Local magician Paul Dwork has lined up five famous colleagues to perform in the annual Rotary Creates Magic show, March 12 at High Street Arts Center in Moorpark. The event is organized by the Rotary Club of Camarillo to benefit a designated worthy cause and this year’s recipient of the proceeds will be the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County.

The acts perform a wide range of magic for all ages, from illusions to stage magic, comedy and quick change. All six performers are members of the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Dwork, known professionally as “Merlin,” created the show in 1985 as a fund raiser for his children’s pre school. He brought in colleagues from the Magic Castle and the show was a real hit with the audience. It is now an annual tradition and it sells out every year.

Along with Dwork, the show will feature Tony Clark, a master of close-up and stage illusions; Farrell Dillon, an illusionist who has performed all over the world; and Stoil and Ekaterina, an eastern European couple who perform costume change magic. Shawn McMaster, who combines close-up and stage magic with comedy and has been featured on the television series Masters of Illusion, will serve as Masters of Ceremonies. McMaster and Clark are Ventura County residents.

Dwork resides in Camarillo, learned magic while serving in the Army and has been performing for over 40 years. He calls his act “The Magic of Merlin.” Dwork is a pharmacist, too, and operates a magic store within his successful main business, a pharmacy and medical supplies outlet in Camarillo, Merlin Medical Supply.

“This is a high energy show with some of the best magic in the world,” Dwork said. “Magic is enjoyable for people of all ages and they get a kick out of trying to figure out how it is done. Magic is like a great song: when performed well, it is really appreciated.”

“We’re thrilled to be selected as the beneficiary of this year’s show,” said David Wilk, president of the non-profit Brain Injury Center. “I’m a big fan of magic and this show has a wonderful reputation. Our whole family bought tickets and we can’t wait to see it. $30 is a great price for a show of this stature and anyone who attends will also be contributing to a very important and under funded cause.”

The non-profit Brain Injury Center works with brain injury survivors and their families to help adjust to the significant lifelong challenges posed by this profound disability. Based on national averages, an estimated 16,000 people in the county are living with a brain injury. Brain damage can be caused by a traumatic injury, stroke, illness or tumor.

BIC has a close relationship with the Rotary Club of Camarillo and was the recipient of a special grant from the club in 2010. Other Rotaries in Ventura County have been among the organization’s most generous supporters, as well.

Tickets to the magic show cost $30 each and are available at Merlin Medical Supply on Mobil Avenue or by calling (805) 388-7669.

More information on the event and the organization are available on BIC’s website, www.BrainInjuryCenter.org.

All the Magicians are members of the World Famous Magic Castle:

Paul Dwork, The Magic of Merlin. Dwork has performed magic for audiences of all ages. He has performed at the Anaheim Convention Center, The Reagan Library Air Force One, The Disneyland Hotel for the International Inventors Convention, The Beverly Hills Hotel for Toyota, The Oxnard Civic Auditorium, for all types of parties and engagements. A Local Magician with over 40 years performing magic.
Paul Dwork, The Magic of Merlin http://magicmagicmagic.com/booking

Tony Clark, A Master of Close up and Stage Illusions. Clark has performed all over the World, and just recently moved to Thousand Oaks, after having a show in Lake Tahoe for years. Tony has produced 11 long running successful magic shows in Laughlin, NV, Los Angeles, and Lake Tahoe. For these amazing accomplishments, Tony Hassini the world President of the International Magician’s Society awarded Tony Clark the “Best Magic Show Producer of the Year 2010″. He is a master of close up magic and leaves his audiences in awe of his skill.
The Magic of Tony Clark (Stage Magician of the Year) http://tonyclarkmagic.com/shows/

Shawn McMaster. A Comedy Magician, who is skilled in Close up and Stage Magic. McMaster has also been seen on TV in Masters of Illusions. A resident of Ventura County, Shawn has performed for audience all over the globe, and his skill in bringing humor to magic is captivating. He will be the MC for the 2011 Rotary Creates Magic.
The Comedy Magic of Shawn McMcMaster http://www.conjuredupcreations.com/

Stoil and Ekaterina. A unique style of magic, Costume Changing Magic & Comedy Show This charming European couple is an award-winning magic act. They have performed in many countries and appeared on a variety of TV shows, as well as performed for a number of hotels and cruise lines around the world. They were National Magic Champions – 1996, 1997 (Bulgaria)
Stoil and Katerina, Quick Change Artists http://www.youtube.com/stoilstoilov

Farrell Dillon, Master of Illusion. Dillon is quickly becoming one of the most sought after magical entertainers in the world. Over the past decade Farrell has performed for hundreds of thousands of people. He has been seen performing for clients like; The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Pepsi, Coca Cola, Harrah’s Entertainment Properties and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, just to name a few. You may also have seen him on television, on the show Masters of Illusion or in guest appearances in music videos on MTV. Farrell is a rare honors graduate of the Chavez Studio of Magic, the most prestigious magic school in the world. Through this course Farrell was taught the methods and techniques of the world's master magicians. Farrell has a unique style that creates a perfect blend of magic, comedy, skill and illusion.
Farrell Dillon, Illusionist http://www.farrelldillon.com/