Children Entertained by Magic and Comedy at Library

Children's entertainer Jim McClenahan opened his entertainment show this past Thursday night with the question, "Are you ready to have a good time?!" to the young audience before him. To this challenge, the children of Yorktown, who sat attentively with their knees crossed, answered with an excited, "Yes!"

Although the actor usually travels solo, he did manage to bring along to a few friends to join him for his routine, "The Magic and Comedy of Jim."

Along for the 45-minute segment at John C. Hart Library was Otto, a teddy bear dressed in a red suit and black bow tie and Fluffy, a black bunny rabbit. Both kept the mood of the show energetic and engaging for the 30 kids in attendance.

The audience, whose ages ranged from three to around 10, were entranced by the slapstick humor and slight-of-hand by McClanahan. Magic tricks he performed that night included disappearing acts, magic wands and many other props including fake eyes, scarves, and plastic tubes helped create the illusion of the impossible.

He has been a performer of this nature for ten years and enjoys his effect on the little ones.

"I entertain because I just love laughter, and making kids laugh. The sound of children laughing is hysterical," he said.

He certainly met that goal with the youth of Yorktown and their parents as he dazzled them with enthusiasm all night. McClenahan made the routine interactive by bringing up guests from the audience for entertainments.

The volunteers chosen from the audience included an excited little girl thrilled to be up on stage, and even one of the mothers sitting down was called up for assistance.

"Put that magic wand underneath your pillow tonight, and it'll turn into five dollars!" he joked with the audience, to the laughter of their parents.

Jim's magic and comedy act is met with joy from children all across New York. Venues include family resorts, day camps, and libraries around Westchester and Dutchess Counties.

"[You] had every person in the audience captivated, delighted and thoroughly entertained, the magic is awesome!" raved New Rochelle Public Library of McClenahan's performance.

The performer is also a native of Long Island, and performs three performances a day at Adventureland, an amusement park located in the heart of Nassau County in addition to other spots in that area.

The magician/comedian performs at many venues more than once, so he adapts the routine.

"I change the show around. If I come back, I always make sure that I keep it new," said McClenahan.

The magician said goodnight to the children and parents of Yorktown with a great search for his black rabbit while dancing around to the theme song from "Mission Impossible."

As for this magician's future, McClenahan said he will continue doing what he loves performing in front of children.

An upcoming program for children by Hart Library is Cool Clay Creations, geared towards children entering 1st to 3rd grades. Dates are July 22, 29, and August 5 Thursdays at 1:30pm.