Sheridan Arts Foundation: Magic With Eli, Free Show

25 Jul Sheridan Arts Foundation: Magic With Eli, Free Show

Award-winning teen magician, and now international television star from Toledo, Ohio, Eli Portala, performs at the Sheridan Opera House Monday July 29, 7 p.m., combining comedy and illusion for families and audience members of all ages. The show is free and open to the public.

At just 17 years old Eli is a rising star in magic, serving up a fast-paced show of classic magic with a hip, modern twist. For an eye-popping opener, Eli conjures doves from thin air – and then  causes them to disappear moments later. That particular piece of prestidigitation won Eli numerous national and international magic titles. Recently the trick had him flying to Italy to perform on the biggest television show in all of Europe: “La Grande Magia, The Illusionis,” which showcased the top 30 magicians under 30 from around the world.

His quick and quirky comedy magic show also includes crazy machete juggling, audience participation and Eli’s version of Houdini’s classic Metamorphosis, a lightning fast illusion that is extremely physically challenging.

“My assistant is trained in ballet and wrestling, and that particular piece can be dangerous if you’re not really strong,” says Eli.

Eli’s magic show is all in the family: he is assisted by sisters Emma, 15, and cousin Gabby, 16. Both began their careers on stage with Eli before entering kindergarten. After more than a decade of performing together, Eli’s show is packed with polished and powerful magic that remains fresh and funny throughout.

At age six, Eli became the youngest champion magician in the United States. For the past 10 years, he has traveled the country wowing thousands of people and picking up numerous awards and titles along the way. Eli’s renown in the magic community motivated ABC to seek him out to feature on an episode of its hit TV show, “Wife Swap.” He is the youngest winner in history of the prestigious International Brotherhood of Magicians, winning the Jr. Award, and the youngest and only two time winner of Abbott’s Magic Get-Together, the longest running magic contest in the United States. Past winners include such luminaries as Lance Burton, Franz Harary, and David Copperfield.

For more information about the show visit  http://www.magicwitheli.com/ , http://www.facebook.com/magicwitheli , or SheridanOperaHouse.com.

For a preview of Eli in performance, watch this video:

Again, the show is free to the public. Ticket reservations online are suggested, but not required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Guests visiting from out of town for the show can receive 15 percent off lodging by using the code 15Show when booking a room at TellurideHotels.com.