PERFORMERS

John Shryock & Mari Lynn masterfully incorporate skillful magic and grand illusion with drama, dance, and comedy and create for their audiences a mystical world of laughter, wonder, and amazement. Their high-energy, charismatic stage personalities are infectious and the audience experiences the magic almost as if they were performing themselves. 

A Tucson native, C. Topher Younggren has been performing magic for the past 40 years and is delighting to be making his Stars of Magic debut this year. He has been seen on many Tucson theatre stages as an actor, including The Gaslight Theatre, Invisible Theatre, Sahuaro City Music Theatre, Arts Express, The Rogue, The Scoundrel & Scamp, and Arizona Rose. 

Benny James started working on stage at 5 years old. As a magician, he has performed close up magic for over 10 years and is now looking to transition from the streets to the stage. Whether performing for kids or celebrities, Benny always brings quick wit and masterful skill to every performance. 

Valerie began performing at a young age when she started assisting in her parent’s magic act and then formed a duo with her brother. Valerie currently works for Raytheon and hopes to inspire other girls to break gender stereotypes of predominately male fields, whether it be magic, engineering, martial arts, etc.

Norm Marini developed an interest in magic at a very early age. Using his allowance money, he tinkered with tricks and learned new sleights throughout his teens. For the past two decades Norm has been entertaining audiences from all over. He is not only truly a proficient close-up, sleight of hand artist but also an accomplished stage performer. 

So, it all started when John disappointed his father by pursuing a career as a comedian and ventriloquist. Thankfully a hit with audiences, John is joined onstage by a cast of characters. It’s a clean comedy act that all ages enjoy.  Memorable puppet characters hilariously interact with audience members. 

The word "Magic" comes to mind as soon as magician Steven Marcus steps out on stage. His classic style is unsurpassed with his character being the epitome of what a magician should look like. The moment he enters you will be enchanted by his stage presence. From performing for private corporations to various theaters, fairs and television appearances, audiences everywhere are delighted with Steven's prestidigitation. 

Jesse's fascination with magic began at the age of eight when he received a magic set for his birthday. This, along with borrowing books on magic from local libraries and watching several magicians perform there, quickly ignited a passion for mystery, sleight of hand and illusion. This is Jesse’s first appearance on the Stars of Magic stage, and he is honored to share the stage with some of Tucson’s greatest magicians.

Ross Horwitz has directed and starred in countless magical productions from the Las Vegas Strip to the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA where he has also lectured on Magic. He has been performing magic professionally for over 25 years and has taught both magic and performance at Pima Community College. Locally, he is a favorite magical performer at the major resorts and casinos.. 

Mike Bekedam has been devoted to the art of magic for years. In addition to joining this group of talented magicians, Mike spent many years perfecting his art through research and practice. After winning the Close-Up Magician of the Year contest, Mike knew he was ready for the world. 

Gabe's work in magic started in his sophomore year of college with the University of Arizona Magic Club. Since then, he has performed in both Tucson and Phoenix, has won the Tucson Society of American Magicians 2017 Stage Magician of the Year Competition, Gabe manages his own troupe, Silver String Circus, and was a finalist in the SAM National Stage Magic Contest in 2022.

The G-Man has been entertaining audiences as a magician and juggler for 40 years. While in high school and college, he honed his performance skills working as a street magician, juggler, and costume-character at an amusement park. He is a highly regarded agent within the FBM (Federal Bureau of Magic) and has been protecting our country from mediocre magic for the past 23 years.  

Dan’s interest in magic goes back to early childhood when he received a  magic set for Christmas. While a Navy Reserve Officer, he entertained hundreds of fellow shipmates all over the U.S.A., Iraq and Afghanistan, Dan regularly performs close-up and parlor magic all over Tucson. He is the current President of the Tucson Assembly of the Society of American Magicians.  

Art Trillo returns for his tenth appearance in Stars of Magic. As a child Art was always a big fan of Magic. It wasn't until he was working in the Healthcare industry 25 years ago that Art began to use Magic at staff meetings to educate and entertain medical staff. He also won several awards from competitions in comedy magic, parlor, and close up magic.