Vitaly's $40-$45 Return to Queens Theatre Sets a 2-Show Limit

Illusionist Vitaly Beckman is returning to the Claire Shulman Theater in Flushing Meadows Corona Park for a limited two-performance run this weekend. The shows, featuring his original production VITALY: An Evening of Wonders, are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced between $40 and $45, inclusive of a $2 per-ticket service fee, and are available for purchase at queenstheatre.org. The production is recommended for audiences aged 12 and older.

Beckman’s return marks his latest engagement with the Queens venue, which is located at 14 United Nations Ave. South. The show features a mix of art and illusion, including segments where photos and paintings appear to come to life and faces vanish from audience members' driver's licenses. Beckman describes the performance as a journey from a boy with a dream to a man with a vision, aiming to highlight the wonder in everyday life through visual trickery.

The illusionist’s career has been defined by his ability to confound professional magicians. He is one of only five acts to have stumped Penn & Teller three times on the CW series Penn & Teller: Fool Us. His victories occurred in 2016, 2021, and 2025. In the 2025 episode, Beckman created a painting that matched, item for item, the objects a guest host had just arranged on stage. The duo remained unable to explain the method, with Penn stating, "This is so complicated and so original, we don't have any experience with it."

Beckman holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, a degree he earned after his parents steered him toward a practical career path. He discovered the art of illusion as a teenager but completed the engineering program without intending to use it professionally. He now applies that technical background to the design and construction of his own illusions. Beckman noted that while AI can answer questions quickly, it cannot generate the feeling of watching something impossible happen in person. He said, "Instead of building bridges as an engineer, I realized I could better bridge the gap between imagination and reality."

The upcoming performances are part of a fall tour that includes this final stop at the Queens Theatre. The venue is situated within Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Beckman will perform the same program for both dates, with the Saturday evening show preceding the Sunday afternoon matinee. The production continues to blend traditional magic with modern artistic elements, maintaining a focus on live, in-person interaction that digital formats cannot replicate.

Beckman’s third win on Penn & Teller: Fool Us in 2025 brought renewed attention to his work, contributing to the current demand for his live shows. The two performances at the Claire Shulman Theater represent a brief window for local audiences to see the illusionist in person. The ticket price range remains consistent with standard live theater pricing in the area, with no additional fees beyond the specified service charge. The show is designed for older children and adults, offering a visual experience that relies on close-up interaction and large-scale artistic illusions.