By JOHN BENSON

Special to The Gazette

For years, Medina native and 1976 Medina High School graduate Peter Gensemer has been hoping to bring his magic back to his hometown.

Known worldwide as illusionist Peter Gossamer, Gensemer finally found the right opportunity to fulfill not only his desire, but a longstanding wish from his father, Richard, who passed away earlier this year.

“I wanted to do it first of all because I grew up here, but my dad, who just passed away in January this year, always said, ‘I’d love to have you come into Medina and do a show for charity,’ ” said Gensemer, calling from Sacramento, Calif. “So it’s kind of for him.

“Also, I really got my first push in Medina. When I grew up I was doing magic for nursing homes, summer school programs and birthday parties. Then when I was 17, the high school had a talent show. I did that and got a lot of response from my fellow students and teachers. It’s always been kind of a hobby since I was 14, but that kind of gave me a push to go a little bit further.”

The magic of illusionist Peter Gossamer takes place Sept. 27 at a Medina High School Choral Music Department fundraiser in the Medina Performing Arts Center.

The show almost took place a few years ago when Medina Performing Arts Center officials contacted his agent about a Medina show. Unbeknownst to Gensemer, that agent quoted $18,000 for the show. Suffice it to say, the planets lined up for the 50-year-old magician to bring his show to Medina for charity purposes.

Having spent the summer in Branson, Mo., performing for 18,000 people a week, Gensemer’s semi-truck filled with props was going to be headed back to his home in Atlantic City, N.J. However, a small pit stop in Northeast Ohio was scheduled.

“It’s very exciting to have a professional magician, who not only grew up in Medina but also is a graduate of Medina High School, who decided to come back and share that with our choir program and also with the community,” said Tyler Skidmore, Medina High School’s choral director and choir teacher. “I think it’s a very inspiring thing for the students to see, somebody who has gone out and made a profession out of a hobby or an interest he had maybe in high school and made a great profession out of it.”

Added Gensemer, “It’s so cool because the two strongest points are it is a charity event and it is a Medina High School alumni. I’m not going to blow my horn, but I’ve actually headlined in over nine countries in the world. I’ve had my own show in Atlantic City twice, as well as at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. We were also featured on NBC’s ‘The World’s Greatest Magic.’”

While Gensemer said he’s hoping to put together a holiday show for an Atlantic City casino later this year, his attention is now on bringing his own topnotch show to Medina.

“I think a lot of times people think if it’s a benefit, it’s just a chance to maybe help somebody out, but it really is kind of a double-edged sword,” Gensemer said. “It’s making some money for the high school, but it’s money well spent.

“They told me the price of the tickets, and I said that’s just crazy. At this price — and I know the economy isn’t great and I know they might not be expecting much, but — I can promise you it’ll be well worth the money.”

Tickets to see illusionist Peter Gossamer at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Medina Performing Arts Center are $12. For more information, call 330-636-3400.

Benson may be reached at ididhear@aol.com.