Intergenerational illusionist to make Fringe debut with storytelling, slight of hand

“When I hear laughs, I feel good. When I hear wows… I like to put smiles on people’s faces.” Twelve-year-old Bentura Peralez will make his Fringe debut as Benny the Illusion. The title comes from his mother’s endearment and his father’s wondering, “Now, where’d that boy go?”

In his act, Peralez, a student at St. Paul’s Linwood-Monroe Arts Plus, good-naturedly jokes about school life, his Hispanic heritage, family, and magic. “It’s hard to find handcuffs at Target,” he quips.

Peralez was introduced to magic by his grandfather, Ralph Peralez, Sr., a professional storyteller known as Dr. Rafaa: 

“Since Benny was age six, I took him with me to my storytelling sessions at libraries and schools. I used magic to enhance the stories. Benny would be there, mystified by the tricks. Benny learned some tricks by simple observation. One day, I gave him a magic book. That boy did it!  He connected.”

Peralez, Sr., who also has a doctorate in psychology, had clear motives and teaching methods. “I gave him pointers, but I let him figure it out himself. If he could develop competency, he could develop self-esteem.”

He relates Benny’s persistence, “I once gave him an instructional video. He was slaving over it. The biggest delight came an hour later. Benny finally mastered the trick. A smile spread over his face. I could see Benny’s amazement and sense of accomplishment.”

Young Peralez’s favorite illusion is “Zombie Ball.” He first places a scarf over a ball, “Then I float it like a cradle, down and up again. I dance with the ball, different ballroom dances.” Benny also enjoys performing with links and rings.

In his act, Peralez uses friendly banter, audience participation, and rewards. “I thank my audience assistants by giving them wooden nickels. My grandfather taught me to be kind to the audience, respect them.”

Peralez sees a future career, “I would like to perform in Las Vegas and Tokyo, the capitals of magic.” His grandfather hopes to keep the young performer’s “feet on the ground.” 

The show at Bryant-Lake Bowl is a family affair. Peralez, Sr. serves as emcee and stage manager. Benny’s older brother will appear on stage, providing original guitar music. And his many family members and relatives will be there to cheer him on.

The illusionist’s advice for other young magicians? “Practice plus preparation equals professionalism,” says Peralez. “And show your personality. Be unique.”