Ben Nemzer is returning to his hometown of West Windsor to perform a magical illusion show to raise money and awareness for DoSomething.org, an organization focused on anti-bullying. His show with Cassandra Ruiz is a theatrical experience with illusions, magic, comedy, and even some singing. Ruiz will be levitated, sawed in pieces, and so much more. “Ben Nemzer and Cassandra’s Magical Illusion Show,” is presented by North’s Thespian Society.
Nemzer graduated from High School North and Mercer County Performing Arts High School in 2004. At Marymount College he majored in theater and acting and graduated in 2008. His minor in education led to his teacher certification in New York State — which he has never used.
He wanted to do a show at North with a focus on anti-bullying and brainstormed with Debbie Goodkin, the organization’s adviser and a teacher at North. He learned about Dosomething.org based in New York City. Stephanie Shih and Gleb Boudin, both 2004 graduates of North, work with the organization.
Nemzer changed the spelling of his professional name for several reasons. “It is easier to remember, nobody is ever going to not use the Z, and it is easier to pronounce,” he says. “The original spelling of my name probably had a Z.”
During college Nemzer worked doing shows here and there, including FAO Schwartz in New York City. His current several monthly shows include Lowe’s Regency Hotel and “Monday Night Magic” in the West Village. Nemzer has been seen on Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Discovery, the Game Show Network, and the Stardust Hotel in Vegas. After four years of networking in the city, he is a full-time magician. “It’s a very non-traditional job,” he says.
Ben Nemser — as he was known while growing up in West Windsor –– became interested in magic when he was eight and was being hired to entertain at parties when he was eleven. He became the only non-adult member in the Society of American Magicians and took first place at one of the club’s annual magic competitions.
Both of his siblings also graduated from High School North. His sister, Aliyah, is now a senior at Marymount. His brother, Ari, graduated from University of Delaware with a degree in musical education. He lives in Miami where he works for AAA and performs with two salsa bands.
His father, Stewart, is a chiropractor with an office in North Brunswick. His mother, Irene, helps with North’s Thespian Society. They have both become involved in community theater, mostly in North Brunswick. “My mother encouraged my father to audition and now it’s something they do together,” says Ben.
“Most of my work is at private events,” he says. “Bar mitzvahs, corporate, parties, and trade shows keep me busy.” At a trade show there are many products to sell and Nemzer will incorporate the products into his moving act. “I use crowd building skills that lead to million dollar investments,” he says. “I do my thing and people come to watch.”
He has been flown to several destinations including the Caribbean. “Companies wine and dine their clients for client appreciation,” says Nemzer.
His diverse training at Mercer county Performing High School, McCarter Theater, The School for Film and Television, Tannen’s Magic Camp, and Marymount has led to stints as a magic instructor, sleight of hand consultant for theater and film, and an annual guest lecturer at Princeton University. “By combining my diverse talents I am able to create a theatrical, high energy, fun, and unforgettable performance every time I hit the stage,” he says.
The opening act is Matt Schick, a comedian and magician from Hamilton who has performed all over the world. He is best known in the Mercer County area as the producer of an annual charity show.
The family friendly show is “cool enough for friends and clean enough for families,” he says.
Magic Illusion Show, High School North Thespian Society, 90 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro. Saturday, March 17, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Benefit for Dosomething.org’s anti-bullying platform. Ben Nemzer, a graduate of North, with Cassandra Ruiz and Matt Schick, present illusions, comedy, and magic. Register. $10. 212-868-4444. www.bennemzer.com.
