Asked how it feels to receive the Merlin Award, known as the most prestigious award in magic, given by the International Magicians Society (IMS), Brett Myers of the Magic and Wonder Theater in Paradise was characteristically modest. "As a kid, I looked up to magicians I saw on television ... David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, or Penn and Teller and then to have won an award they have won is extremely humbling." Myers was quick to credit all those involved in his show, "Worlds of Wonder," for which he won in the category of Best Magic and Variety Show. "(The award is) something that recognizes the hours of work our team has poured into creating wonder for audiences that visit this theater," he said.

Myers submitted a video to the international competition at the end of 2020 after being encouraged by friends. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all submissions and awards were done virtually. "After reviewing all the entries, they selected ours as the best," said Myers, who added that he was notified of the award in February by IMS president and founder Tony Hassini.

Myers explained that the show was chosen for manipulation talents. "There is a part of the act where I do sleight of hand," he said. "It's very difficult and showcases the magician's skill. It requires decades of mastery and experience." The specific part of the act Myers referred to involves silk manipulation with many brightly colored handkerchiefs appearing and disappearing. "The color makes it difficult to conceal (the handkerchiefs)," Myers explained.

"Worlds of Wonder," which is now playing at the theater, 3065 Lincoln Highway, Paradise, involves the Magic and Wonder cast taking audiences to different worlds, including visiting the circus, adventures with pirates, Alice in Wonderland, and the world of the 1980s. "The show has a patriotic ending where we remember the most wonderful place that we live in a tribute to those who have sacrificed so much to make those freedoms possible," said Myers.

The theater is currently open up to five days per week, and Myers noted that eventually he would like to present up to 10 shows weekly. "We were in the process of working on launching a second show in Lancaster last year," said Myers, who said that a comedy, music, and variety show was planned and postponed because of COVID-19 restrictions. "We will have more (entertainment) experiences, including (types of shows) that Lancaster County hasn't seen," said Myers, adding that the size and flavor of the show is unique to the area. Myers grew up in Chambersburg, but he and his family have lived in Lancaster for more than a decade. "We call this home," said Myers, who has also performed in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and put together the details of the current Magic and Wonder show in Branson, Mo.

More information about the show is available at http://www.lancastermagicshow.com. Readers with questions may call 717-323-3077.