Random thoughts about Piff the Magic Dragon in Niagara Falls

Catch Piff the Magic Dragon in Calgary Aug 8th & 9th.  Tickets at The Laugh Shop.

We're playing a little bit of catch-up at the blog.  These random thoughts are from the show we saw on Mother's Day weekend.  (Is there a better way to celebrate Mother's Day than going to see a magic dragon?)

Based on our previous travel experience to Niagara Falls, after consulting Google we added an hour to the longest estimated time in an attempt to get us to the theatre by 3pm.  Surely leaving at noon would give us a chance to wander around and take in The Falls prior to the show!

Wouldn't you know there were phantom traffic jams aplenty.  KOP and I rolled into town at 2:40pm, scrambled for parking, and made our way to the theatre.  Sadly there was no time to see The Falls.

Thankfully, we made it to the Avalon Theatre (at Fallsview Casino Resort) with a few minutes to spare! 

• This was our first experience at this venue.
• The box office staff and lobby staff were super friendly and helpful!
• It's a nice sized theatre with a capacity of about 1500.  
• The theatre website states "You are never more than 100 feet away [30.48 m] from an amazing performance by your favourite artist."
  

On with the show...

• The show is highly interactive.  (There were at least a dozen volunteers in addition to a whole audience game of HoT with a kicker ending!)
• Francis is a squire of many talents!  Including (but not limited to) playing the tin whistle, videography, rapping, dancing, and urm, choreography.
• Jade is just as charming and wonderful as you'd expect from listening to her on The Piff Pod back in the day, or seeing her on Piff's television appearances.
  
• We loved that Jade spent some time in the audience chatting up the littles while the adults were being told the rules for the HoT experience.
• As expected, Mr. Piffles was an absolute crowd favourite!  He is a very accommodating and adorable magic dog.
  
• As a companion to the expertly executed comedy magic, there was a significant amount of legit stand-up comedy.  Delivered in a way that only Piff can!  (As with a regular stand-up comedy show, don't sit up front if you don't want to be part of the show!)
• There was much amazement in the audience.  And laughter.  So much laughter!
• For us, the pièce de résistance was the sandwich effect Piff showcased on the 2024 AGT Fantasy League.  Complete with a callback to audience volunteer Princess Kat from earlier in the show.  
• In the stage show, Piff explained how certain AGT edits detracted from the entertainment value of the routine.
• He was right.  The effect was super strong live, in person, and without edits!
  
  
• After the show there was a Meet and Greet in the lobby with Jade, Mr. Piffles, and the magic dragon himself, Piff.  They were very friendly, signed autographs, and didn't rush.  (We were the last in line from our show, and even though we knew we were the last thing standing in the way from them being able to change / eat / relax, they were very friendly and sociable!)
  

 

Definitely the funniest and most magical dragon you'll ever see!

Catch Piff the Magic Dragon in Calgary Aug 8th & 9th.  Tickets at The Laugh Shop. 

When he's not on tour, you can see Piff in Las Vegas at the Flamingo!

 

Disclosure:  KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

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Random thoughts about Gerry Frenette's lecture and his memoir "My Life as a Magic Maker"

Last Thursday, IBM Ring 17 (the Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) was treated to a lecture about the Psychology of Magic by club member Gerry Frenette!

As you may be aware Gerry:

• has been building magic props and illusions through his company Magic Makers Illusions since 1985,
• previously released a series of DVDs, Building Your Own Illusions, The Complete Video Course, parts one and two,
• recently released his memoir "My Life as a Magic Maker" at Amazon (more on that at the end of the post).* 

 

  From the back cover:  

Magic Makers Gerry and Leonora Frenette travelled internationally as headline entertainers, performing their original illusions for major cruise lines, magicians' conventions, corporate events, and at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Gerry also designed and built stage apparatus for magicians worldwide. His creations have appeared on numerous TV shows including the Gemini Awards, America's Got Talent, Britain's Got Talent, and touring shows like The Champions of Magic, and more.

We made the trek to the club on a cold January night, learned a lot, and had a really good time!  

 

In his lecture, Gerry:

• demonstrated how assumptions are a powerful tool to use and can sometimes be stronger than "proving" (proving can ruin the psychology of assumption)
  
• showed many of the assumptions that can be involved when using a Vortex tube
• did some magic with his assistant Gwendolyn the Psychic Chicken and showed us something that once fooled Jeff McBride
• got knotty with a piece of rope
• ran though some thoughts about using a card box
• did a beautiful Coins Across for young volunteer Andrew
• talked about illusion design and worked through examples of how to make an illusion look smaller than it is (showing examples with boxes, illusion bases, and mirror frames)
• discussed the importance of looking at things from the perspective of the audience
• showcased his poker skills against David S, Rob F, and two other volunteers (and teased a story from his book which describes how he almost lost big with this "always winning" poker routine),
• shared some interesting sub trunk stories
• highlighted more psychological sleights while performing his Chop Cup routine and Slydini Paper Balls for volunteer Nicole (and as a bonus tipped another story from the book, where he stayed in the moment with a drunk audience volunteer and performed an effect powerful enough to be considered a reputation maker!), and
• talked about his recently released memoir "My Life as a Magic Maker" at Amazon!
  
  This book starts from his childhood in Amherst, Nova Scotia and is chock full of entertaining stories from Gerry's magic journey, including: early days of illusion building, working with Dean Gunnarson, CRA audits, being suspected of money laundering, thoughts on copycats & exposure, career highlights, a plethora of photos from the past, and more!
  
  (No magic secrets are revealed in this book.  It is intended for magicians and non-magicians alike!)
  

 

It was an entertaining and informative night!  Thank you very much Gerry!

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* What people are saying about "My Life as a Magic Maker" ...

 

From the January 7th Facebook post by Matt DiSero:

 

 

From the January 7th Facebook post by Blair Marshall:

"Gerry Frenette  has put together a fun read with lots of photos of "the big stuff" ( no secrets though lol) and it's available through Amazon. 🙂"

 

Customer reviews from Amazon:

MScott - 5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating & fun to read!
Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
Couldn’t put it down. As a lay person, I felt I stepped into the author’s entertaining world of magical illusions. Buy it & be amazed!

 

Raman Sharma - 5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Books I have read in a long time!
Reviewed in Canada on December 29, 2023
It did not take me long to realize that this book is not just for Magician's. The author does a great job in making the reader live through his experiences. I definitely feel more inspired after having read this book, and will definitely be recommending it to my friends.

 

Paul - 5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in Canada on January 4, 2024
Interesting and fascinating to read all the way through!

 

 

  From the author:  

"I've spent the last 40 years making magic on stage and in my workshop. All kinds of interesting, amusing, amazing, and downright hilarious things have happened. This recollection of colorful anecdotes and photographs is not only for magicians but for anybody who enjoys a captivating and inspiring story. It looks inside a unique career that started in a small Canadian town and grew to international recognition."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of "My Life as a Magic Maker." The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Random thoughts about "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories"

Last Saturday, Jeff Pinsky hosted "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories" at The Browser's Den of Magic.

It was a lovely way to spend an evening!

We heard stories from: 

• Mike Segal
• Greg Hobor
• Richard Lyn
• Nicole Lee
  
• Dick Joiner
• Mike King
  
• David Sutherland
• Gordon Precious -- who, as an added bonus performed 2 effects for us!
• Colin Geddes
• David Peck
• Jeff Hinchliffe,
• Sammy Jakubowicz, and
• our host Jeff Pinsky
  

Stories told included Magic Masters, Daytona Magic, Macy's, The Arcade, The Den (on Bloor across from Varsity Arena, above Yuk Yuk's, Bathurst and Eglinton, and now!), Morrissey's (Montreal and Toronto) and even Marie & Jack Hughes living room in London, England!  They also included names like Sophie Smith, Len & Bernice Cooper, Herb & Dan Morrissey, Henry Gordon, Jay Sankey, Gary Kurtz, David Ben, Mark Lewis, David Mitchell, Danny Tsukalis, Steve Martin, Jim Carey, Keanu Reeves, and more!

 

Did you know that:

• Bernice Cooper often baby sat a Toronto magician's son at the store?
• Dick Joiner first saw Mark Lewis in England?
• David Copperfield once ended his grand illusion show in Toronto with "What's Next?" 
• Keanu Reeves used to hang out at The Browser's Den of Magic?
• There used to be a Canadian 25 cent bill!
  

 

Thank you older Jeff, for conceiving and hosting this wonderful evening of sharing!

From the January 14th Facebook post by Greg Hobor at The Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

 

 

 

 

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Random thoughts about "Champions of Magic" 2023

Catch Champions of Magic in Toronto, until December 31st.  Tickets at Ticketmaster.  

  Additional Canadian dates:  

• Lethbridge, Enmax Centre  [Mar 16]
• Regina, Conexus Arts Centre  [Mar 17] 
• Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall  [Mar 18]
  
• Saskatoon, TCU Place  [Mar 19]
• Lloydminster, Vic Juba Theatre [Mar 20]  ** recently added **
  
• Edmonton, Festival Place  [Mar 22 - Apr 6]   
• Prince George, CN Centre  [Apr 7] 
• Vancouver, Great Canadian Casino [Apr 8]   ** recently added **

Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.

 

Yesterday afternoon, KOP and I made the trek to Toronto's Meridian Hall.  

• The last time we were at Meridian Hall it was called the Sony Centre and it was to see Darcy Oake's show "Edge of Reality" in 2015.  (Although we're still likely to refer to it as the O'Keefe Centre or possibly even the Hummingbird Centre.)
  
• All of the theatre staff were super helpful, professional, and generally fabulous! 
• While not mandatory, a good number of the patrons and ushers were masked.
  
• The show is about an hour for the first half, with a 16 minute intermission, and about an hour in the second half.
• As always with this show I am genuinely afraid of posting spoilers.  The less you know going in, the more you'll enjoy it.

 

 

On with the show...

Note to parents of young children:  The music can be very loud at times throughout the show.  There's also a smoke machine involved.  Forewarned is forearmed.

There's a videographer on hand to capture close-up miracles and project them nice and big on a screen so everyone can see!

(In yesterday's show, there were three screens in play.  One on the main stage and one each to the left and right of the stage.)

 

 

Regular readers of the blog have probably guessed that this would be our summary of the show:

So. Much. Fun!

• The audience arrived ready for a fun time.  There were plenty of children in the audience and some families came in from as far as Bomanville to catch the show!  They were rooting for the performers from the get-go and the cast had the crowd eating out of their hands by the end of the show!
   
• It felt like there was an exponential increase in production values for this run, in comparison to the shows we've seen previously.  There were more lights, the lights did fancier things, and there were additions to the sound track that really enhanced the visuals.  (And for those in the know, yes, the fun extra bits are still there too.)
  
  
• There was a unexpected change in cast.  We were crushed when we learned that Alex McAleer was unable to do the show.  We were really looking forward to getting another look at his beautifully constructed homage to Keller that we first saw in Kitchener last year. 
   
  
• Stepping in for McAleer was Kent Axell.  This was our first time seeing Axell and we were very impressed!
  
  
• Hollie England, Kent Axell, Fernando Velasco, Richard Young and Sam Strange all do what they do very well! 
  
  

If memory serves, there are no standard card tricks in the show!

• This show is very different from the one presented in Oshawa in 2019, and significantly different than the one mounted in Toronto in 2018.  Much of the content is similar to the 2022 show we saw in Kitchener, with the added bonus that with every passing year, the cast are more authentic and the show feels more organic.  Which translates to a demonstrable increase in entertainment value!
   
  
• There are several whole cast moments, which make the show less of a patchwork piece and more of a thoughtfully woven production.
  
  
• There's LOTS audience participation with both children and adults!  By our count, 16 volunteers were involved.
  
  
• The show is absolutely visually stunning!
  
  

Whether you're new to magic or are a professional magician, there's something for everyone!

• Axell demonstrated some baffling mentalism and his 9 year old volunteer James was an absolute star!
  
  
• England showcased a strong skill set and talent that is intensely theatrical!  She really brought the heat (through fire!) in her set and I'll never look at a cup of tea the same way again.
   
  
• For those who have seen the show already, not to worry!  The cornerstone crowd-pleasers are still in the show, tweaked and refined!
  
  
• Aerialist Michelle Mazzarella amazed and dazzled from above.
  
  
• Velasco succeeded in breathtaking, heart-stopping escapes and then some.  Even though I've seen him do many of these things before, everything he does makes me nervous!
  
  
• Young and Strange have carefully pruned their wonderful grand illusions and introduced some new things in their place.  Even after having seen them perform a similar set thrice before, Young and Strange are remarkably entertaining to watch.  One can't help but get caught up in the fun they are having on stage!  Their collaborative piece with Velasco  has a very strong audience reaction.  As a bonus, they were able to stage a couple of effects we'd read about on social media but had never seen them perform live.  It was well worth the wait to see it live on stage!
  

While excellent magic is at the core of this experience, it's clear that the focus is providing a fabulously entertaining evening.

They definitely hit their mark!

• This was the fourth time seeing the show in the last 5 years and we were thoroughly entertained!  There are so many moments of joyous laughter, and periods of being completely enthralled in the spectacle.
  
  
• It is clear that the acts and the scripts are a work in progress and continue to be thoughtfully curated, updated, and revised.  It gets better every time!
    

We highly recommend it!
(Even if you've seen it before.)

 

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Disclosure:  KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.

With thanks to Starvox Entertainment for the tickets.

 

 

  Champions of Magic  

Champions of Magic is touring across Canada in 2023 - 2024:

• Toronto, Ticketmaster  [Dec 27 - 31] 
• Lethbridge, Enmax Centre  [Mar 16]
• Regina, Conexus Arts Centre  [Mar 17] 
• Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall  [Mar 18]
  
• Saskatoon, TCU Place  [Mar 19]
  
• Edmonton, Festival Place  [Mar 22 - Apr 6]   
• Prince George, CN Centre  [Apr 7] 
• Vancouver, Great Canadian Casino [Apr 8]

Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.

 

Read our 2023 interviews with:

• Alex McAleer
• Michelle Mazzarella
• Hollie England 
• Sam Strange 
  
• Fernando Velasco   
  

 
Learn more about Champions of Magic at ChampionsOfMagic.co.uk and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

 

Random thoughts about "An Evening of Magic and Laughter"

Last Friday, KOP and I ventured to Brampton to see An Evening of Magic and Laughter with Matt DiSero, headliner Steve Valentine, and emcee Evan Carter.  I'd seen adverts these three a number of times.  I know that Matt and Steve are guaranteed to entertain, and I'd heard excellent things about Evan Carter.   

 

TLDR:  A show bursting with magic and laughter!

 

 

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Here are some random thoughts about the show:

Also at the show (in no particular order):
- Glenn Ottaway
- Richard Forget
- David Merry
- Ray Anderson
- Artemus Syman 
- Ian Batterbury, and
- Gord Gardiner!

• The Rose Theatre in Brampton is a beautiful cozy theatre where almost all of the seats have a fantastic view of the stage.  I hope to get back to see more shows here. 
   
  
• Evan Carter lives up to his reputation.  He made hilarious observations about everyday life and was family friendly.  He quickly and expertly won over the audience. 
    
• Matt DiSero took the stage and did not disappoint! 
   
  
• Matt leaned into playing in his hometown and the audience loved it! 
    
• His years of experience and lessons learned on the road shone through and in spite of the fact that Hartnell wasn't behaving, we saw Matt at his best.
  
  
• The highlight of Matt's act was his selection of volunteer Camilla.  This five year old had just the right ratio of adorableness, impulsiveness, and respect for authority.  It was a delight to watch Matt guide her through the piece and let her shine like a star!
  
  

From the October 29th Instagram post by Matt DiSero, Camilla and Matt:

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• A brief intermission followed.
   
  
• Steve Valentine took the stage by storm and never looked back!
  
  
• The hand may be quicker than they eye, but Steve produces magic effects faster than my brain can absorb them!
   
  
• There was some difficulty with the tech and there was no AV for his show.  Those familiar with Steve's show, know that there are a ridiculous number of AV cues with multimedia woven throughout his set.  IT DIDN'T MATTER.  Steve ran through his show, improvising AV at times to great comedic effect, and no one was the wiser.
  
  
• Things were thrown, things were produced, things vanished, and the laws of physics were stood on their ear.
  
  
• Much of Steve's show was similar to the show he presented at Jokers, with minor tweaks and polishes. 
  
  
• There were also brilliant additions (to already strong pieces) that were absolutely amazing and well received.  (Who wouldn't want to leave the show with a box of kisses from Steve?)
   
  
• It was interesting for me, to see his show play in a theatre after seeing it first in a comedy club.  It was just as fabulous in the theatre as it was in a more intimate setting.  Steve masterfully delivers in any venue size.
  

• As I've said before, it is obvious to the casual observer that Steve takes his role as entertainer seriously.  It is equally obvious that he doesn't take himself seriously, which always endears him to the audience.

 

All in all it was a wonderful evening of entertainment by highly seasoned performers giving us their very best!

 

Thank you gentlemen, for sharing with us the gift of your talent!

 

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Random thoughts about "Young and Strange Delusionists" 2023

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Delusionists on their Canadian premiere! 

The last chance to catch Young and Strange Delusionists in Canada this year is in Windsor tonight, October 15th.

 

 

  Read our interview with Y & S where we learn:   

• their origin story
• their strengths
• why the double act
• similarities and differences with Champions of Magic
• about back pain
• who makes the soundtrack choices
• their go-to karaoke songs
• how they earned the sometimes used moniker, "the bickering illusionists"

 

On Friday Kidlet and I made the trek to Barrie's Georgian Theatre.

• This was our first time in this cozy theatre.
• The box office and theatre staff were super friendly and helpful.
• As with the Champions of Magic show, I am genuinely afraid of posting spoilers.  The less you know going in, the more you'll enjoy it. 

 

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On with the show...

Note to parents of young children:  The music can be very loud at times throughout the show.  There's also a smoke machine involved.  Forewarned is forearmed.

There's a videographer on hand to capture close-up miracles and project them nice and big on a screen so everyone can see!

 

Regular readers of the blog have probably guessed that this would be our summary of the show:

So. Much. Fun!

 

• The show includes a majority of their well polished, finely tuned pieces from Champions of Magic, performed with the same high energy and enthusiasm we've come to expect from the duo.
• The full show format provides an opportunity for each performer to share their individual strengths and personality. 
  
• It is a highly interactive show.  By our count at least 22 volunteers were selected from the audience.
  
• Both Young and Strange have well-honed close-up skills.
• Strange does beautiful card manipulation. He also did some very bold sleight of hand in the palm of a spectator.
  
• Young made many new Canadian friends performing close-up magic in the audience.  On more than one occasion he elicited very visceral responses from the spectators (myself included).
  
• A wide variety of magical effects were demonstrated that included:  citrus arts & crafts, smart phones, kidney beans, a smattering of mentalism, bills, watches, ribbon, coins, and of course, cards!
• Aerialist Michelle Mazzarella dazzled.
• It's always a treat to see Young and Strange perform Gerry Frenette's original illusion. 
  (As an added bonus, Gerry and Leonora were also in the audience and we were able to visit with them too!) 
• The audience ATE. IT. ALL. UP.  They were very much engaged throughout the show.  Kids and adults.  Especially the finale!
• After the final blackout at the curtain call, you could hear a chorus of audience members shouting for "one more!" for quite some time!  

 

It is very clear that while they take their magic seriously, Young and Strange don't take themselves too seriously.

This makes for a delightfully fun show!

 

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If you're not able to catch Young and Strange Delusionists this year, you may be able to see them as part of the Champions of Magic ensemble touring in 2023 - 2024.  Check the Champions of Magic website for current tour information.  [At this time, Canadian dates include Toronto (Dec 27 - 29), Regina (Mar 17), and Edmonton (Mar 22 - Apr 6).]

 

 

 

Disclosure:  Kidlet and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.