Tales From The Uncanny Scot. A book to treasure.

•September 19, 2014 • Leave a Comment

Tales From The Uncanny Scot. By Ron Wilson.


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6294919_origA personal history of some magical legends.

I was excited to see that this gem of a magic book is once again available for purchase; I have enjoyed it immensely and consider it one of the very finest additions to my library in many years. Ron Wilson was not just a wonderful performing magician, but also a fascinating storyteller and in this book the Uncanny Scot tells some tales that will entertain and intrigue every lover of magic. It is my pleasure to wholeheartedly recommend this publication.

Ron Wilson was part of the very earliest years at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. His reminisces share intimate stories about one of the most exciting and creative eras in the history of magic. In a time when bookshelves in magic dens are groaning under the weight of magic books containing “new” tricks and moves, there haven’t been nearly enough books such as this one. People whose names are legendary in magic circles become close to being flesh and blood when we read these tales. It is a rare and special opportunity.

The joy of “Tales from the Uncanny Scot” is the way that Wilson shines a light on the fascinating characters that populated the Magic Castle in those formative days. Memoirs like this are way too few and far between, and in covering the personal history of our art they create a living, breathing framework to put important elements into focus. A man of quiet integrity and charm, Ron was on the spot when things were happening at the Castle and we are extremely lucky that his memories have been captured on paper for us to share.

I joined the Magic Castle in early 1974, and even then with my “late” arrival on the scene, was all too aware of how many people and events that had m-tales-from-the-uncanny-scot-with-bonus-dvd-been instrumental to the formation of this contemporary mecca of magic I had missed. More recent members are familiar with those early groundbreakers in an ever less direct manner than me. This book brings these people to life in a vivid and colorful manner that amuses, entertains and educates you on every page.

Ron was a friend and confidant of some of the most legendary figures in the magic world and his intimate stories of magical icons such as: Dai Vernon, Bruce Cervon, Doug Henning, Charlie Miller, Cary Grant, Larry Jennings, Jay Ose, Mike Skinner, Orson Welles, Shimada and Tony Slydini are priceless. That list is just the tip of the magical iceberg; Ron’s friendships included both the famous and the infamous from those halcyon days when the framework of contemporary magic was being forged behind the fabled walls of 7001 Franklin Avenue.

From the moment Wilson traveled to Los Angeles to become part of the fledgling Magic Castle he became a large part of the living heart and fabric of that ongoing magical dream. Ron was not only President of the Magic Castle but one of its most highly awarded performers, before becoming the talent booker for the club. In all these capacities his dedication to high standards and qualities made him one of the key architects to the ongoing success of the club as it enters its second half-century of excellence. You will be fascinated following Wilson’s personalized timeline of the people who brought this dream to fruition.

7593666“Tales from the Uncanny Scot” was a labor of love not only in the writing but also in the publishing and it comes complete with a multitude of original and unique photographs, many of which are being seen for the first time. However, what is a book on magic that doesn’t teach you at least one trick? A delightful bonus to this published edition is a DVD that features Ron himself teaching R. Paul Wilson his award winning card trick “The Highland Hop,” and showing Paul the intricacies of his method for the second deal. There are also rare clips of Ron’s stage show filmed live at the Magic Castle.

I was lucky enough to have a tiny part in the aftermath to Wilson’s book, and the bonus DVD includes me conducting a live interview with Ron where we discuss some of the stories contained in the pages of “Tales…” I also persuaded Ron to share some personal details about himself during the interview and they make a nice addition to his reminisces about his many friends.

There are copies of the book currently available at the website http://uncannyscot.weebly.com and when they are gone there will likely be no further reprints, so I highly suggest you grab this piece of history while you can. The standard edition is a 196 page hardbound book with dust jacket and DVD, which retails for 45 dollars. There are also a few copies of the Collector’s Edition of 100 that has a distinctive maroon hardcover and has been personally hand-signed by Ron Wilson.

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Congratulations to Mat Franco. The big winner.

•September 18, 2014 • 5 Comments

tumblr_n962na1D0G1qdlv84o1_1280It was very exciting to see a magician finally win a major television event, to be quite honest it is a day I really didn’t see arriving when it did. In winning “America’s Got Talent” Mat Franco has done something that is a real shot in the arm to every magician in America. There were some very strong acts in the 2014 finals of AGT and this talented young man did a great job of becoming the big winner. He is going to do a wonderful job of opening up the entertainment world to the potential of sleight of hand magic being a mainstream and viable entertainment booking option. A  major entertainment booker emailed me this morning and said, “Close-up magician took it last night on America’s Got Talent, not an illusionist with boxes and a girl, but a true sleight of hand artist – whoo hoo!” I couldn’t agree more….

Franco did some great magic in his 90 second slots. His initial set when he performed a customized Sam The Bell Hop was a tough act for him to top He went on to show a lot of style in a very daunting scenario —performing sleight-of-hand in Radio City Music Hall.  The last time I saw magic in that particular venue it was Siegfried & Roy breaking in their new show before debuting it at the Mirage. It wasn’t an easy stage for them to fill even with all the spectacle they brought to the party. It is also not at all easy to present a satisfying 90 second bite of magic; when the great Billy McComb used to be asked if he could do a ten minute show he would reply, “Absolutely, now in ten minutes I can either find a card that nobody selected—or have a card selected and not find it. Which would you prefer?” I can relate to that response.

In the semi final when Franco was facing off against David & Leeman and Mike Super, I was very impressed with the way that Mat built up his miniature act from three separate tricks. In other words he presented the classical theatrical three act format — an opener, a middle and a closer! It really paid off when contrasted with his colleagues decision to perform one effect at a more leisurely pace. As magicians we all view other magic acts through a strangely distorted lens, we forget that lay audiences are much more interested in the magician and not what he does. We just aren’t the correct demographic and Franco showed how effective a fresh look at the classics can be for a lay audience. It was less important that the tricks were fresh and new and extremely relevant that Mat was.

I was expecting a great deal of sniping over some of Franco’s palpably correct choices, I was delighted to see that the magic community joined forces to congratulate this personable and talented young man into the major league. This is a moment for rejoicing with no element of sour grapes spoiling the moment. Mat Franco has given us all something to be very proud about, more power to him, I will watch his next moves with interest and excitement.

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Farewell to Phil Willmarth.

•September 16, 2014 • Leave a Comment

Willmarth_PhotoIt is with great sorrow that I heard of the passing of Phil Willmarth. He was a kind, generous and a true gentleman. I was first introduced to Phil by my dear friend Terry Nosek when they visited my show in Las Vegas. It was a friendship at first meeting. Phil was the long term editor of The Linking Ring and much to my surprise several months later Terry and Phil featured me on the cover of the magazine! It was the first time I had ever been honored in this manner.

While on a visit to New Zealand Alan Watson and Richard Webster persuaded me to resume my long dormant career as a writer. For the seven years following that visit I have written a column in the Magic New Zealand ezine. I look at those early columns and am amazed how primitive they were, but I continued practicing my new found craft and now I am writing some stories and articles in magic publications of which I am really proud.

One of my early ‘fans’ in my writing endeavor was Mr Willmarth. He read all my columns and gave me some invaluable advice on how to make them better. Phil also asked me if he could re-print some of them in The Linking Ring, I was delighted and encouraged. Before long I was writing a monthly column for The Ring and continued to do so for some time. I even won the IBM award for best columnist. The true joy of those columns was getting to work on the topics, content and execution of them with Phil. It was as enjoyable as it was educational. I got to work with a master who could set me straight with just a few words. I remember with great fondness our (often late-night) conversations and discussions. They meant a great deal to me.

Phil leaves behind a literary, scholarly and human legacy that makes him one of magic’s finest. I will miss our occasional, gentle conversations greatly.

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“I’m afraid you’re on a 45 day a billing cycle…” Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

•September 12, 2014 • Leave a Comment

Photo on 9-10-12 at 7.02 PMI was interested in a thread on a Facebook magic page yesterday and enjoyed adding some comments on it. Reflecting on it today and observing the direction the thread moved in, I decided it might make a rather interesting column that would contain some material that would be of some interest to our readers.

The original online question was from a performer who had appeared at a corporate event and more than 45 days later was still waiting to receive his paycheck. He wasn’t sure how to proceed. He was booked through an agent and his contract stated payment would be made within 1 week of when HE (the agent) was paid. The agent said he would look into it, however he says that the client’s policy is 45 days. Well I can see why the magician was, in his words “pissed” and I offered some thoughts based on my own experiences that I thought might be useful to him.

I am a great believer in a performer being paid on and before the actual event of his show, because any urgency over his paycheck slips away dramatically immediately after he has performed. The biggest single problem in this case is that the performer signed a contract with very vague specifications built into the heart of it. There are plenty of people (both clients, agents and venues) who are more than happy to hang on to our fairly modest paychecks and let them reside in their own bank accounts for an extra couple of months accumulating interest. However, I very strongly believe that in “one off” casual dates the performers salary should be on a “do the show and get the check” basis.

Like many other performers I believe in a 50% payment for your services as a retainer to reserve the date, and the remainder Nick-31payable immediately prior to performance. This is a very reasonable way of doing business and almost always acceptable to buyers. If it isn’t something your buyer wants to work with, you can certainly make exceptions should you choose to do so. What it does do is establish the correct relationship between yourself and the person utilizing you services. It is certainly not an unreasonable request and will usually be accepted without any hesitation. One very positive benefit is that if a buyer cancels their date, thus depriving you of your booking, you have received a fair compensation for blocking of that particular date. Should the date be shifted to another night then you are quite free to apply their deposit towards the new booking.

Assuming you are a competent and professional performer do NOT fall into the trap of feeling that a buyer is doing you some huge favor in booking you. You must handle the business side of your bookings in a straightforward, friendly and firm manner. These are simple business transactions and establish the way you wish to be regarded and treated during the engagement. This is what contracts, or as I prefer to call them letters of agreement, are all about.

The purpose of your “contract” should cover the amount and manner of your salary and what services you are going to provide your buyer. You must also make very clear the where, what, when and who’s of that particular engagement. One of the additional details that I personally like to have clearly established in the agreement is also how many people will be present at the show. Agents are rather fond of establishing a fee for a “small” show and it can be a little disconcerting to turn up at that gig and find 2000 people dining in a banquet room!

NL LemonAidcover-2 I was rather surprised at the online debate over this all to frequent problem over late payment for a date. Some of the responses were totally ignored the fact that the details of payment were clearly established in the contract! The time to cope with this kind of situation is in advance and not after the event. From my, not inconsiderable, experience it is almost always wasted effort, energy and cash to try and pursue any legal solution to a minor contractual dispute. It is wiser to write it off and make sure you learn from the situation. This is what led to my previously stated payment policy, which is one I have never had occasion to regret!

Other online voices suggested bringing the matter to the attention of the client and venue and voicing to them your personal problems with the agent. I think this is probably ineffective, definitely inappropriate and fairly likely to reflect just as badly on the performer as the agent, everyone else involved may love dealing with that same person who has “pissed you off” The agreement signed was between two parties and does not reflect the actions or intentions of any of the accessories to the contract. You don’t want to loose a potential client or venue over problems with the agent you chose to do business with. Sometimes you have to loose a battle or two while going about the business of winning a war.

 As a shout out to my readers I want to tell you about a wonderful new magic effect “Lemon Aid” that is currently available on my web site www.lewinenterprises.com I hope you will view the video and check it out! I have only 22 left for sale from the initial run and when they are gone “Lemon Aid” will only be available at a higher price as a special order.

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Linking those finger rings……….

•September 5, 2014 • 2 Comments

Scan 3I am very excited by something that happened last week. I have been a long-term fan of the classic ‘80s TV series “The Equalizer” which starred the great British actor Edward Woodward. I have been looking forward to catching the new cinematic re-boot of the iconic action hero as played by Denzel Washington, which hits movie theatres later this month.

“The Equalizer” series was created by Michael Sloan, who happens to be an old friend of mine, who just wrote a novel about his iconic action hero to tie in with the release of the movie. I downloaded the newly published book from iTunes and received a very pleasant surprise when I discovered that I was name checked in the novel. An equally exciting shock was that Michael even took the time to highlight one of my signature tricks in the pages of his book. Here is the specific quote.

“She looked at the Washington Square Arch, silhouetted against the night sky. Somehow she always found it comforting. Her gateway to a new life. There were two statues of George Washington in alcoves, one as a soldier, the other as America’s first president. She thought of a British comedy magician she’d once seen with her mother in a nightclub in Moscow. She remembered his name was Nick Lewin and he’d been very funny. He’d said of George Washington: “A British soldier, went AWOL, did very well for himself.” Her mother had had to explain to her that AWOL meant “Absent Without Leave,” and then had patiently explained what “Absent Without Leave” meant, as if she was still a child of eight. But that was all right. It was her mother’s gentle way. Natalya remembered the magician had taken a ring of hers, the one her mother had given her with the crest of a dragon on it, and he had linked her ring with one of his own. Amazing!”

 Excerpt From: Sloan, Michael. “The Equalizer.” Thomas Dunne Books.

 

I have had the chance to be featured in two episodes that Mr. Sloan has written based on my real life persona. I got to star in episodes of “Alfred 778928Hitchcock Presents” and “Kung Fu: The Legend Continues” and each one was a special highlight in my career. I have much to thank Michael for over the years and was incredibly thrilled to turn up in the pages of his novel. In many ways it actually seemed more of a thrill being featured in the book than any of my flesh and blood appearances.

In contemplating my fleeting appearance in the Equalizer story I also realized how fortunate I have been in having a signature trick that has brought me the attention and good fortune that Mr. Himber’s Linking Finger Rings have done over the years. There is something quite amazing about the impact of this particular trick on lay audiences and they seem to relate to the effect on a very profound level.

This particular routine was also entirely responsible for my being featured in the star studded Hollywood Foreign Press Association tribute to Orson Welles in 1981. The Linking Finger Rings were also the core of my first major television appearance in America on the “Merv Griffin Show,” from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. I must have performed the effect thousands of times over the years and it has been the “secret weapon” in my act since the great Marvyn Roy convinced me to master it about 36 years ago. Thank you Marvyn!

DSC_3492 It is a wonderful thing to discover an effect that can truly be made one’s own. If a performer can master one or two effects that are this powerful in his lifetime then he is a very lucky man. I can think of maybe three items in my repertoire that are key to my commercial success over the years, however the Linking Finger Rings seems to be the one that has caught the attention of audiences the most. It is one of those tricks that you almost believe you are performing a miracle when you do it right. There are not enough tricks that can give you that kind of thrill when you present them.

As I slow down my performing career and begin to step up my life as a writer and lecturer, it is very exciting to be able to pass on my routine to younger performers and help them catch the excitement of this very special effect. You gain a whole new perspective on a routine when you get to teach it to others. You are forced to think about and verbalize many things that were previously unconscious just drifting around in the back of your mind. If you are interested in acquiring my Ultimate Linking Finger Routine I have a few sets of the limited edition book/DVD package for sale on my website at www.lewinenterprises.com

It was a blast to realize that someone wanted to share my routine as part of a totally unconnected artistic endeavor. It made me proud and grateful all at the same time and I wish everyone that very warm and meaningful moment in his or her magical journey. Start searching for that special piece of magic and don’t stop working on it till you master it.  

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Making Magic at the Castle……

•August 29, 2014 • Leave a Comment

10494660_10204070553261802_4762820069346454943_nI recently had the pleasure of performing for three nights in the Peller Theatre at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. I thought this might be a perfect opportunity to make a few first hand observations about the ways in which our beloved clubhouse has changed since I first performed there over forty years ago.

First and foremost the Castle is a very, very successful nightclub destination now! It was packed each of the nights I appeared there and the clientele were for the most part young, attractive and spending a bunch of money! The Castle is an expensive evening out for an average couple, but the novelty it supplies seems to make it a huge hit with everyone attending.

While watching magic is certainly one of the pleasures for first time visitors, I strongly suspect that the reason for the recent spectacular upswing in the Castle’s fortunes has more to do with it’s unique structure. It is a perfect “first date,” or “group venue” and everyone attending seemed to be having fun navigating their way through the many exciting treats that the building offers.

The AMA seems to have finally really got the food thing down! Everyone seemed delighted with the dining options, and this was certainly not always the case. While working I didn’t sample other than the bar food and it was great. I could dine on their burgers and truffle fries anytime, and the garlic bread is as good as “The Smokehouse” in Burbank— high praise indeed!

The drink prices are certainly no bargain, maybe I am out of touch with Los Angeles prices, but it certainly didn’t in any way deter the visitors from 10614397_10204103037073877_5746889843414065596_ndrinking a LOT of alcohol. In those early ‘70s days we always semi-jokingly referred to the Castle as a “Disneyland for Drunks,” but it now seems like the hippest theme club in town. I really think this is a great testimony to the careful shaping and revisionism that has been lavished on the club. In many ways it might be highly appropriate to refer to it as “The New Castle,” and maybe that is a part of the somewhat controversial rebranding that is going on there.

One of the qualities we loved about those early Castle years was the quirky and amateurish way in which it not only survived but also seemed to thrive—seemingly in spite of itself. The Castle is now very slick indeed and those “bumble bee flying in the face of all odds” days are long gone. Maybe I am just showing my age when I mention that I miss them. However, that original “crazy dream” has an amazing longevity and I sincerely hope that the new Castle doesn’t have the problem of becoming yesterday’s hot spot in the mind of it’s trendy new patrons. Of course the Castle does have the benefit of dues paying members who also hand out the guest cards that fill the club.

photo-2As a performer I was knocked out by the professional manner in which I was treated by the club, it has gone to great lengths to plan what you need and give it to you. A lot of this thoughtful and careful consideration is evident in the detailed and precise manner in which entertainment director Jack Goldfinger communicates with his performers. Not only is his written work “spot on” but he was there every night to make sure things went smoothly. Bravo Jack.

There was plenty of great magic going on in the various showrooms last week but due to the pressures of doing three shows a night I hardly got to see any of it. However I could tell by the overwhelming approval from members and guests alike that I was missing some treats. I am particularly sorry to have missed Danny Orleans and Jan Rose, who were blowing minds left and right with their two-person mindreading set in the Parlour.

I had the huge pleasure of working in the Peller with the great Jon Stetson presenting his dazzling comedy and mindreading show. Jon is the 10568984_10202672371835275_69917292300848467_nultimate pro and quite simply one of the finest performers on the contemporary scene. I added my, rather uncharacteristically serious, sleight of hand into the mix and we delivered an interesting and unusual 40-minute show for the tiny audience in the little jewel box showroom. The last time my old buddy Jon and I worked together was at the fabulous Mystery Lounge in Boston, and we turned the energy down a little in the Peller from that gig or we might well have caused the room to implode!

What would the Castle be without the chance to mix with some of your favorite magicians and it was a special delight to get to spend some quality time with Andrew Goldenhersh, Steve Mitchell and the legendary Piet Paulo. Each night the magic conversation and reminisces ran to 4.00 in the morning and left us wishing we had the ability to keep our eyes open longer!

It was a fun filled three days and I enjoyed it immensely. As a long term Magic Castle member I would be lying if I didn’t say there are things I miss from the “Good Old Days…” but in honesty most of the changes are for the better and it certainly does one a power of good to see magic presented so successfully to so many people. Viva La Castle…

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Nick and The Equalizer……

•August 27, 2014 • Leave a Comment
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I was really excited to receive a name check and reference to my Linking Finger Rings in the new book by Michael Sloan, “The Equalizer.”Michael created the character in the iconic TV series and his novel was just published to tie in with the release of the new motion picture starring Denzel Washington. It was a very great honor! Thank you Michael………The picture in this post is of me and Michael and Michaels beautiful wife Melissa Anderson.  You can download the book on iTunes or buy it at your favorite bookstore. It is a GREAT read.

“She looked at the Washington Square Arch, silhouetted against the night sky. Somehow she always found it comforting. Her gateway to her new life. There were two statues of George Washington in alcoves, one as a soldier, the other as America’s first president. She thought of a British comedy magician she’d once seen with her mother in a nightclub in Moscow. She remembered his name was Nick Lewin and he’d been very funny. He’d said of George Washington: “A British soldier, went AWOL, did very well for himself.” Her mother had had to explain to her that AWOL meant “Absent Without Leave,” and then had patiently explained what “Absent Without Leave” meant, as if she was still a child of eight. But that was all right. It was her mother’s gentle way. Natalya remembered the magician had taken a ring of hers, the one her mother had given her with the crest of a dragon on it, and he had linked her ring with one of his own. Amazing!”

Excerpt From: Sloan, Michael. “The Equalizer.” Thomas Dunne Books. iBooks.

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Patrick Murray and Matilda making their own kind of magic in Las Vegas!

•August 22, 2014 • Leave a Comment

matilda-and-partickI want to mention a new show that has just opened at the D Hotel in Las Vegas. I think it will be of considerable interest to performers visiting “Sin City.” The new production is called “Jamaican Me Laugh” and stars Patrick Murray, one of the finest ventriloquists that I have had the pleasure of working with. Patrick is the mega talented sidekick of Matilda—“Jamaica’s #1 Comedienne.”

Every now and then I take the opportunity to introduce my readers to variety acts that I feel will be of particular interest to our primarily magical subscribers. Patrick is a natural in this department as his skills as a ventriloquist and puppeteer deftly turn his show into a fascinating demonstration of theatrical illusion. Watching the misdirection and illusion involved in this show is truly a learning curve for most magical acts and could prove an invaluable lesson in stagecraft.

I always enjoy watching Patrick work because he seems so deeply involved in the nuts and bolts of his craft and yet makes it seem so effortless that Matilda-and-Patrickhe achieves a very special hyper reality. Rarely if ever will you see a performer pay such intense attention to his craft. In many ways Patrick is a highly traditional ventriloquist and would not have looked out of place stealing the bill on an old Ed Sullivan show in the fifties. When you see Matilda communicating with him, within seconds you dismiss any sense of the artificial and are totally caught up in their relationship.

Of course, it really helps that both Matilda and “Second City” trained Patrick are both incredibly funny. While many contemporary ventriloquists feel a need to bring out a succession of different one- joke characters and milk them for some obvious jokes, this is not the way Murray does business. Matilda and Patrick interact like a well-honed comedy team and their routine avoids many of the clichés that so often pop up in a show like this. This really is character-based comedy rather than merely novelty material and you will likely find yourself laughing so hard that you may not fully absorb his faultless technique.

“Jamaican Me Laugh” can be seen seven days a week at the D Hotel in downtown Las Vegas with a show time of 2.30 pm. If you want more details about ticketing then check out their website at http://tickets.thed.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=15&MV=8%2F19%2F2014&c or go to Patrick and Matilda’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/JaMakinmelaugh The show began an indefinite run this week and I strongly suspect it is there for the long haul. Catch the show early and avoid paying the larger ticket price that is bound to follow.

04cef5dWhile you are at the D Hotel catching Patrick’s show at 2.30 I strongly recommend that when it finishes you have a drink at the bar and then go right back into that same showroom and catch “Laughternoon Starring Adam London” immediately afterwards at 4.00 PM, ticket info for Laughternoon can be found on the Internet at http://tickets.thed.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=7

I have long been a fan of Adam and his show just gets better and better. This is a wonderful chance to catch two fine entertainers in an intimate setting without paying an arm and a leg for your tickets! Make sure you stop by and say hi to them after their shows, as you will have trouble finding two much nicer guys.

 

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Magic is all over the Airwaves….

•August 14, 2014 • Leave a Comment

Masters of IllusionI am interested to notice how much magic is popping up on the television in America these days: other variety arts are not seeing anything like as much airtime as the magical arts. It isn’t quite the kind of magic we were seeing on the airwaves a decade ago, but it is interesting to track the changes in what is being presented. It is also educational to spot the change in demographics that the networks are aiming for. Magic is now being aimed at a decidedly youthful, but not a kid’s audience: I like that.

The most traditional show on the air is the new season of “Masters of Illusion” on the CW Network. It is a very solid show that features a bunch of excellent magicians who have been brought into a studio and then let loose to film a couple of TV segments to be edited together for future episodes. These are nicely produced shows that will be airing for many years to come and delighting viewers. The intrinsically old fashioned approach of this series in no way handicaps is success or longevity.

The rest of the magic currently being seen on the television networks fits more readily inside the mantle of “reality programming,” and can be broken down into two basic models, talent contests and specialty programing. It is safe to say that the legacy of David Blaine and The Masked Magician has not been entirely lost on the studio executives when you look at this specialty programing. Currently we are not seeing any outright exposure of magic such as Valentino brought when Fox TV updated The Mystery Magician format, however we are seeing some decidedly updated takes on magic.

The highest profile magic slots are those being featured on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Unlike England, where fast paced and testosterone Fool-Us-Penn--Teller-with-007drenched illusions are ruling the roost in Britain’s Got Talent; the American spin of from the British show is currently discovering the joys of smaller magic. The “break-out” magicians on AGT this season are Tomas De le Cruz (AKA “Smoothini The Ghetto Houdini,”) David & Leeman and Mike Super. All are doing a nice job of representing quite different schools of magic. As previously noted none are presenting any mega-sized effects, very refreshing in my personal opinion. Will any of them win the big prize on AGT? I suspect not, but reputations will definitely be made and careers launched.

Penn & Teller can currently be seen on the CW Network in a re-run of their British series “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.” I am guessing that if the British series catches on with viewers there might well be an American version of the show. This would work better for me, I must have been away from England too long because I totally fail to “get” host Jonathan Ross—I know he is a giant in English television but to me his appeal is as big a mystery as Russell Brand.

JustinWillmanWatching Penn & Teller deconstruct a series of lesser magicians is a lot more entertaining than I first assumed it would be and it will be interesting to see whether the series crosses over to an American audience. The biggest rival to the success of P & T: Fool Us may prove to be the dynamic duo’s new “magical reality” series Wizard Wars debuts on August 19th on the Syfi Network. It sounds rather intriguing to watch teams of magicians creating magic illusions from random props.

Add Michael Carbonaro’s hit series The Carbonaro Effect, on truTV, into the mix and that is a lot of magic available for viewers. The Candid Camera meets Street Magic take on a magic show has proven to have a wide appeal to viewers. Soon to be appearing on the airwaves is a new variety series by the talented and likeable Justin Willman, which is sure to feature some magic. I have a hunch that this newly announced project might shape up very nicely and could prove to be a real ratings winner for the Cupcake Wars host.

Yikes, we seem to be entering an exciting new golden era of TV magic. We just need to be able to find all those cable channels that are offering these new shows! I guess that is what Tivo is all about…..

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Chairs and other gems from Bill Abbott Magic.

•August 7, 2014 • Leave a Comment

bill-abbott-about-sliderI was very impressed by a recent release from Bill Abbott Magic and I want to take this opportunity to give you a heads up about it. It is a beautifully prepared book/DVD that covers the classic ‘stunt’ where four spectators are seated on four chairs onstage, then lean backwards onto each other laps before the chairs are removed one at a time. The spectators remain in a ‘human sculpture onstage in the most amazing formation. The effect is very appropriately marketed under the name “Chairs,” although it is the spectators that always remain the prime focus to the audience.

If you have never seen the stunt performed then it is really tough to describe exactly how amazing it looks. In the “One picture/Thousand words spirit” I would suggest you click your way to Bill’s site www.billabbottmagic.com and watch his video trailer of “Chairs.” It is a really stunning piece of theatre, not only amazing but really funny at the same time. With nothing less than absolute honesty Bill points out that there may be no other way to practically guarantee a standing ovation without even traveling a single prop! With a pleasant economy of words Bill neatly sums it up, “Nothing packs smaller. Nothing plays bigger.”

The routine is one of Bill’s Pro packages and was developed, perfected and released by Steve Seguin. The cost of the routine is $100 dollars and I had a payment in Bill’s hands prior to the release of the trick. A few days later I received the book and DVD and can honestly say I was delighted with it. The routine is covered in the kind of detail and thoroughness that puts Abbott in the very top league of magic dealers. I will be performing this routine, which does leave a certain part of my brain wondering why I am promoting it here!

I have been very impressed by many of the releases from BAM (Bill Abbott Magic!) and I can honestly say he has become something of a guru for meScreen-Shot-2013-04-04-at-11.52.54-AM as I develop my own online magic business. The material he releases is practical, audience tested, commercial and perfect for any performer looking for top notch ‘put in the act’ ready material, The magic marketplace is filled with releases that are bright ideas that have never fully been developed into show ready routines. Avoiding this pitfall seems to have been a major part in Abbott’s game plan. Bravo, this is a website that magicians should explore very thoroughly.

The first routine that I received from Bill was his “”Shot & Stabbed effect and like many of my other trick was purchased for me by my wife Susan, who has a very fine eye for a strong magic effect. The basic effect reminded me a lot of Roy Johnson’s insanely overlooked card stab but with a wonderful extra punch. It was so appealing that I instantly ordered a second one—my standard proceedings with any effect that I actually plan on using.

Other gems that I discovered in Bill’s product list included “Smart-Ass,” “Celebrity Smart-Ass,” “The Sting” and “GPS” Chris Funk’s rather brilliant non-card handling of the Tossed Deck. While I am deeply entrenched in my own handling of the Gypsy Thread, I was also very impressed by the Peter Samelson version of this classic effect entitled “Heartstrings.” All of these are really fine releases and each could find a place in any commercial act very beneficially. The detailed instructions that are a constant feature of Abbott’s Pro Package line makes it an easy job to master the necessary subtleties and get the effect ready to perform smoothly with minimal time and fuss.

starbillI want to give a special shout out to “Cabaret Card Magic” a really neat $25 book that you might easily overlook on the web site with its bland title. Featured inside this oversized and highly compacted book is some great information, invaluable tips and techniques and three stone cold killer routines. There is pretty much an entire and very strong act included within its covers for the enterprising performer. With a deck of cards, and a couple of other items in your pocket it is possible to really entertain a contemporary audience with what you learn in “Cabaret Card Magic.”

This is the first time I have waxed lyrical about a magic line in any of my columns and I do it after some careful though. While cherry picking a trick or two from an online resource is certainly possible (though not always as easy as one would hope,) to find an entire magic line of commercial and well-produced items is an extremely rare and exciting find.

My first mentor was the great Ken Brooke who had the distinction of being a magic dealer who was so discriminate in his selection and handling of his magic releases that many of his clients just bought one of everything he released without needing to enquire what it was. Bill Abbott is striving for, and achieving, that same high-level consistency, and all of us performers get to reap the benefits of his actions.

Check out the product line at http://www.billabbottmagic.com and while you are there sign up for his blog—it has a wealth of great free advice in it. I have been a full time pro-magician for 45 plus years and I frequently find myself impressed by the insights I pick up from it.

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