World renown magician begins new show in Pigeon Forge
By Michael Williams
August 3, 2023

In an illusion that would make Harry Houdini take notice, Magician Jason Hudy makes a motorcycle appear from nowhere at his new show Illusionations in Pigeon Forge. Straddling the motorcycle is his assistant Elly Rebeka. Image courtesy of Gary Cox

Master showman Evel Knievel once said “If something is possible it is done. If it is impossible it will be done.” This quote easily applies to Jason Hudy and his new show, Illusionation, in which Hudy makes the impossible possible.

Jason Hudy appears to pass through a sheet of metal in a jaw-dropping feat of illusion while Elly Rebekah assists. Image courtesy of Gary Cox

In a two-hour show that keeps the audience at the edge of their seat and mesmerized with wonderment, Hudy makes a motorcycle appear from nowhere. In another astounding feat of illusion he is sealed in a box and covered with a sheet of solid metal. The box is closed and reopened and Hudy appears to have partially passed through the metal sheet. The box is closed once again and he magically completes passing through the metal. These are just two of the many illusions that Hudy and company perform that will amaze and amuse.

After nearly a quarter century of traveling the globe and entertaining audiences around the globe, the world renowned magician Hudy has begun a matinee show in Pigeon Forge in the Mountain of Entertainment Theater. Hudy began magic at the tender age of 12 after seeing a magic show at a library, From then on he was hooked on the art of prestidigitation or magic.

“I first started entertaining at my Grandma’s senior center,” Hudy said. “My parents thought it would be a passing hobby and I would grow bored with it. But 25 years later I am still doing magic.”

After turning professional, Hudy’s craft took him around the globe performing in far away destinations including China where he was well received and appeared in the Magic of Saipan. He has performed more than 10,000 shows in 14 countries for Disney Cruise Lines, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, ESPN, the Hershey Company, the Lego Group, Six Flags and many more. One of his greatest highlights was a performance on the Late Late Show on CBS hosted by Craig Ferguson. Hudy was introduced by another magician turned actor Neil Patrick Harris. In his globetrotting travels over the years Hudy has collectively entertained more than one million fans around the world.

Elly Rebekah tantalizes the audiences with holographic images created with magic sticks. Image courtesy of Gary Cox

Hudy’s show, “Illusionation” features grand illusions, sleight of hand and audience interaction that brings some audience members into the act. He is accompanied by Ray Adams and Elly Rebeka. Adams serves dual roles as a performer and stage tech. Rebeka is Hudy’s assistant and choreographer. Hudy’s team includes lighting technician Victor Kutz and lighting designer Marshall Whaley. Adams and Rebeka are members of Array, which plays nightly at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater. Adams is an accomplished magician and comic who brings not only illusion but comic relief to the show.

Rebeka is an accomplished singer and dancer who performs some illusions of her own such as the magic light sticks with which she dazzles the audiences with a colorful display of light emitted from two sticks forming holographic images that seem to float in the air.

Originally from Livonia, Michigan, the award-winning Hudy has long aspired to perform a residency in Pigeon Forge. “I came to Pigeon Forge on vacation with my family as a child and I said ‘this is where I want to be’.” I always wanted to be a part of city with a family atmosphere and I am lucky to get to bring my show to Pigeon Forge.”

Numerous videos featuring Hudy’s magic are available on Youtube.com including his appearance on The Late, Late Show. The videos feature his mesmerizing illusions and sleight of hand tricks that are sure to leave the viewer wondering.

“We are excited to have Jason Hudy performing here,” said Hugh Warren, owner of the Mountain of Entertainment Theater. “He brings a high energy fast-paced production. We have an intimate illusion and imagination experience at our show. Jason will absolutely mystify his audiences.”

The theater has been tailored to specifically to accommodate a magic act. The venue features two large screens that complement the show as well as the glamour of mood-setting lights and music, new sets and costumes and state-of-the-art sound systems.

“My goal is to put a personal touch to every show,” said Hudy. “I perform as if the audience were a group of friends or family. What sticks with people are the personal moments we create. I teach a young person to perform the magic coloring during every show. I try to bring the show full circle for the next generation to touch people’s hearts in every performance.”

Show time for Illusionation; the Magic of Jason Hudy is 3 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. For more information about the show and ticket prices, please visit the website or call (865)245-4FUN (4386).