A magician is a person who does things which can't be done. A magician does the impossible. At least, they appear to be impossible when he or she does them. A mystery.
Want to know two magic secrets? No, I won't tell how any magic works. (No one who loves the Art as I do will ever expose an effect.) Instead, here are two real secrets of magic.
Secret Number One: Some magic is very hard to do, some is simple, and audiences can't tell the difference. I perform both kinds of magic. That's really why magicians won't tell, by the way.
If I show you something that's easy, and then explain how I do it, you'll think, "Oh, anyone can do that." You may miss the fact that what I'm about to show you is really special.
Secret Number Two: Magic tricks are not important. "WHAT? Say that again!"
Magic tricks are not important. Sure, I want to mystify you. I've already told you that's what magic is all about. But tricks without carefully crafted reasons to do them are merely puzzles. Puzzles don't engage and involve people. Magic does.
There are thousands of different tricks. I prefer to call them "effects" for what seems to be going on. And, after all, no one really wants to be "tricked," but rather to be entertained, to have fun.
I have written more than 400 reviews of effects, books, videos and DVDs for an international magicians society. Only four effects have earned their place in my routines. Why so few? Because their premises enable me to inject the essential ingredient, not only wonder, but "Wow!"
My magic has . . . "WOW!"
It’s so entertaining because I make it personal to me, with amusing stories which everyone can relate to.
For instance, I may introduce you to my goofy uncle and demonstrate one of his failed inventions. The tale ends with a big magical surprise.
Or perhaps you'll see a three-card monte game on my trip to Las Vegas. You might hear about the "Case of the Missing Top Hat," in which The Great Sleevo solves the mystery at my London magic club, just as two Scotland Yard officers arrive.
"Do you spend your money too easily?" I can explain my strategy to fix that problem (sorry, it doesn’t work). Want to know how I became interested in magic? It happened when I encountered a charlatan at a carnival when I was a child.
"Some of the things I tell you are true, some I made up, and I will leave it up to you to decide which is which!"
What will you and your guests think about my Miracles by Appointment magic shows?
Most likely what other clients have written:
"Enthralling," "fresh and fun," "engaging," "mind-boggling," "charming," "mesmerizing," " a delight," "unforgettable."