World-renowned magician Criss Angel performs two sold-out shows, "Criss Angel Mindfreak Live!," 6 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 20, State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton.

The magician behind what's said to be the most successful TV magic program in television history, "Criss Angel's 'Mindfreak,'" has roots in the Easton community. His grandfather owned a coffee shop along Northampton Street near the State Theatre.

"I grew up spending one weekend a month in Easton," he says. "We had Christmas parties and family gatherings in Easton and Bethlehem all the time. I always saw the State Theatre marquee and thought to myself, 'Someday I want to play there.'"

Angel's cousin Billy Kounoupis, owner of Billy's Downtown Diners in Bethlehem and Allentown, helped facilitate the show at the State.

Family ties to the area are a big part of why Angel wanted to appear at the State.

"Every time I come back to the area the people are so kind," he says. "I have so many memories of the time I spent with my father and uncle here. My father is no longer with us, and this show is for him."

Angel is looking forward to performing at the very venue he walked by so many times as a child.

"To me, there is an intimacy about a smaller venue like the State," he says. "So many amazing performers have been on that stage. I can't wait to get in.

"It's all about the audience and the entertainer in there together. There's no wall between the performer and the venue."

Angel regularly performs his wildly-successful show "Criss Angel Believe" at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. He plans on not holding back on any of his trademark showmanship for the State Theatre performances.

"I'm bringing Las Vegas to Easton," he says. "I will be performing some brand-new illusions. It's going to be an experience like no other. I wanted to do something special for these shows. They will be unique and revolutionary."

"I pinch myself," he says, when thinking back on the child he was who wanted to one day see his name in lights at the State Theatre.

"I've always dreamt big, but I'm exceeding my wildest dreams."

"Criss Angel Mindfreak Live!" at the State Theatre is sold out. Information: State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton St., Easton; statetheatre.org, 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132