Merlin's Magic Shop Holds Treasure Trove of Tricks

David Evangelista’s trade is in magic tricks.

The professional magician sells his magic tricks out of his store on Congress Street in the New Port Richey area. The store, called Merlin’s Magic Shop, is full of tricks for everyone from apprentice magicians to veteran magic casters. It also offers tricks for clowns, balloon artists and jugglers.

The store's supply is a treasure trove that contains card tricks, knife tricks, flame tricks and props.

Evangelista, 51, has been performing magic since he was very young. He said he got his first deck of trick cards as a present for his ninth birthday.  He got his first magic set as a Christmas present.

“I learned that I could get a lot of attention,” Evangelista said of his entry into the art of performance magic.

 He received “TV Magic” set with 15 tricks in it, in the 1970s, and he still displays it in his shop. He grew up in St. Petersburg and used to frequent a magic shop there. He said he used to practice escaping from handcuffs and underwater situations.

Evangelista said he’s been performing magic professionally for years. He said he graduated from performing others’ tricks to building his own and selling them in the 1990s. Among his favorite creations is the Ulti-Rose trick, where he can make the flower change color and sprout from unlikely places.

A favorite trick of his is Pyro-Palms, where the magician appears to hold flames in his or her hands.

Evangelista, who lives in the New Port Richey area, used to sell tricks online. Four years ago, he opened Merlin’s Magic Shop on Congress Street. He sells his tricks there and also teaches magic to believers young and old. He said instills confidence in kids and adults.

He also offers a Magic Jam Night where magic enthusiasts can gather.

He said the reason for his shop’s existence is “to keep the art of magic alive.”

Cheryl Cline Evangelista, David’s wife, points out that there are fewer magic shops today. Their are fewer magic shops around today, she said. The business has moved online.

In addition to running his shop, David Evangelista continues to perform magic at parties and other functions. He continues to also sell his tricks online under the brand name Visual Magic. Cheryl Cline runs and promotes the Visual Magic side of the business.

Want check out some of the magic in store at Merlin’s Magic Shop?  Visit it at 7150 Congress St, New Port Richey. The shop is open Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.- 6 a.m.  The phone number is 727-748-8822.