Adam Trent’s magical illusions mesmerize audiences

Magician and illusionist Adam Trent’s show will keep you guessing and wondering if your eyes are deceiving you. He’s bringing his one-man show, billed as part magic, part comedy and part standup to the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center Saturday, Jan. 21.

Part of the SMDCAC’s Family Series and presented by Culture Shock Miami, Trent is coming off the success of the Broadway hit show The Illusionists, where he was featured as The Futurist.

He’s been performing since he was nine, when he presented his magic at birthday parties. From there, he moved on to street performances at 14 years old. By 18 years old while enrolled in college in Los Angeles, he discovered the city’s music and comedy scene. It was then he learned the most important element of the show is for the performer to connect with his audience.

“I’ve always thought that magic should be entertaining first and tricky second. I don’t want people to remember just the ‘tricks’, but also the laughs and the memories that were made,” said Trent.

In his current show A New Generation of Magic, Trent’s signature comedic delivery continues. He is a true showman, incorporating musical numbers into his magic act, treating the stage as if he were presenting a play. His number “Sleepless Pillow” is a perfect example, where he interacts with a pillow in various dance numbers performed to familiar tunes.

Audience participation is another major part of his act — so prepare to possibly be asked on stage for humor-filled card tricks. At one point in the act he even incorporates piano playing. It really could be billed as a variety show.

Wildly popular, Trent performs 300 shows a year and has made appearances on Good Morning America, America’s Got Talent, Ellen and Rachel Ray.

The Associated Press raves about Trent saying he is “a long way from the stale, hocus-pocus image of birthday party magicians from the past.”

Saturday at 7:00 p.m., South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211 St., Cutler Bay; tickets $15-$25, www.smdcac.org; or $5 for students ages 13-22 through CultureShockMiami.com.

Watch a video teaser here.