Gary Mitchell
Bio.
If you think of "Magic" as a metaphor for making truly amazing
things happen, then Gary Mitchell is as masterful a personal
manager, producer and entrepreneur as he is a brilliant
magician!
"If Class Shows made 12 Governor's and cabinet members scream
bravo! - we'll do the same for you, your company's event or
your career. Let's face it folks - Governor's and
cabinet members are not exactly a slam dunk audience - if you know
what we mean !"
With over 30 years in the business, his experience and knowledge of
the entertainment industry is as impressive as his natural
instincts. From grand scale productions down to the smallest of
details, Mitchell's undeniable style, wit and charismatic presence
has long been felt by all. Along with Mitchell’s television, film,
music and theater projects – Mitchell is fortunate to be pursued by
fortune companies to produce their most special events.
An accomplished showman, headliner and gifted entrepreneur with a
duality of experience behind the mic and behind the scenes,
Mitchell offers a uniquely integrated vision and invaluable
perspective few producers can boast. His boundless enthusiasm and
uncompromising integrity is the true signature of his company. Gary
is the only magician to regularly open for Rodney Dangerfield.
(1980 – 1986) Rodney gave Gary (and many others) the shot!
From Rodney Dangerfield to Regis Philbin to Quincy Jones,
Mitchell's associations and reputation for being the consummate
professional has earned him rave reviews among some of show
business' elite & corporate America's leading companies. In
2001 Mitchell served as special consultant to the executive
producer of the “Tony Award” winning Broadway show BLAST in
New York City. Mitchell secured a coveted endorsement from Quincy
Jones and managed promotional business for a cast of 67 talented
musicians and actors.
Early in Mitchell’s career he warmed the audience as an opening act
for icons aside from Rodney Dangerfield. He performed many shows
with Eddie Murphy, Rosie O'Donnell at age 17. At 22 Dangerfield
hired him. Mitchell has performed his one-man show from Vegas to
the Catskills – always pleasing his audience with his “don’t miss
this” delivery. The Society of American Magicians decreed in their
review - “Before Rodney Dangerfield took the floor - magician and
comedian, Gary Mitchell took the audience in the palm of his hand
and didn’t let go for 30 minutes”.
“Rodney was extremely generous to me and when he hired me, I was
still in college.
He loved magic and called me himself to ask if I was interested in
opening for him after watching my audition at his famed nightclub.
That was a classy thing to do. Rodney meant a great deal to me. His
nickname for me was ‘the kid with the bird’ because I use white
doves in my nightclub act. I decided to create a show last year
after he passed based on my experiences with him titled, Respect
For Rodney – currently in production. Our first engagement will
take place at The State Theater in Pennsylvania in 2007
–2008.”
Gary Mitchell has been a personal manager for 10 years,
transitioning and grooming talent. His first individual
client was Regis Philbin's conductor and musical
director. Mitchell has also assisted in managing
Mr. Philbin’s stage on the road. During this period, he’s
groomed many talented artists and continues to consult and
advise.
Mitchell has worked with Michael Davies and Who Wants to be a
Millionaire, The View, ESPN’s 2 Minute Drill, NBC, ABC,
CBS, The Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, American
Airlines and after a year’s vacation from magic,
picked the wand up again to make a personal appearance when
requested by Art Garfunkel.
"Celebrities have always trusted me and have shown great
support as they recognize and appreciate another artist who's
devoted himself to his craft. I do funny magic and
have always used my skills and proficiency in magic as a tool to
deliver the comedy in my act". I thank Mr. Garfunkel for
urging me to return to the stage and for his endorsement of my
performance.”
In 2005 Mitchell produced multiple sell-out "Rat Pack"
performances at the State Theatre in Easton, PA. Most shows
return every 2 years - Mitchell's encore engagement came within 11
months. He also created the "Buddy
Hackett Weekend" proclamation in the great state of Pennsylvania
signed by Governor Ed Rendell and Mayor Phil Mittman, who
declared the same in Easton, PA. Something Mitchell felt Buddy
deserved.
In 2006, Mitchell stepped away from management and signed on
as co-executive Producer for The 3 Baritones. This
production boasted a multi show sell-out at the
Coral Springs Center for the Performing Arts in Florida. The
show thrills audiences with musical artistry and
harmony. The 3 baritones appear April 1 with the Hallandale
Symphony.
Recently Gary Mitchell’s decision to return to the stage featuring
The Magic & Comedy of Gary Mitchell along with a surprise guest
- is creating a warm, fuzzy welcome and quite a buzz. Mitchell
conceived a novel senior program titled, Senior Smiles®.
This is a privately sponsored venture whereby Mitchell’s sponsors
are actually sponsoring his own performance. It’s a way to bring a
first class show into local senior centers via the generosity and
philanthropy of his sponsors. This compliments the local budgets
allocated to the centers thereby allowing Mitchell to offer these
performances to senior centers at no cost to them or the taxpayers.
So in addition to whatever programs local budgets are used for by
the centers, this is in addition to these
allocations.
Senior Smiles® debuted at Glen
Cove Senior Center in Long Island on April 13th 2007.
Mitchell predicts Senior Smiles® will soon achieve national sponsorship
and the show will also make its way to the stages of major hotel
casino’s and resorts. Senior Smiles® represents no gamble whatsoever and is a
winning attraction for the public.
Senior Smiles® will make
it's first appearance in the Atlantic City market in
August 2008.
Mitchell plans to co-produce a summer concert with emerging 9.12
Records and their musical artists in Quebec, Canada in August –
titled, An Evening of Music & Inspiration. Longtime friend,
Jean Francois Mercier, owns 9.12 Records. Jean Francois is also our
award winning, creative guru web master at Class Shows Inc.
Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your visit.
Here’s what you’ve said about us:
The Entertainment was superb and so was dealing with Gary
Mitchell.
... Governor Kenny C. Guinn, Nevada & The Western Governors
Association
"Gary is an excellent comedian & magician.
He definitely has a calling for what he does.
I love to watch a master magician like Gary Mitchell do what he
does - which is why I hired him."
... Art Garfunkel
"Working with GM is like having a trusted friend in the
business."
... Robert Half International Inc.
"Mitchell and his company are nothing short of a class
act."...
... J. Burrows, ABC-TV "The View"
"Gary's got class and his Rodney impression is too damn good
!"...
... Don Rickles
" Where would they be without you?"...
... Regis Philbin
"Gary Mitchell is everywhere you need him to be 100% of the
time,
giving 100% of himself."...
... K. Guarino, Metro Inc.
For some, the world of entertainment is a livelihood. For Gary
Mitchell it's a way of life. The next time you need someone who can
make amazing things happen on stage or behind the scenes call on
the enormous talent of Gary Mitchell and ask him to perform some of
his incredible "Magic" for you!
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