Published: November 28, 2006 10:26 am 

Magician conjures up lessons from the Bible

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

When Brian Foshee performs his gospel magic show, the last thing he wants to do is deceive.

Foshee, 32, a professional magician and owner of B. Happie Entertainment, grew up in Westmont, but his penchant for magic took him to New Jersey nine years ago.

He built a successful business that had him doing more than 400 shows a year and booking more than 1,000 shows for the company’s 15 other performers.

But Foshee and his wife, the former Lesha Cameron, also a native of Johnstown, returned home to enable their 2-year-old son, Caleb, to grow up in a small-town environment.

The family resides in Richland Township.

“My gospel magic show is a 45-minute performance for children and adults that introduces people to the idea of living for Jesus,” Foshee said. “The show uses magic as entertainment while weaving in stories of Jesus’ life on earth, his promise and delivery of salvation for us, and what you can do to be part of the society of heaven someday.”

Foshee said he felt the calling from God to do something like this, but it took three years to put it together.

“I felt that I had to be very careful combining ‘entertainment magic’ and gospel together, but I’m more than satisfied with the results.”

Foshee, who goes by the stage name of Brian Happie, continues his normal magic shows, doing balloon art and face-painting at children’s parties, as well as scheduling visits from Santa.

The concepts in his show are straight from the Bible.

“I never recommend one denomination over another,” Foshee said.

Foshee’s favorite routine centers on the difference between magic and miracles.

He tells the story of how Jesus fed 5,000 men and their families with only five loaves of bread.

“I have a volunteer drop a crumb in a small box, say the magic words and ask everyone what they think is in the box,” Foshee said.

The response is always “a loaf of bread.”

“I open the drawer and it’s my bunny rabbit,” he said. “I say ‘I am a magician; Jesus does the miracles.’ ”

Price is not a concern with bookings.

“I have a fee, but if an organization can’t afford even a penny of the fee, I will be there with just as big of a smile on my face,” he said. “I will take my reward here or in heaven.”