'Magic Beyond Belief' plans opening in Pigeon Forge

Grand Opening - First Week of May! The Fee/ Hedrick Family Entertainment Group is opening a new theater featuring a magic show. Co-owners David Fee and Jim Hedrick will open the 400-seat-theater titled "Magic Beyond Belief" starring Terry Evanswood.

For the past 10 years Evanswood has been the star of Country Tonite's morning "Grand Illusion Show Located in the former Ole Smoky Hoedown Theater at 2135 Parkway, the show will open Thursday with a grand opening during the first week in May.

Throughout the preview month, new acts will be added, including the highlight illusion of a white tiger appearing out of thin air before the audience's eyes. Renovations to the inside of the theater are complete. Renovations to the outside will continue during the next month.

"We will have an intimate magic experience at our new theater and we are thrilled to have Terry Evanswood join our company," said David Fee, co-owner of the theater. "Terry has wanted to have an evening show for a long time and we know it will be a huge success.""I perform like the audience is a group of friends," Evanswood said. "What sticks with people are the personal moments we create. I try to touch people's hearts in every performance."

The magician has been performing professionally since the age of 10. Originally from Chicago, he has appeared throughout the United States.

For Fee and Jim Hedrick, the theater's owners are realizing a magical dream too. "I used to be a professional magician," Fee said, "and my business partner, Jim Hedrick, used to be a professional juggler and we have always wanted to bring a magic show to Pigeon Forge."

Both Fee and Hedrick performed at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans and were featured entertainers on Carnival Cruise Lines for over nine years. Their roots go back to being performers at Magic World in Pigeon Forge. When they opened The Comedy Barn they were performers as well as co-owners.

Show times will be 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Call 428-5600 for reservations.

Gatlinburg , Pigeon Forge , Attractions