By Liz Mitchell

Illusionist Morgan dazzles Myrtle Beach’s Mayor John Rhodes during a recent press conference.

The Pat Boone Family Theater is scheduled to open in Myrtle Beach in August with magic, vision and family. Morgan, noted illusionist who was recognized by the International Magicians’ Society this year with the most prestigious Merlin award, dazzled Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes with his metal bending techniques as the opening plans were announced.

Pat Boone

Glenn Milligan, CEO of Liquid Metal Productions and theater president, recently introduced his company and concept of entertainment planned for the 600-seat theater located at 1808 21st Avenue N. in the former Nascar Café building.

“An intimate experience will be delivered with no more than 50 feet from the back row of the audience to the stage,” he said.

Pat Boone, the iconic American crooner, and members of his family will perform two weeks each year. Boone ranks tenth for most records sold in the country. His record label boasts 150 artists, some of whom will also perform on the Myrtle Beach stage.

The Pat Boone Family Theater will replace the old NASCAR Café, located at the intersection of 21st Ave. N. and Hwy. 17 ByPass in Myrtle Beach.

Morgan will perform three shows daily for six days a week in peak season with interactive, unique and mind-bending illusions to appeal to audiences of all ages. As he demonstrated bending forks at the introductory press conference, he explained the show entitled “Inside Your Mind.” Ranked with the likes of Harry Blackstone, Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, Siegfried & Roy and Criss Angel, Morgan has captivated celebrity and international audiences for a decade. He is viewed as one of the world’s leading experts and performers in the field of psychokinetic magic which uses the power of the mind to physically alter or affect objects, bend forks, coins and keys and force items to move without logical explanation. One of his early accomplishments in the field was catching a live bullet between his teeth, the youngest magician in the world to complete this deadly illusion which previously had killed 13 performers.

Rod Burton, general manager for the Pat Boone Family Theater and wife, Kelly, who is marketing director.

Rod Burton, general manager and noted southern gospel performer, further described the plans for the concerts and worship services to include “Gospel Jubilee” with top-quality gospel singers of local and national acclaim. Additional entertainment will be “The Music of Our Lives” with recognizable and well-loved musical artists from across the decades. Holiday themed and variety shows also are planned for the Christmas season.

Burton and his wife Kelly, who is marketing director of the new theater, own Branson Gospel Music Revival which is an award-winning annual concert event that unites artists from across the country with enthusiastic audiences in the Ozarks. He has been lauded as “one of the best tenor voices around” and for his passion for ministry.

The “After Party” will be open for late nights after the show in Illusions Ultra Lounge with a quiet sophisticated adult atmosphere featuring light dining, dancing and cocktails.

Schedules and advance ticket sales will be announced on the Facebook page for PBF Theater.