Inside Magic

David Ben

David Ben has success in his pursuit of performing entertaining magic without pretension. His approach, he tells the Star: “I want to restore the wonder and the mystery and the artistry of my chosen field,” says the 41-year-old Ben, “which is what I think Harry (Potter)is doing by going back and rediscovering the sources of magic in his world.”

David moved from the magic of Tax Law to the presentation of magic on stages and has been well-received at The Shaw Festival in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario and then in Toronto.

He points out that the show is new; with many new illusions including some not seen in 80 years.

There is a difference between David’s approach and to those of the southern neighbors. “A lot of magicians in the States,” he notes disapprovingly, “are now surrounding themselves with an aura of mysticism and trying to pretend they have special powers. They’re afraid to say `This is just an act.’ I’m not. I exult in the theatricality of it all.”

This appears to be a show not to miss. His prior performances of The Conjuror received fine reviews and the idea of his improvement on that show makes attendance almost mandatory.

He also has a great webiste at http://www.davidben.com/. I’ve added it to the Links of Fame. Very professional — just what you’d expect.

Continue reading David Ben: Canada’s Magician Keeps on Rolling

David Copperfield

David Copperfield, renown for his amazing effects and tour schedule, collapsed during his second show on Sundayat the Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton, Canada.

He was on stage with two volunteers from the audience when he announced that he was not feeling well. He walked behind the curtains and, according to show sources, collapsed or slumped into a chair. He was later able to sit up and was taken to a hospital for examination and blood tests.

The audience waited approximately 45 minutes — watching videos of his best illusions — before being told that he had been taken to the hospital.

Copperfield was released later in the evening. The Tour Manager told Canadian media that the magician had been up until 4:40 am that morning rehearsing illusions and that the tour had been very tiring.

Ironically, the Oregon Daily Emerald had reviewed his show and noted:

His magic was stunning, but his performance was half-hearted. Copperfield rushed his lines, mumbled, cracked weak jokes and tried to be hip when he is obviously not. The magician still had that charismatic grin, but there was no soul behind it; he looked like a man who has spent too much time jumping in and out of shiny boxes.

This was Copperfield’s second show on Sunday, the sixth of a seven-show, three-day run with one more scheduled performance for 8 p.m. Sunday. The later show on Sunday was cancelled.

Copperfield performs over 500 shows a year and rehearses the show between performances or after the last show of the evening.

Our thoughts and prayers are with David. We hope he is able to recover and return to the stage soon and with the necessary health and rest.

The Associated Press is reporting that David intends to resume his Canadian tour “barringany further complications.”

Further news reports can be found on CTV andthe Edmonton Journal.There was no press release or further information available on David’s website at: www.davidcopperfield.com

Continue reading Bulletin: Copperfield Collapses During Show – Taken to Hospital