If you are from the East Coast of the US, then you have heard of the Amazing Andy.
Yes, the tall, lanky, long-haired multi-talented entertainer who has appeared at schools, festivals, carnivals, senior centers, and theaters since he was a child is still going strong.
The Amazing Andy is ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his very first performance with a matinee show at the Strand Theater, 165 Main Street, Seymour Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m.
Humble Beginning
Andy Charney has always been a huge fan of the theater and movies. At the age of 5, he was mesmerized by the classic Jimmy Cagney musical “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and then and there, decided his destiny was to become an entertainer.
Like the old-timey stories your gramma would share about her childhood, he would put on shows in the backyard, acting, singing and dancing for friends and family as his audience.
At 11-years-old he received a magic kit and books on juggling for Christmas. Andy was in the 6th grade, and his path to greatness was laid out in front of him. For five months he practiced until he was confident in his skills.
On May 11, 1974, at age 12, Andy performed on stage at an elementary school in Monroe for a real audience during a spring fair.
Going Pro
Ten years later, at the age of 22, he became a full-time professional magician. His father, a hard-working blue-collar construction worker, told his son, that he had no clue how her would make a living in magic. But Andy had a can-do attitude and forged ahead, and 40-years later, he is still doing what he loves.
Since making this his full time career, he’s become well know for his performances big and small, from birthday parties, to libraries and day care centers, colleges, and doing walk-around magic at fairs and festivals.
He is the resident magician at Holiday Hill 36 years company picnics Foxwoods Mohegan sun nursing homes every day, every audience id different.
This Saturday, May 11, marks 50 years to the day of his first performance (as a child) and he will celebrate with an anniversary show at the Strand.
The family oriented show is open to the public and will be a retrospect of the past 50 years, with everything he’s done performance wise, for five decades, with magic, comedy, stilt-walking, balloon animals, and so much more.
He said he will be talking about life as magician, and sharing stories about people he’s met during his career.
Andy promises special guests during the show and after show photo ops with him and a special guest.
He added there also will be a door prize, and everyone will receive a ticket when they come in.
Why this venue?
Andy said he always loved the performing arts and has been in more than 50 shows in his lifetime.
The anniversary show was an idea born during the pandemic. “I knew I wanted to do something special,” he said. “I have a huge emotional attachment to the Strand.”
He saw many movies there when he was young and then in the 80s the Strand began doing live theater in which he participated.
“I did Godspell there and I was the Wizard in the “Wizard of Oz,” he said.
He performed his magic show 10-20 times for the children’s series the theater offered on Saturday mornings during that decade.
“Now the Strand is back, offering movies and live shows, and after looking at other venues, I really wanted to do it there because it brings back so many wonderful memories,” he said.
The Strand holds between 250 and 270 people, and Andy is hoping for a good turnout on Saturday.
Tickets are general admission and only $10. They are available several ways, at the door, online at theamazingandy.net or Facebook or thru Venmo (scan the QR Code) on on the Strand Facebook page ahead of time.
Believe In Your Dreams
Andy said he loves what he does for a living and his reward is the appreciation he gets from his audience, hugs from children, and recognition from past audiences.
I’ve been lucky in life, and I taught my son and daughter through my actions how to achieve your goals — work hard to get it no matter how hard it may be. Believe in your dreams and you can accomplish anything.
His son, Peter, who we all fell in love with during his Amity Theater days, now lives in New York and performs on Broadway and off-Broadway.
His daughter, Lexi is a teacher.
Come celebrate his career on Saturday, and bring your stories about when he performed at your birthday party or otherwise made you happy in the past.