The Great Bevarino And Friends Entertain At The Princess

A benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Clinch Valley was conducted Friday evening at the Princess Theatre.  On stage were magicians L. B. Coffey (a.k.a. The Great Bevarino) and his assistant Jill Thompson, Roger Reeves, and Ed Ripley, with Gina Huebner, as "Cousin Minnie Pearl"!

A good crowd enjoyed the magicians and comedian Gina Huebner in a "Night of Magic".  The show was a youth oriented show and benefited, as do most of the troop's shows, local charitable organizations.  The attending children were amazed and gasped as the performances unfolded on the Princess stage.

It was everything you would expect and remember from seeing magic acts in your childhood.  There was a dark stage with slow wafting mysterious fog that eased across the stage.  There was the traditional pops of colorful flowers and doves, levitating ladies, wand waving, white gloved "slight-of-hand" that revealed the appearance and disappearance of different objects, and more.  It thoroughly awaken memories I had forgotten from my youth.  I was pleased to see a good turnout for the show!

 

Bev Coffey toured for fifteen years as “The Great Bevarino” performing magic at trade shows and on stage.  His illusions have entertained children of all ages including performances at children’s hospitals and charity functions.  He has supported and assisted several individuals develop their skills.  Coffey came out of retirement recently to focus on performing for charitable events.  

Ed Ripley has been performing magic for over 43 years.  On his 10th birthday, his grandmother took him to a magic shop and he was fascinated.  Two of the tricks he bought that day are still part of his act.  Ripley has performed on four continents and all over the USA.  He is a professional engineer and research scientist in Oak Ridge, but he has always kept his love for magic.  He has 22 issued US patents and creates magic and illusions for some of magic’s top performers all over the world.  Ripley has won numerous contests.  He placed first at The Southeastern Association of Magicians and in the Winter Carnival of Magic.  Ripley was awarded a PhD in magical art and performance for his uniquely entertaining cups and balls act.

 

 

 

“Mr. Roger” specializes in children and family entertainment.  Roger Reeves is a retired firefighter, originally performing as a Shriner clown.  Reeves was honored to have been invited to perform at the Kyle Petty and NASCAR Victory Junction Camp for a week of children’s magic for their cancer patients.  With over thirty years of experience, Reeves has won numerous awards in makeup competitions both locally and internationally.   He is a member of the Society of American Magicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians and Tennessee Magical Society.

Making a special appearance was “Cousin Minnie Pearl.”  Gina Huebner is a talented entertainer with a genuine imitation of the great American Country comedian who was known for her hopelessly style-less knee-length country dresses, her straw hat decorated with colorful plastic flowers and $1.98 price tag.  Gina began performing with a small church group for a senior outing and continues to delight audiences with Minnie Pearl’s cheerful shout of “How-dee! I’m just so proud to be here!” 

Yes, there's nothing like an old fashioned magic show!  If you weren't there, this is what you missed!