Fusing Science and Magic

April 6, 2014

For Freddy Fusion, toilet paper and leaf blowers have become sneaky tools in a personal crusade: magically getting kids fired up about science.

In his show, "The Freddy Fusion Magic Show," he dips deep into a hat of tricks, making the point that science and magic are closely linked.

And kids of all ages are loving it.

MEET THE SCIENCE AMBASSADOR

Andrew Pogson, a.k.a. Freddy, began honing his show more than 20 years ago. He performs more than 300 days a year all over the world, including Atlantis Paradise Island and on the Disney Cruise Line.

Pogson said that the path that led him to becoming an illusionist, performance artist, and science "ambassador" started when he was just a kid.

"Science was my favorite subject in school," he said. "I had amazing teachers that really enjoyed sparking imagination."

Pogson said he noticed a very close relationship between science and magic while he was in school.

"It’s the curiosity that allows us to explore," he said, "and to experience the unexplainable."

NO ORDINARY SCIENCE

Pogson grew up watching "Watch Mr. Wizard," a TV show that explained the science behind ordinary things.

"He was a wonderful teacher for after school, with great content," he said.

Pogson’s personal mission, like "Watch Mr. Wizard," is to share science in a way that’s more lively and compelling than most textbooks can offer.

BUCKLE YOUR SEATBELTS, FOLKS!

Pogson unfortunately won’t give his trade secrets away in a mere interview. His website’s 30-second spot shows a human coming out of a balloon, futuristic pogo sticks, and cards flying out of a hat.

His show is one that educates while it entertains, and makes ample use of his sleight-of-hand skills and wacky, outsized sense of humor "¦ and it’s all coming to northern Michigan.

"I’m super excited to be going to Kirtland [Center for Performing Arts]; I love touring Michigan and the Midwest," Pogson said. "There is such a rich history from the old vaudeville days. It’s going to be a night of laughs, to say the least!"

Freddy Fusion will be performing at the Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts in Roscommon on Fri., April 11. For ticket and more info, call the box office at (989) 275-6777, or visit Freddy’s website at freddyfusion.com.