Categories: Fashion news

Backstage Pass: Model Victoria Elizabeth treats herself to ‘Illusionation’ action

by VICTORIA ELIZABETH

CTFashionMag.com

“Illusionation,” the biggest, grandest, and most-action packed magic show on the bustling Pigeon Forge Parkway in Tennessee, is well underway for the 2025 season with even more action-packed content, new cast members, larger-scale illusions, and even more opportunities for audience engagement.

Starring world-renowned illusionist, Jason Hudy (a seasoned veteran of the industry with 20 plus years of experience and credits for prestigious companies such as Disney Cruise Lines, ESPN, Hershey, Mitsubishi, and many more), Illusionation combines elements of grand scale magic, classic slight of hand, and even comedy and dance for a nearly two hour magic spectacular that you truly must see in order to believe.

I was elated by the opportunity to return to this acclaimed show for an exclusive spotlight on the 2025 season, which, in addition to featuring Hudy as the headliner, co-stars Seymon Gruzdev (who entertains and amuses with his comic antics and acrobatic agility) and Jill Terry (who takes on the important role of magician’s  assistant, contorting herself and magically disappearing as well as stealing the spotlight with her graceful dance abilities.)

This dynamic show begins with a bang, featuring a motorcycle that magically materializes, leading to a wildly unique “Hudy and the Goldfish” bit where the magician goes fishing for goldfish snack crackers in the most unusual of places.

The show keeps an upbeat, positive, and inspiring tone, as Hudy pays homage to his loving parents, who inspired and encouraged him to pursue his career in magic, after he initially showed interest in the field at a young age. A heartwarming video is played, showcasing a 12 year old Jason performing at one of his first official professional gigs at his grandmother’s retirement complex. After the video’s end (which concludes with a young Hudy doing a “Happy Dance “ upon the successful completion of his trick), the magician utilizes this opportunity to encourage both the young and young at heart in the audience to relentlessly pursue their dreams and passions, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

The charming Jill Terry (who can also be seen as a principal dancer in Illusionation’s sister show, Array Variety Show) takes center stage in “Illuminating Illusions,” a segment that features various…well…illuminated illusions in the form of numerous  words and sayings, set to the tune of beautifully curated upbeat popular music and choreographed dance. Mr. Hudy and Ms. Terry put their skills on full display in a mind-boggling act during which a set of tennis-type balls were placed in funnels, then reappeared in a different order than in which they were placed as well as a tribute to P.T. Selbit, an English magician, inventor and writer who is credited with being the first person to perform the illusion of sawing a woman in half.

Additional show stopping numbers include several audience volunteer bits during which young, wide eyed magic fans are afforded the opportunity to star in the show, including a balloon animal demonstration, card tricks, and feats of mentalism that truly defy reality.

A picture is ripped into pieces and magically, perfectly pieced back together in real time and water mysteriously materializes from the ceilings of the theater in the “RainMaker” portion of the show.

Filled from start to finish with high octane energy and flawless execution of world class magic and illusion, Illusionation is the premier must see magic production in the Great Smokies!

Special thanks to the wonderful Jason Hudy and Mountain of Entertainment team for setting up our visit for this spotlight feature

WEBSITE: https://www.illusionationmagicshow.com

PHONE NUMBER: (865) 245-4386

INSTAGRAM: @magicshowpf

Michael Chaiken

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