Penn and Teller, David Copperfield, David Blaine ... Richard Benninghoff?

While most people have heard the names of those first three world-famous magicians, perhaps not as many have heard of magician/entertainer Richard Benninghoff.

State College residents may not be surprised to know that Benninghoff performs locally several times each week. However, to learn that the magician has traveled the nation and headlined acts in hot spots like Las Vegas and Atlantic City just might garner some attention.

Although most of the nation must wait for Benninghoff to come to them, State College has access to the magician twice weekly, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays at Prospectors Allegheny Rib Co., 2080 Cato Ave., and Wednesdays at Damon's Grill, 1031 E. College Ave.

While Benninghoff has staged many large-scale performances, his specialty involves personal contact with audience members. On a typical night at either restaurant, Benninghoff will engage patrons in everything from elaborate card tricks to the occasional disappearing act.

"He touches every table in the restaurant ... we love him," Damon's assistant general manager Tom Hofer said.

"People call ahead to make sure he'll be here. We couldn't do Wednesday night without him."

Additionally, Benninghoff prefers to engage his audience on a personal level so he can fully demonstrate the mastery of his craft.

"I'm a little different from other magicians," Benninghoff said. "I like performing up close in a well-lit area to demonstrate that the hand is not quicker than the eye ... that's a myth."

While Benninghoff's popularity at local restaurants is undeniable and the national demand for a magician of his skill level is significant, it is perhaps his personality, humor and passion for people that most impress many who meet him.

"I don't think he thinks a lot about Richard; it's always about other people," his mother, Gloria Benninghoff, said. "I don't know what we'd do without him."

In addition to a rigorous schedule of restaurant shows, private engagements and larger performances at venues from Rhode Island to Las Vegas, Benninghoff has worked with local youth, appearing several times at area elementary, middle and high schools, such as Union Elementary School in Belleville.

Showing that Benninghoff's routine appeals to all audiences, Union Elementary teacher Ivan Wilson also lauded his routine.

"He related his magic to the magic of saying no to alcohol, drugs and cigarettes after spellbinding the kids with his magic," said Wilson, noting that Benninghoff's routine was incredibly entertaining and effective, including tricks with cards, audience participation and even levitation.

Those familiar with the magician are quick to praise Benninghoff not only for his skillful craft but also for his amicable and entertaining disposition -- something not possessed by all magicians.

"The biggest trick of them all is to be an entertainer first and a magician second," Benninghoff said. "The audience always comes first."