It’s tough being a magician these days. When audiences think they’ve seen everything, simply pulling a rabbit out of a hat isn’t going to thrill anyone anymore. And nobody knows this better than Vitaly, the young illusionist who has made it a personal challenge to reintroduce awe and wonderment to those who have forgotten what it feels like to be amazed. Vitaly will perform “An Evening of Wonders” on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath. 

A keen observer of human behavior, Vitaly knows that his show offers far more than magic. It goes beyond illusion to encompass “the realization of our dreams and the celebration of the human spirit.” His audience experiences the sensation that nothing is impossible, glimpsing how life could be if there were no limitations. From making drawings and paintings come to life to teleporting playing cards from one audience member to another, Vitaly’s illusions defy logic and belief. 

Vitaly is constantly inventing new illusions. Every illusion in Vitaly’s performance is original and represents an “impossible dream” that he has set out to accomplish. He is willing to risk arrest and imprisonment for identity theft by promising that he will channel his powers to make the photo from your driver’s license disappear. So, if you’ re brave enough to surrender your I.D. to him, you will have to expect the unexpected. Will he restore your photo, or will it come back with a different face, say of Marilyn Monroe or George Clooney? Is it magic ... or trickery? 

The only way to be sure is to catch one of Vitaly’s increasingly popular performances before all of the tickets have disappeared into thin air.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door, and $12 for children under 12 (recommended for 8 years and older). Visit chocolatechurcharts.org or call the box office at 207-442-8455 to reserve tickets.

The Chocolate Church Arts Center is located at 804 Washington Street in Bath.