×

Magic man: Corry native to present show in Warren March 15

Photo submitted to Times Observer Magician Jamie Petrush is pictured with playing cards in hand and in the air.

For magician Jamie Petrush, magic is more than just sleight of hand–it’s a lifelong passion, a career, and a way to bring joy to audiences of all ages.

From discovering magic as a young boy to headlining his own show in Las Vegas, the Corry native has spent more than two decades perfecting his craft and performing for crowds across the country. Petrush has spent more than two decades perfecting his craft and performing for crowds across the country.

Now, he’s bringing his unique blend of illusions, comedy, and audience participation to Warren at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Warren Public Library, 205 Market St., Warren. The show can accommodate 116 attendees. All will be seated on a first-come, first-seated basis. After the performance, Petrush will be selling magic kits and merchandise for anyone interested in learning a few tricks of their own. interactive show that the whole family can enjoy.

“Come on down, have fun, and support your local library,” Petrush said. “This is going to be a fantastic show for kids, parents, and grandparents alike. I love performing at libraries because it brings the community together and sparks curiosity in young minds. Plus, it’s just a fun, interactive show that the whole family can enjoy.”

Petrush’s love of magic began at just seven years old when he stumbled upon a small magic kit at a Scholastic Book Fair.

“It was only $10 and mostly had optical illusions–things like a picture of a duck that turned into a rabbit when you looked at it a different way,” he recalled. “But even with just a few tricks, I was hooked.”

That first kit sparked an obsession. He began seeking out more magic tricks, collecting kits, and devouring books on the art of illusion. By the time he was 11, magic had become an escape from the challenges of school.

“I was being bullied quite a bit, and magic became my refuge,” he said. “I would spend hours in my room practicing, and I even joined a monthly magic club through Scholastic Books. That’s when I really started dedicating myself to learning as much as I could.”

At 14, Petrush took his love of magic to the next level, attending magic lectures in Buffalo, N.Y., where he met and learned from experienced performers. That same year, he booked his first paid show, officially launching his career as a magician.

Though he started out teaching himself tricks from books, kits, and DVDs, Petrush later pursued formal training. He earned a degree in Magic & Showmanship from the Chavez Studio of Magic in Los Angeles and spent five summers at Tannen’s Magic Camp in Philadelphia, the country’s top training camp for young magicians.

“Tannen’s was an incredible experience,” he said. “Some of today’s biggest names in magic have come through that camp, and now they even teach there. I learned so much, not just about tricks, but about stage presence, storytelling, and how to truly engage an audience.”

Over the years, Petrush has continued to refine his skills by attending magic lectures, studying new techniques, and finding innovative ways to elevate his performances.

Petrush’s performances are a mix of classic illusions, modern magic, and plenty of audience participation. Among his most popular tricks?

“Bending metal forks with the power of the mind, making a borrowed and signed bill disappear and reappear inside a lemon, and floating a table in the air before making it vanish completely,” he said.

But it’s not just about the tricks–it’s about the experience.

“What I love most about magic is the look on people’s faces when they see something that defies explanation,” he shared. “It brings people together, sparks curiosity, and reminds us all that a little bit of wonder still exists in the world.”

Petrush has performed across the U.S., from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, bringing his act to private events, corporate functions, and large-scale productions. Some of his most memorable performances include shows at MGM Grand Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, and Day Out with Thomas the Train Festival.

One of the highlights of his career was performing at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles, an exclusive, world-famous private club for magicians.

“The Magic Castle is legendary,” he said. “You have to be a member or invited by a member to even step inside, and to be able to perform there was an incredible honor.”

But one experience that stands out even more? His time hosting a weekly show in Las Vegas.

“I lived in Vegas for about four and a half years, and during that time, I was renting a small theater just off the Strip,” he explained. “It wasn’t a huge venue–maybe 100 seats–but that made it more intimate. I sold all my own tickets, set up the theater, and made sure everything was perfect for each show. It was exhausting at times, but seeing the audience’s reactions made it all worth it. I had people from all over the world come to see my show. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Despite his success, Petrush remains passionate about inspiring others to pursue magic.

“If someone wants to get into magic, the best thing they can do is reach out to a magician,” he said. “There are great organizations like The Society of American Magicians and The International Brotherhood of Magicians that have tons of resources for beginners and professionals alike.”

For those looking for a place to start, he also recommends Tannen’s Magic in New York City, one of the oldest and most respected magic shops in the country.

“They’ve been around for 100 years and know exactly what tricks, books, and DVDs to recommend based on your skill level.”

Petrush also offers his own beginner-friendly magic kits and is always happy to help aspiring magicians find their first tricks.

“Magic is such a great art form because it combines creativity, psychology, and performance,” he said. “It’s a skill that can bring joy to both the performer and the audience.”

For more information about Jamie Petrush and his upcoming performances, visit TheMagicJamieShow.com.

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today