed space swaps places with the magician.

In the show, Reza strives to change the world’s perception of magic.

“We use things like power tools and spray paint, motorcycles, and even Oreo cookies to create these illusions that people can connect and respond to,” said Reza.

“Edge of Illusion” is more than a magic show. Concert-grade lighting and music, combined with Reza’s signature mega illusions, make for an immersive experience for the entire family.

Inspired by a school magic show at the tender age of 6, Reza said he remembers the magic he felt when the magician pulled him onstage to participate in the act.

“It was inspiring to be on that side of it, and I was lucky enough to have a great support system of family and teachers that helped support that dream and turn it from a hobby to a profession,” Reza said.

He received a magic kit for his seventh birthday, and from there his interest and love of magic grew. At age 14, his parents started taking him to see the big-name magicians of the time in Branson, Missouri.

Reza’s biggest magic trick might be how he got in the business, found a teacher and earned the money to launch his stage show; motorcycles, helicopters and industrial fans don’t come cheap.

He would write to his favorite magicians after every show, asking for their advice. His persistence paid off, and he found a mentor in a fellow magician, Dave Hamner. Over time, they cultivated his skills. By 15, Reza relocated to Branson to regularly perform onstage, sometimes doing 18 shows a week.

Balancing school and regular performances was not easy, and Reza cultivated a strong work ethic early on. He discovered that funding a full-scale magic production was not cheap, especially for a young teen. So he began selling chocolate bars out of honor boxes, saving money until he bought his first vending machine. Reinvesting led to buying more and bigger elements for the shows.

Before long, he had his own vending machine company while still in middle school. With a source of recurring income, he could concentrate on designing his signature illusions.

Now he travels the globe sharing his energy and style, still making us believe in magic, if only for a night. So bring the whole family, and witness the magic for yourself.

Tickets cost $15 to $50.