Derek McKee, a 19-year-old internationally acclaimed magician and star of the documentary "Make Believe," will perform at the Pico Playhouse this weekend benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica and United in Harmony.
For a $20 general admission ticket, families can enjoy a show of magic, illusions and fun with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica — an organization McKee has worked with before.
From age 8 to 10, McKee attended a Boys & Girls Club in Denver and upon moving to Los Angeles he developed a working relationship with Jeremy Davis, a staff member at the nonprofit's Santa Monica branch who performs magic at the Hollywood Castle.
McKee has long been in the limelight for his talents including his starring role in "Make Believe" at age 15, his Las Vegas show shortly after and his television appearance on "Extra!" All along the way McKee has devoted himself to supporting charity.
The Denver Post reported that he once lived in a plexiglass box on the streets to help homeless children in his hometown by collecting food for the Food Bank of the Rockies and raising awareness of the conditions in which many youth live.
McKee and his pal Davis will be showcasing their talents for a four-part magic series kicking off Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at 10508 Pico Blvd. Additional performances will be Saturday, Aug. 10 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 11 at 2:30 p.m.
