PIGEON FORGE, Tenn., June 21, 2023 –A new family-friendly, matinee magic show is coming to the Mountain of Entertainment Theater on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. The new show will open July 3 and will star internationally-acclaimed illusionist, Jason Hudy. He will combine large-scale illusions and imagination to form the show “Illusionation, The Magic of Jason Hudy.”
Hudy’s “Illusionation” show will include magic, music, comedy and audience participation to make each show unique. He has performed over 10,000 magic shows around the world including corporate shows for Disney Cruise Lines, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, ESPN, The Hershey Company, LEGO Group, Six Flags and many more. Another one of Hudy’s career highlights included performing on national TV on the Late Late Show on CBS.
“Our show will include big illusions, some sleight of hand tricks and segments where I bring audience members on stage to interact with them and make the magic happen,” Hudy said. “The Mountain of Entertainment Theater is a terrific venue for presenting magic because of all of the sophisticated technology and the hi-tech stage that allow us to bring a full scale magic show and do amazing things.”
Originally from Livonia, Mich., the award-winning master magician is fulfilling a lifelong dream of starring in a live magic show in Pigeon Forge. “When I first came to Pigeon Forge on vacation with my family as a child, I said, ‘This is where I want to be,’” Hudy said. “I have always wanted to be in a city with a family atmosphere, and I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to bring my show to Pigeon Forge, as a result of 25 years of going around the globe and performing magic.” Co-theater managers/producers, Hugh and Chelsi Warren, of the Mountain of Entertainment Theater opened the new 10,000 square foot, 534 seat theater at 2135 Parkway (between traffic lights 0 and 1) in April with an evening variety show called, “Array.”
Hugh Warren said, “Come enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of illusion and imagination at our new magic show, ‘Illusionation.’ Be prepared to be shocked and amazed by world-class magician, Jason Hudy. He will astound you and your family with jaw-dropping tricks, mind-boggling sleight-of-hand and unbelievable feats of magic that will leave you in awe. Jason will perform world-class illusions with state of-the-art effects, audience participation and hilarious comedy that will entertain everyone from the young to the young-at-heart.
“Jason will deliver a top-notch show that will leave you mesmerized,” Warren said. “This is one of the most exciting new shows to come to Pigeon Forge in many years, and there is something for the entire family! You and your loved ones will be absolutely spellbound. This show will have lots of mystery and intrigue.
“’Illusionation’” will feature many stunning large-scale illusions, close-up magic and sleight-of-hand tricks,” Warren said. “It will be a high-energy, fast-paced production. We will have an intimate illusion and imagination experience at our new show, and we are thrilled to have Jason with us here in Pigeon Forge. He will absolutely mystify our audiences. This is a hugeproduction and a great show for all ages.
“The theater has been tailored specifically to accommodate magic,” Warren said. “Two large video screens complement the show, as well as the glamour of mood-setting lights and music, new sets and costumes and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.”
The award-winning magician, Hudy, has been performing professionally since the age of 13. Hudy said his love of magic began when he saw a magic show at a library as a 12-year-old child, and the magician said he could check out magic books. Hudy said, “Soon I was doing magic for my Grandma’s senior citizen complex for an Easter celebration. My parents thought it would be a two-week hobby and 25 years later I am still dong magic.” Hudy also holds a degree in marketing from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Hudy says his goal is to put a personal touch into every show. “I perform like the audience is a group of friends and family,” Hudy said. “What sticks with people are the personal moments we create. I teach a young person from the audience the magic coloring book trick during every show. I try to bring the show full circle for the next generation to touch people’s hearts in every performance.”
Hudy will be accompanied by Ray Adams and Elly Rebeka. Adams is also a comic magician and he will perform in the show and will be the show’s stage tech. Rebeka is Hudy’s assistant and choreographer. There are also many people who will work behind the scenes to bring this show to life. The production team will include sound and lighting technician, Victor Kutz; lighting designer, Marshall Whaley; as well as many box office, concession workers and ushers.
Show time for “Ilusionation, The Magic of Jason Hudy” will be 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday through Sept. 28, 2023. The show will run at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, October through December 29, 2023 (with the exception of the week of October 15 th ), with occasional Friday matinee shows. Ticket prices for the “Illusionation” Show will be $29.95, plus tax for adults; and $9.95, plus tax for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 1-3 will be free if they are sitting on an adult’s lap. Group rates will be available for groups of 20 or more. Concessions will include Amish pretzels, popcorn, candy and soft drinks. For more information, call the theater’s box office (865) 245-4FUN (4386) or visit mountainofentertainmenttheater.com.
The evening show at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater is the “Array” Variety Show. The “Array” Variety Show showcases talented musicians, singers and dancers performing hit songs from all genres of music spanning several decades. There are also specialty acts including high-flying aerialists, a world-famous juggler, a mesmerizing illusionist, hilarious comedy and amazing gaucho dancers from Argentina. Show times for the Array Variety Show are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $38.95, plus tax for adults; and $12.95, plus tax for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 1-3 are free if they are sitting on an adult’s lap. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. “We want to provide clean wholesome entertainment for families who will return to see our shows again and again,” Warren said. “Our new theater is beyond your wildest imagination. Come see ‘Illusionation, the Magic of Jason Hudy” and ‘Array.’” Hugh and Chelsi Warren also produce a Christmas show called “Noel” at the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana, Ind.