There's a special "comedy-hypnosis" event happening in Winnipeg on June 2, entitled "ZEV PERMACK IS THE SHOW…FEAUTURING BENJI ROTHMAN, at the Park Theatre at 8:00 p.m. (Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.)

Comedian Benji Rothman, a twenty –two year old (22) university student studying at the Asper School of Business, will open up the evening with a standup routine , followed by headliner Zev Permack , a nineteen year old student studying psychology, who will hypnotize volunteers from the audience during his hypnotism act.

BENJI ROTHMAN

Rothman, has performed his comedy act at Rumor's, The Park Theatre, The Green Brier, The Cavern, and The King's Head.

In an interview, the Winnipeg Jewish Review asked Rothman to give an example of a good joke,  that is short?  He answered: “My Life.”

When asked, ‘how funny are you—mild, medium, or really funny?’ Rothman replied: “Probably a 2.5. Out of 2.5.” 

He noted that, “Some of my favourite performances were actually at B.B. Camp for staff and camp wide events because it's in front of all my fellow Jewish brothers and sisters.”

Rothman’s material is all original. When asked where he gets his you get your sense of humour from-his mother’s side or your fathers side, Rothman replied, “I think I got the funny gene from my step-dad.”

When asked what he is studying at school, Rothman replied, “I go to the Asper School of Business where I play a more sophisticated version of class clown. The classroom is a great stage because no one is supposed to laugh so every smart ass comment becomes a little funnier. Oh by the way I'm majoring in finance or something. I do pretty well in school.”  

When asked if any of his comedy has Jewish content, he answered “Too much actually. I've been trying to trim down the amount of Jewish material in my act because it doesn't always relate to some Winnipeg crowds.” 

ZEV PERMACK

Permack told the Winnipeg Jewish Review that he first got interested in hypnosis when he was “into doing magic” and then wanted to explore other realms of entertainment. He is “self-taught” and garnered knowledge by reading a lot of books.

“I started practicing hypnosis at age fifteen with my friends until I became more serious about it and became professionally certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists, which involves passing their testing,” he said.

He added, “I only leave someone in hypnosis for whatever feels comfortable for them… Some people feel good to come out after half an hour, or some people are comfortable staying in it for a few hours.

Permack has performing hypnosis to shows for youth groups and other functions, and says he is looking forward to this “big show” which won’t be ‘anything like anyone has ever seen.”
  
JORDAN BILLINKOFF: THE MATCHMAKER AND PRODUCER

When asked whose idea it was to join Permack’s hypnosis routine with Rothman’s Comedy Routine, Permack answered:

“It was Jordan Billinkoff’s idea to join our routines. He is producing the show and his idea was that both of our comedy routines would go well together in one event which would appeal to everybody.”

Billinkoff told the Winnipeg Jewish Review that he’s been running a videography company "Billinkoff Productions" since 2004.

“This is my company's first step into expanding further into marketing and promoting. I have worked on promotional videos, photo shoots, graphic design, organizing sponsors, etc.,” he said.

He added “The show is a way for everyone to have a great time that won't easily be forgotten... Rothman and Permack's routines are absolutely hilarious and we all thought it was a great idea to collaborate together.”

The show is recommended for ages 14+, and Billinkoff said “It will appeal to everyone. The “do not miss show is only being performed once.

Doors open at 7:15 p.m. where people can purchase drinks and socialize, while DJ Imaculat will be playing tracks.  Advanced tickets can be purchased at the 225-person capacity Park Theatre (478-7275), or by contacting Jordan Billinkoff (996-0099), Zev Permack (298-9838), or Benji Rothman (291-4670). Don’t wait—it is anticipated that the show will be sold out. For more information on the show check out www.zevpermack.com. 

Rothman and Permack are donating a portion of the proceeds from the event to the 2nd annual Kendra's walk, happening June 4, 2010, supporting the Cancer Care Manitoba foundation for teens living with cancer.  Billinkoff created the promo video for the walk, which can be found at www.vimeo.com/11720645