Source: Great American Comedy Festival
The Great American Comedy Festival is bringing together an impressive lineup of world-class magicians and mentalists this year, with organizers calling it one of their strongest showcases yet.
Festival Executive Director Pat Janssen shared high praise for the performers, noting that each act comes highly recommended by top names in both magic and comedy.
Helping shape this year’s lineup is returning performer Ben Seidman, who played a key role in curating the show. Janssen credited Seidman’s involvement as a major factor in assembling such a standout group of performers.
An internationally celebrated magician, Juliana Chen began her career in China after training as a ballerina before transitioning into magic. Over the years, she has earned numerous prestigious awards, including top honors from the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques.
In 1997, Chen made history as the first woman and first magician of Chinese heritage to win a world championship at FISM. Her elegant manipulation act and global performances continue to influence magicians around the world.
Blending storytelling with magic, David Kovac is known for his unique theatrical style and comedic monologues. Based in Los Angeles, Kovac spent years refining his craft in Chicago’s performance scene.
He gained critical acclaim for his one-man show Fooling Buddha, where he portrayed multiple characters, including a magician. Kovac has also received recognition from the Academy of Magical Arts and currently serves on its board of trustees.
The Evasons—Jeff and Tessa Evason—are among the world’s most respected mentalism duos. Known for their astonishing “second sight” act, they create the illusion of shared thoughts and seamless telepathic communication.
Having performed in more than 40 countries, their work has been featured on television programs including Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and The World’s Greatest Magic. They also served as consultants on Nightmare Alley.
Festival Details
The magic showcase will open the festival on Thursday, June 18, followed by two nights of comedy featuring Bluebird Improv on June 19 and Charlie Berens on June 20. All performances begin at 7 p.m. at the Johnny Carson Theatre.
Founded in 2008, the festival celebrates the legacy of Johnny Carson, longtime host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
The event is supported in part by the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
Tickets & Info
Tickets are available now. For more details, visit the festival’s official website.
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