Harary creates mind-bending illusions at Trop

ALANTIC CITY Fasten your seatbelts - and take a magical ride into a high tech, post-modern world as internationally acclaimed illusionist Franz Harary stars in ``Hypereality ... Magic Is About to Change" in the Showroom at Tropicana through Aug. 28.

``Hypereality," Harary's showcase for more than 20 state-of-the-art illusions, is touted as the largest traveling illusion show ever." More than 25 tons of scenery and props, including massive steel trusses, a sea plane, a mini submarine and a 1997 Corvette contribute to this impressive spectacle. And yes, Harary actually makes the Corvette appear on stage in a mind-boggling illusion.

Ninety-six on-stage TV monitors, two huge movie screens and four live cameras provide the audience with a 360-degree visual feast as Harary creates grand illusions that have left international audiences breathless.

The 80-minute performance of technological wonder features Harary's special illusions on a grand scale as well as several choreographed musical numbers performed by five contemporary dancers who double as his assistants, disappearing and reappearing in dazzling stunts. And there's plenty of audience participation, with Harary hand-picking people to come up on stage and help out with several illusions.

A special segment within the show, obviously to give the stage crew time to set up for another illusion, are The Gamesters, Doug Leferovich and Set Yudof. The dynamic magical marvel duo are featured in a 10-minute comical vignette reminiscent of Vaudeville.

A world-class magician whose mind-boggling illusions have kept audiences from Singapore to Buenos Aires spellbound, Harary is renowned for designing, creating and performing his own illusions. He also creates illusions for rock concerts, theme parks, TV specials and commercials. In addition he created ``mega-magical effects" for superstar Michael Jackson's ``HIStory" world tour as well as a mind-boggling illusion featuring the ``Houdini" character in the musical production of ``Ragtime."

IF YOU GO: Showtimes are Mondays and Thursdays at 8 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15