My first memory of magic is on my fifth birthday, at the Magic Castle, on
stage with the one and only – Ireland’s Largest Leprechaun, Mister Billy
McComb. I believe he did the vanishing birdcage that day. He eventually got
me on stage as a volunteer and I was in heaven. I thought he was the bees
knees. And as I got older, he just got funnier and funnier. One of my
favorites ever. Rest in peace, Billy.
Other than your family, who were the first professional magicians you
remember seeing?
I was lucky enough to see the Siegfried and Roy show as a young kid,
and that show was truly mesmerizing, larger than life. It felt like being
in another world. I remember the electricity in the room. It was thrilling
and kinetic, and they were so graceful. They seemed to have walked onto
the stage from the clouds.
By what mechanisms did you begin learning magic?
I learned magic at Magic Camp as a kid (that’s right, folks!) in Idyllwild,
California. I also learned from dear family friends, and from books.
Liberty Larsen
Who inspires you that is not a magician?
Outside of
magic, I’m inspired by Joanna Newsom, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen (two
very special Canadians who almost dated!), Jesca Hoop, Martha Graham,
Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry, Peter Brook, Carmen Amaya, Kate Bush,
Harry Nilsson, Tom Waits, Remedios Varo, Robert Moss, on and on… I love
people who make worlds out of their dreams and stubbornly insist on living
inside them.
Who inspires you magically?
I’m inspired by Rob Zabrecky, Michael Carbonaro, Jared Kopf,
Voronin, The Swedish Monkey Opera, René Lavand (rest in peace) and many
other gems.
In addition to performing magic, we understand that you are also a
musician. Have you studied anything else magic-adjacent? How have these
studies informed your magic performance?
Though I can’t say I’ve officially studied art, film or photography, I’ve
definitely been influenced by my own rogue education in all of those realms.
Everything that inspires, everything that lights up the circuitry,
everything that gives goosebumps, can translate into magic, I think.
I
draw from music more than anything else, because I look to magic to create
strong feelings. I’m not really drawn to cerebral stuff, or puzzles, it’s
not how my mind is wired. I can appreciate them but they don’t motivate me
to get on stage.
On stage, I don’t want to be clever. I want to
feel connected to people When I’m in an audience, I want to feel like the
performer is cracking my heart open like a walnut, and melting me. So, I
look to music for how to do that, because that’s how I’m wired. So I often
sing, because it’s a quick cheat to shift things from intellect into
feeling. But even when I’m not singing, the same elements of music – rhythm
and pacing, tone and resonance, harmonics and dissonance, dynamics and flow
– all these things go into good theater, and satisfying magic.
What, if anything, makes you nervous about joining the Champions
family?
Giant theaters! Exciting, but not something I’m used to. I’ve
performed in a lot of very small, cabaret style venues. This is a whole
different ball of wax.
What are you most looking forward to about joining the Champions of
Magic family?
The adventure of it! I love the electrical current that’s running
through this project. It’s got a strong pulse. It seems like I’m hopping
on a train that’s changing platforms and going to a whole new dimension.
This is such a fantastic group of people, and it’s an ambitious risk we’re
all taking together, which is a truly exciting challenge.
If you could go back in time to study (magic or otherwise) under
anybody, who would you choose to be your mentor?
I think I would go back in time and study dance with Martha Graham. I devoured
her autobiography and am so inspired by the way she lived her life. She was a
genuinely magical person, and a profound teacher. I feel like what she taught
could translate beyond dance into just about anything. She taught people how
to be deeply in their bodies, truly themselves and radically open to their own
source of inspiration.
Liberty Larsen
If you could prevent other performers performing an effect forever, what
would it be?
I read a truly terrible “gag” in an antique magic book about having
your Thanksgiving turkey get up and walk off the table. It involved using a
real chicken, plucked, and doing some terrible things to force it to be
still, and painting it brown as if it was roasted. I would outlaw that
turkey trick, punishable by tarring and feathering.
If you could only perform one effect for the rest of your life, what
would it be?
I am not sure I could ever be up to that challenge. But if I could
shapeshift into a bird while singing, and land one someone’s shoulder,
maybe deliver a secret message that only they would understand and that
would inspire a huge gasp, it would be that.
What’s your go-to Karaoke song?
“Get it While You Can” by Janis Joplin. Not because of the lyrics,
necessarily, but because her emotional range is just so great to sing.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about
performing in Canada?
From the October 31st Instagram post by Young Hollywood, Liberty Larsen, and Fernando Velasco (one of her Champions of Magic co-stars) are interviewed about the Magic Castle:
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I just learned that, “The first reference to throwing rotten
vegetables at bad stage acts came in an 1883 New York Times article after
John Ritchie was hit with a barrage of tomatoes and rotten eggs by an
unpleasant audience in New York. A large tomato thrown from the gallery
struck him square between the eyes and he fell t the floor just as several
bad eggs dropped upon his head.” The more you know…!
Thank you Liberty, for making the time to answer our questions!
Join us at The Fredericton Playhouse for an incredible evening of magic and illusions with Ian Stewart, the World Record Magician!
Ian Stewart is a standout in the world of magic for his unique blend of flashy magic, mind-blowing mentalism, and non-stop comedy.
Not only that, but he also currently holds the world record as the world's fastest magician. His show is a combination of jaw-dropping stunts, incredible illusions, dangerous juggling, and a whole lot of fun! Get your tickets now for the best seat selection!
East Coast Canada !! Fredericton, Moncton, Halifax, St John... Comin at ya in September. I know its early but tickets are flyin, so get em now while the gettin's good. FYI - gifts of lobster or screech will get you backstage.
Sept 14 - Fredericton
Sept 15 - Moncton Sept 16 - Halifax Sept 17 - St John
- first memory of magic - inspirations - take on Canadian audiences - connection to Canadian magic - most memorable touring misadventure - pre-show rituals, and - mental health tips
Was there anyone or anything that was instrumental to you becoming a magician?
My journey into magic was influenced by a combination of different factors. I was captivated by magic shows, books, and DVDs that I came across during my childhood. However, it was my chance encounter with a card trick performed by a fellow student at university that truly sparked my interest in magic. From there, I delved into magic books and sought advice from experienced magicians who became mentors, helping me develop my skills and hone my craft.
What magic-adjacent disciplines have you studied?
I have studied several magic-adjacent disciplines, such as theater, voice, and acting. These experiences have greatly informed my stage performances by enhancing my stage presence, audience engagement, and storytelling abilities. As a result, I've been able to create a more well-rounded and captivating show for my audience.
What is your most important self-care practice while on tour?
My most important self-care practice while on tour is ensuring that I get enough rest. Traveling and performing can be physically and mentally demanding, so it's crucial to make sure I'm well-rested to maintain my energy levels and stay sharp. In addition, I also make sure to exercise regularly, eat healthily, and take time for relaxation and mindfulness.
Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting magic?
Of course, as with any creative pursuit, there have been times when I felt discouraged and considered quitting magic. But what encouraged me to continue was my passion for entertaining people and the desire to create unique magical experiences. Additionally, the support from my friends, family, and fellow magicians helped me overcome those moments of doubt.
What about your 2023 show would "2013 you" find unbelievable to imagine as your current reality?
If 2013 me were to look at my 2023 show, I think the most unbelievable aspect would be the scale and success of it all. Back then, I could never have imagined performing in front of such large audiences, collaborating with renowned magicians, and even having my own TV specials. The growth and evolution of both my act and character have been truly remarkable, and I am extremely grateful for how far I've come.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I'd like to share that Mr. Piffles, the World's Only Magic Performing Chihuahua™, has been an essential part of my act and a constant source of joy and inspiration. We've built a strong bond over the years, and his presence has undoubtedly contributed to our success. Mr. Piffles is not just a canine sidekick, but a true partner in crime, and I couldn't imagine performing without him.
Thank you Mr. Magic Dragon, for making the time to answer our questions!
Read A peek behind the curtain with Piff the Magic Dragon) where we learn about Piff's: - first memory of magic - inspirations - take on Canadian audiences - connection to Canadian magic - most memorable touring misadventure - pre-show rituals, and - mental health tips
The cat's out of the bag. 
