LAKE HAVASU CITY – Do you believe in magic? If you don’t, you may after seeing a Jim Bodine show.
Bodine’s magic show As Real as it Gets is back in Lake Havasu City for the fall season. Bodine developed an interest in magic at the age of ten. As a child, Bodine’s grandfather would often amuse him with many tricks.
He was not a magician himself, but the memories Bodine has of his many gimmicks was inspiration enough for Bodine to explore the world of magic. As a teenager, Bodine’s interest in magic flourished when he met magician Harry Reed who worked in a novelty store.
It was also a store that sold magic products.
Noticing Bodine’s immense interest in magic, Reed would sell items to him. He also began to train him on the art of illusion.
Bodine would spend hours practicing and would frequently visit Reed who had become his mentor. Reed would coach him and provide guidance, corrections, and motivations.
Bodine and Reed became very close and according to Bodine, “He and his wife had no children, and he kind of took me under his wing so to speak. We were friends until his passing maybe 20 years ago.”
In later years, Bodine’s career as an ad agency owner in Philadelphia became a great foundation where Bodine could show off his magical skills. He would create unique campaigns with sales promotions that included magic.
Bodine was able to gain some very reputable clients such as Bayer and a division of Revlon just to name a few. Bodine’s entertaining sales presentations drew focus to importance details of many sales pitches making the presentations more engaging.
In 2011, Bodine and his spouse retired and moved to Lake Havasu. During his retirement, he has produced some authentic special effects with Murphy’s Magic Supplies.
The effects have sold internationally through magic dealers. One of those items is Octopalm Anti Gravity Gel that was distributed in 2014.
Another product of Bodine’s is the Ultimate Jumping Band which Bodine says is used at the start of each of his shows. Bodine includes audience participation from the beginning and end of the show.
His audiences thoroughly enjoy being included in his mystery. Using everyday items, Bodine makes them remarkable and lights up the crowd with wonder.
The opening night of his season began on Monday September 18.
But in case you missed that one, Bodine performs every Monday at 7 p.m. at the London Bridge Resort until next May.
It’s a memorable show that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
You can reserve your tickets by calling The London Bridge Resort at 928-855-0888.
Phaedra Veronique
