Prepare to be dazzled with illusion.

A9

Hanne Armstrong

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

Speak Up

The Amazing Raven, who has entertained audiences in Fredericton, Saint John and Nova Scotia, will be bringing his Two Twisted show to the Moncton Alehouse, 841 Main Street, for two performances on Saturday, November 14. He will also perform at UNB Saint John on Friday, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. in the Student Union building. Mentalism, illusion and audience amazement and participation will be the order of the day.

"These shows are quite elaborate," says Alehouse owner Nathan Johnson. "I like bringing shows to the community that aren't necessarily the normal fare for bars, and The Amazing Raven fits the bill. It's quite a big production."

"This is a truly unique show, new to the marketplace," adds Raven business manager Steve Gaudet. "The magic he uses isn't tricks learned from a book, it's energy, awareness, and maybe supernatural."

Just who is The Amazing Raven? Steve wouldn't say anything more than that he is a character created by its alter ego, a Saint John native. He spent years developing his powers of mind, five years rehearsing the show, and has been wowing crowds for five years as well. This is no fly-by-night wanna be; he's a serious performer dedicated to impressing and amusing audiences with his mental prowess.

Why the name, Two Twisted? It refers to the twisting together of mentalism and illusion, and hints at being almost too twisted to believe, too exceptional to miss. Mentalism, according to Steve, is using the mind to create magic. His powers of observation combined with memory lead The Amazing Raven to conclusions which give the illusion of mind reading.

One of the things which helps Raven to be the performer he is, is his outstanding memory. He can, for instance, look at a room filled with people and quickly memorize what each is wearing. But it's far more than that. Blindfolded, he has a person write something on a board, and, sensitive to the energy around the person and the person him- or herself, he is able to 'see' what has been written. No peeking.

Is he reading thoughts? Is he influencing your mind? Is this pure entertainment?

"Good questions," says Steve. "He doesn't claim to be a mind reader, but understands body language, situations, and he's aware of surroundings. Whatever it is, it's quite convincing. And no matter what, it's entertaining."

Audience participation is a huge component of Two Twisted, raising its entertainment value and assuring that no two shows are alike. Part of Raven's ability is to get people out of their seats and up in front of their peers, doing things they had never imagined themselves doing, like acting out silly and absurd skits under Raven's guidance.

But, emphasizes Steve, there is no hypnosis involved in the show. Just the power of Raven's mind and personality working with the audience. The show runs between an hour and a half and two hours, and for most of that time there's somebody from the audience on the stage.

The Amazing Raven also has a masterful way with numbers. A member of the audience is asked to pick a number. Then, in a matter of seconds, Raven breaks it down into smaller numbers which, when written into a 16-square grid, add up vertically and horizontally to the original number.

The Amazing Raven's reputation is growing. He and his Two Twisted show have been invited to perform in Bombay, India, for an audience of 10,000 students, and has domestic dates lined up well into 2010, including . The curious can learn more at amazingraven.com.

Whether you want to be boggled by mental powers, bamboozled by the eerie, or just entertained, Two Twisted is a great and affordable show. Nor is it a show that you have to worry about bringing your mother or your kids to see. There's nothing obscene, offensive or embarrassing, no adult content; it's a fun, clean show, suitable for kids 12 or older and appealing to all.

At $15 per ticket, it's also affordable. Tickets are available at the door for the Moncton show, and can be reserved by calling 204-2576. The afternoon performance starts at 2 p.m., and kids are welcome at this one. The curtain rises on the evening show at 8 p.m.

"Come with an open mind," says Steve. "You'll have a lot of fun."