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World Magic Seminar’s Close-Up Show — Two Shine

Tonight, I went back to see both Tommy Wonder and Jon Armstrong at the World Magic Seminar. I was not officially allowed to see them ? I?m in group A so I should only watch on Group A nights. But I was willing to take the wrath of those in control just to see these two again.

A review? Sure, why not.

Maybe you are like me. Maybe not. Maybe you?ve read the hype about Tommy Wonder and wondered whether he was, as we say in the US, all that. Well, even if you?re not like me, I still felt the same way. You hear so much about him and his considerable accomplishments and you think, to yourself, how good can this guy be? He?s only human.

Last night, Monday, I got to see Mr. Wonder perform and I have to tell you he is worth the hype. He was incredible in both presentation ? sort of a self-effacing, humble style like Henry Evans ? and skill.

If you can talk the talk and do the walk, you?re doing well. Mr. Wonder is not only incredible but he is also much like Paul Daniels in that you could listen to him all-night.

His close-up work reminded me of the late Dai Vernon. His magic made sense and the props matched what he was trying to show. He wanted to tell us about how…
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January 13th, 2004 | Category: Magic Stories | Leave a comment

Marsha Brady and Slam Dunking: A Pre-Review of Viking Mfg’s New Effect

Viking Mfg’s Satyr.

When I was young I went to Disney World and saw the great audioanimtronics and I thought to myself, as all young boys must think, ?Wow, one day when I grow up, I?d love to hire one of those tech guys to make me one of those talking statues. I?d have it say really funny and nasty things. That would surely impress the girls.?

Now, I?m older and I realize I have no chance of impressing the girls, hiring an audioanimitronic engineer, slam-dunking a basketball, being elected a president of any country, marrying Marsha Brady, being the fifth Beatle, driving a NASCAR car through a shopping mall, appearing on Broadway in my one-man salute to Seamonkeysor mastering a center-deal.

Thanks to George Robinson, Jr., though, I do have a chance to own a statue that talks and does magic.

George has been working over a year to develop his Satyr. The effect sounds amazing and the concept is even more incredible. I won?t steal George?s thunder so I?ve included a link to his page where he describes the effect. It is not ready yet but it will be soon.

I think this would be a great piece to have on stage with you throughout your performance and use it intermittently. Leave it to Viking Manufacturing to do what I have always wanted.

George is trying to line up a date…
Continue reading Marsha Brady and Slam Dunking: A Pre-Review of Viking Mfg’s New Effect

January 13th, 2004 | Category: Magic News | Leave a comment