[Guest post] Houdini in Vancouver: part 1

Updated February 28th, 2023 to add:

• Welcome to readers of Michelle Gomez and Andrew Kurjata's article "Houdini's daring Vancouver escape was 100 years ago this week"  published today on the CBC website.  We hope you enjoy this fantastic series of guest posts.
  

 

Updated February 25th to add:

• Welcome to members of the Genii forums and readers of Wild About Harry!  We hope you enjoy this series of guest posts as much as we did!

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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February 25th, 1923 (Sunday)  

Houdini to Perform in Vancouver
Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic.


Houdini was coming to Vancouver!

Hard to imagine the excitement such news would have generated on the narrow streets of Canada's "third city", Vancouver, British Columbia, back in February of 1923 or some 94 years ago today.

Houdini was then one of the world's most famous entertainers. He had never been to Vancouver before. In an era long long before the internet, before television, with radio in its infancy and silence being the only sound coming from film, vaudeville was still attracting the masses. It may well have been on its "last legs" although its audiences would never have suspected it with a major headliner like Houdini coming at long last to entertain them.

It was still news worthy of reporting.

The first published references extant about Houdini's first (and only) upcoming appearance in Vancouver appears in The Vancouver Sun on this date.

A two column wide by five inch paid advertisement by Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre on an inside page announces, "Attractions Coming. Wednesday Evening. February 28th. Four nights and three matinees. First Appearance Here of 'The Genius of Escape' Houdini (In Person) - Who Will Startle and Amaze."

Found in the Vancouver Public Library's microfiche of the February 25, 1923 edition of The Vancouver Sun.

I would posit that the "In Person" line was to distinguish his live appearance from any filmed appearances or that of any imitators.

A list of accompanying support acts (there are a half dozen or so appearing on the same vaudeville bill) includes a young comedian Jack Benny ("Wit, Music and Patter"). Prices noted: "Matinees: Thursday, Friday, 15 cents to 40 [?] cents. Saturday 15 cents to 55 cents. Nights 25 cents to $1.00."

A similar ad would run every day for the duration of Houdini's three day, four night Orpheum Theatre visit.

The Orpheum Theatre featuring Houdini's appearance in 1923 was an earlier incarnation of same; it is not the structure named the Orpheum Theatre still standing elsewhere today (which was constructed much later in 1927). Houdini's Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver is long gone. It was located where what is now the downtown's Pacific Centre Mall.

A two column wide by six inches photo of Houdini (entitled "Wizard of All Wizards Defies Strongest Shackles") dominates an inside page.

An eight inch deep column accompanying it is headlined "Houdini, Genius, Tops at Orpheum. Noted Master of Escape Will Make Appearance Here Next Wednesday."

It begins:

"Houdini, the marvellous, will make his first big vaudeville appearance in Vancouver next week. Houdini, known as the "Genius of Escape", will thrill and mystify Orpheum audiences beginning next Wednesday."

The article goes on to lavishly praise Houdini by reminding its readers of his numerous accomplishments in the entertainment field. One must wonder how much copy was generated by Houdini's own advance publicity machinery and how much was originated locally, designed to whip up newspaper and theatre ticket sales? 

Houdini was a master of obtaining free publicity for his shows. His antics sold newspapers and they in turn sold theatre tickets. What newspaper would therefore not love him? Especially as the theatre he was to appear in was a major advertiser. And so The Sun was either chosen - or had decided for itself - to become the primary vehicle for promoting and thereby documenting Houdini's once in a lifetime appearance.

This initial article reveals a couple significant facts once we get past the enthusiastic hyperbole.

First, it refers to Houdini's "return to vaudeville". Had Houdini returned happily or reluctantly to headlining such a show? We get no clues. We do know as he matured that he had attempted to master a new, less arduous performance methodology: the capturing of his incredible escape abilities via the brand new medium of silent film. It had not been the overwhelming success for which he had hoped.

Says The Sun:

"It was believed the motion pictures - which showed Houdini thrills, eclipsing anything ever portrayed via the innumerable possibilities of the camera - would reach the acme of his supernatural ability; but he himself says not."

So even Houdini acknowledged that silent film to that date for whatever reason had failed to capture the essence of his charismatic style. And if you've ever seen any of his films you'd know he was understating it. Houdini on film just didn't live up to his potential. His acting was somewhat wooden. He had too much competition on the silver screen to ever become its primary star. So what could Houdini do to make his return to the live vaudeville circuit a memorable triumph? Why, do what he always did best, of course. And that was to come up with a spanking new live performance of a "genuine novelty."

Says The Sun:

"[Houdini] says his latest sensation, liberating himself after being locked in a water torture cell, which he does in full view of the audience, is the most difficult feat he has ever accomplished in his varied and strenuous career."

Houdini comes through yet again! Who could resist seeing him escape something called a "water torture cell?"

Curious that they used the expression "supernatural" when referencing his abilities given his latter day fight against those claiming fraudulent "supernatural" abilities. I will assume in this instance that the writer was just using it as a contemporary superlative and wasn't implying any abilities to communicate with the dead!

Of historical interest, the article then goes on to describe the acts supporting Houdini's "return to vaudeville" which includes a reference to a young comedian named Jack Benny - who "will offer a few moments on his violin. He plays a little, gags a great deal and keeps the audience thoroughly amused."

Found in the Vancouver Public Library's microfiche of the February 25, 1923 edition of The Vancouver Sun.

TOMORROW: "Houdini Accepts A Unique Challenge."

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Researched by The Magic Demon exclusively for Canada's Magic. With thanks to the Vancouver Public Library and The Vancouver Sun.


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Thank you to The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

Surrey fire destroys Mandrake the Magician's former house

With thanks to The Magic Demon for sending this news along.

From the CBC:

A Surrey, B.C. home that was destroyed by fire was the former home of Leon Mandrake or 'Mandrake the Magician,' a local performer known around the world for his magic, illusions and stunts.

Leon Mandrake, or "Mandrake the Magician", was a famous entertainer in the vaudeville-era and beyond. He died in Surrey, B.C. in 1993. (CBC Archives)

Mandrake owned the house on the corner of Grosvenor Road and Kindersley Drive before his death in 1993.

Surrey city council considered giving heritage status to the old home — an idea first brought before council in 2008, according to city documents.

Read more.

From the Vancouver Sun:

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The roof collapsed and the extent of the damage will probably challenge inspectors, Woznikoski said.

The one-storey house once belonged to Leon Giglio, better known as Leon Mandrake and then Mandrake the Magician for his feats of hypnotism, mind reading and escapes.

Read more.

[Guest post] "Unbelievable" Review

A reminder that the show runs at the PNE August 20 – September 5, 2016 (Closed Monday August 22 and 29).

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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"Unbelievable: A magical experience"


A ninety minute large scale magical extravaganza, nightly at 7:30 pm, free with admission to the PNE, Vancouver.

In a word, "Wow".

This is big time illusion-based magic at its best.

Playing to capacity crowds, "Unbelievable" combines fast paced magic with modern rock concert visuals and music to create a memorable evening's entertainment well worth the cost of admission to the PNE.

I loved that they began with pre-show screenings of some of the greats from the past - Sorcar, Cardini, etc - all in glorious b&w - while the audience filed in.

How to review such an awesome celebration of magic and illusion? I can't. It was just too much to absorb. But here are a few thoughts I somehow managed to jot down:

• American Matt Marcy's understated humour and impressive close up magic (seen on the big screen) should earn him an honorary Canadian citizenship.
   
• Marty Putz - undoubtably the hardest working funny man in all of showbusiness. And the most beloved by children of all ages.
   
• Juliana Chen's performance - sheer visual poetry. Beautiful, enchanting, mysterious. This is Art.
   
• Scott Pepper - definitely the contemporary reincarnation of Houdini's daredevil anything-can-happen spirit.
   
• Murray Hatfield and Teresa - the most accomplished, most polished, most energetic all around magical performers.
  
  
  
  

If you are anywhere near Vancouver this summer run (do not walk) to the PNE and catch "Unbelievable" before it disappears forever as the PNE ends for another summer.

The Magic Demon


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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

[Guest post] "Can A Magician Be Too Skillful?"

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon. 

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"Can A Magician Be Too Skillful?" A fan of magic blogs about it

One of my favourite non-magic bloggers has just written an interesting post about magic.

You may agree or disagree with him but he always writes about chosen subjects with wit, insight and a heavy dose of humanity.

Why mention him here? Well, here's a born-and-raised Torontonian (although he's lived and worked in LA for many decades). Guess we can still claim him as one of ours even if he has U.S. papers. He wrote/produced some great comedy television shows (although he is now long retired) - many of which you might remember. And his thoughts on magic (from the POV of a non-magician) are worthy of reflection by all of us.

His question: Can a magician be too skillful?

To read more, check out the always thoughtful blog of Earl Pomerantz and read his post of Monday, August 8th, 2016. You'll find it here:

http://earlpomerantz.blogspot.ca/2016/08/beyond-magic.html

And who knows? Maybe like me you'll find his blog a very pleasant daily must-read habit. Even when he's not writing about magic.

The Magic Demon

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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

[Guest post] West Coast magic goes "supernatural"

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon. 

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Attention fans of magic in the lower mainland surrounding Vancouver, BC!

Camilo The Magician presents his "Supernatural Magic" show for four performances in February 2016. 

Show dates are: Friday February 19th and Saturday February 20th; and Friday February 26th and Saturday February 27th. 

Show times: 8 pm. Ticket cost: $30 CDN.

Location: The Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street in Vancouver.

Tickets can be purchased online, here:

https://ticketstonight.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=3163

Bogata-born, Victoria BC-resident Camilo Dominguez, better known these days as Camilo the Magician, has been actively pursuing magic and the performing arts since his teens. 

This year, his 8th season of unusual magic performances, Camilo returns to Vancouver with a brand new show, "Supernatural Magic", which will feature his renown sleight of hand as well as original illusions all performed with his trademark sense of humour.

The Vancity Buzz staff interviewed him last year, in advance of his 2015 show. You can find that interview here:

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/04/camilo-the-magician-vancouver-misterio-show/

Camilo's website is www.camilothemagician.com.

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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

[Guest post] Vancouver: Heart of the City Festival

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon. 

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There's magic at the upcoming 12th annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival (Oct 28-Nov 8) in Vancouver, BC.

Website: www.heartofthecityfestival.com

The witty Merlin the Magician will "offer hilarious comedy and amazing magic" at the Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre, 920 East Hastings on Friday, October 30th between 4:15pm and 5pm.

This is a free show designed especially for young audiences and families.

According to the festival's program guide, "A magician of many year's standing, Merlin brings fun and fantasy, comedy and delight to his magic".

Also at this year's festival, Downtown Eastside regular Swallow Zhou will "twist wonderful balloon creations" as a special treat new this year at the festival.

Swallow will twice bring her "joyful enthusiasm" and awesome balloon creations to the festival on Friday, October 30th. First, at 3:30pm at the Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre (920 East Hastings) and then at 4:30pm at the EWMA Studios, 800 East Hastings.

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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

[Guest post] Kreskin at the CNE

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.  Photos taken during Kreskin's second show at the CNE on Friday, August 15th, 2014.

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Kreskin loves Canada. And Canada loves Kreskin. He said he thinks of Canada as his second home. Many Canadians even think of him as one of us. No wonder, we've long been enthralled by his charismatic performances, most memorably those also seen throughout the world during his famous 1970s television series taped in Ottawa and Toronto.

Kreskin's twice daily performances at this year's CNE in Toronto is like attending a master class in audience management. With nothing more than his easily recognized voice and considerable stage presence, Kreskin presents a remarkable demonstration of the "powers of suggestion". He says it is definitely not any kind of hypnosis (which he asserts does not exist anyway). Whatever it is, he held the entire audience (both onstage and offstage) spellbound with his supreme confidence and showmanship honed over a lifetime of such performances.

Here Kreskin's "powers of suggestion" render onstage audience members unable to voluntarily control the movement of their own hands and fingers, much to the amusement of the rest of the audience.

During the show Kreskin stopped to chat with this onstage audience member who, under Kreskin's influence, appeared to be unable to remember his own name.

Here Kreskin's influence causes an onstage audience member to believe the woman beside him has eleven fingers, which he repeatedly miscounted, much to his growing bewilderment.

Kreskin concluded his entertaining performance with an homage to Dunninger: "For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't [believe], none will be good enough". Kreskin's shows follow in the tradition of Dunninger's who originated the disclaimer.

Anyone within traveling distance of the CNE should see Kreskin this summer. His act may be old school but he still knocks it out of the park each and every time. At nearly 80 he is an inspiration. Dare I say "amazing"? There is so much to learn from watching him. He's well worth the price of admission.

Also at this year's CNE in Toronto, ventriloquist Michael Harrison presents two shows daily. His laughter-filled act is clever and fast paced and a total audience pleaser.

Here Michael does the talking for both his dummy and also for an audience member in a climax to his act that left his delighted audience wishing for more.

Photo taken during Michael's second CNE show on Friday, August 15th, 2014.

If you plan to attend this summer's CNE in Toronto you should be sure to check out the "Browser's Den of Magic" booth in the Hobby Building. Although primarily designed to create interest among newbies, there's some extra good deals on offer that should be of interest to all.

Here Browser's Den of Magic associate Ahmed entertains an enchanted young fan.

Photo taken at the CNE on Friday, August 15th, 2014.

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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

[Guest post] New Okito Box patter

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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NEW OKITO BOX PATTER
Exclusively for readers of Canada's Magic
by The Magic Demon

Some time ago I purchased a brass Okito Box from the Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto (although I'm sure Perfect Magic in Montreal carries them too!) If you don't already have one and you are into coin magic, you need one.

What always used to bug me about it was coming up with an explanation for the unusual looking prop. It isn't something you see every day. Inspired by recent events in the UK, I came up with the following story. I hope you will enjoy using it or a variation of it in your act.

I use a large old English penny. You can also use multiple pennies if you wish. You could use this as a module in your coin act or as a stand alone item. I won't go into the mechanics of the trick; use your favourite method. But here's what you can say while demonstrating the effect (in this case, that of making a single coin disappear from a seemingly secure brass case).

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"The Royal Family in England never carry cash on them. Do you know why? It used to be a problem for them years ago when they wanted to "spend a penny". Do you know what that means? In England it means to use a public toilet which used to cost a penny in the old days. They cost more today but the expression is still the same.

Now, in the old days they created little gold cases for the Royals to store their precious pennies, in case they needed to spend one. The cases had room for 3 or 4 pennies, more than enough for any Royal on tour. Now the original cases were made of gold or silver but they kept getting stolen or mislaid. So they decided to manufacture a number of them in brass. They still looked elegant but they were less likely to get stolen. I have one of them here, but I won't tell you how I got it. Let's just say the Royals were very absent minded about where they left them.

So they would store their precious pennies in their new brass cases - all safe and sound. But what they could not have foreseen was the unusual effect that the brass casing had on the old fashioned copper pennies. Now some say it is a purely chemical reaction between copper and brass. Others claim it is because Britannia (who is on the the coin) hates being imprisoned in such a tiny space. Well, whatever the reason, you can still see what happens - it's gone!

And that's why the Royals don't keep any money on them to this day. What would be the point? They couldn't even hold on to their pennies!"

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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

[Guest post] Scott McClelland lecture

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

 

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SCOTT McCLELLAND LECTURE AT BROWSER'S DEN OF MAGIC
Sunday, March 24th, 2013

A (belated) guest review by The Magic Demon

Walking into the Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto on that Sunday afternoon you knew - right away - that you were in for an extraordinary (and possibly once in a lifetime) experience.

Scott McClelland had set up a huge backdrop (in front of which he would lecture) that incorporated the old fashioned style of large posters and canvas backdrops that would have been in use in late 19th and early 20th century circus side shows. Added to this were a number of oddly sinister looking ancient props strategically located throughout the staging area. The faded colours, the slightly macabre artwork, and the unsettling choice of subjects all projected an aura of the unusual, of the unexpected, of the distinctly otherworldly.

Which was entirely appropriate given Scott McClelland was there to talk about his thirty plus years performing in the realm of "Bizarre magic".

In appearance some might say that Scott resembles the late great Peter Reveen in his prime, with the magnificent speaking voice of an Orson Welles.

Scott came to the world of Bizarre magic through a family bloodline - his late grandfather had founded and toured with such an act from the 1920s through to the end of the 1960s. However, Scott still had to earn the right to perform his act like anyone else - the old fashioned way - by perseverance and careful honing of his considerable theatrical talents. His lecture shared a large part of that compelling journey, his family history and also his unique insights into creating the Bizarre magic acts that he tours with today.

What exactly is Bizarre magic?

Everyone knows it when they see it but trying to define it in words can prove somewhat of an elusive task. Scott began by diligently offering his thoughts on defining his beloved artform.

• Bizarre magic is not about puzzles;
• Bizarre magic creates new, mysterious, alternative worlds;
• Bizarre magic is visual, and uses seemingly archaic props and materials;
• Bizarre magic is magic with a strong and well thought out story.

And stories usually have beginnings, middles and ends. So too must Bizarre magic, according to Scott:

• The beginning - A cultural meaning or "meme" that resonates with an audience that they can relate to, such as a haunting/haunted theme or story;
   
• The middle - "The meat" in which you reinforce the chosen cultural premise with further true history (that you have researched and cunningly interwoven into your fictionalized presentation);
   
• The ending - Your big pay off, the effect or illusion itself (which must never use props that look like conventional "conjurer's tricks").

So in this brave new (old?) world of Bizarre magic you bend the truth somewhat in the interests of effective storytelling in order to create your new world. And you broaden and deepen its themes and textures with the clever interweaving of actual historical events whenever possible.

Bizarre magic techniques

• The importance of learning about relevant history is therefore an important tool to the Bizarre magician. If you are to succeed in this demanding field you must be able to talk the talk as well as walk the walk. During your show as well as off stage during interviews or promotional events you need to be able to comment intelligently on your craft and its illustrious history in order to prove that you are not just "pushing boxes about". As an example, Scott talked knowledgeably about the Spiritualist movement which flourished in the 1920s. These facts he could then spin into and link onto aspects of his own act. Audiences could look them up afterwards online on legitimate sites and confirm what he had discussed.
   
• Scott briefly outlined methods of aging props and standard magician's devices so that they are more in keeping with the visual themes in Bizarre magic.
   
• He also discussed the value of implanting your alternative realities online so that after a show when audience members might want to research your theatrical narrative they could find evidence of its veracity. Lesson: A Bizarre magic show needn't stop simply because the audience has left the theatre.

Following a brief break, Scott proceeded to demonstrate and discuss a number of his favourite effects which illustrated many of his general themes. Several effects Scott had for sale in specially created kits - which seemed to disappear with great rapidity after the show!

  

Bizarre magic vs. mental magic
 

Scott was also most responsive to questions from the very attentive crowd. What is the difference between Bizarre magic and mental magic asked one member of the packed out room.

• Bizarre magic invokes an alternate world with a much more textured, complete backstory that emotionally connects with its audience. Mental magic does not have to do any of this (although perhaps it should).
   
• Bizarre magic is by definition more theatrical than most mental magic. It usually involves performing in the guise of a fictional character (as does Scott in his Bizarre and paranormal acts).
   
• Of course, like some professional mentalism, much of Bizarre magic is vastly psychological in nature. You want people to believe that what is going on is real, and you want them to experience a genuine "magical moment" that takes them out of their everyday life.

Theatrical training

Scott shared many useful thoughts on a number of important related theatrical issues. He has had considerable training and experience in such matters. For example, on character-building:

• Find your character. Who is he/she? Is he/she serious or comic?
• Consider taking acting lessons.
• Watch your favourite actors more closely on film; how they talk, how they move, how they interact with props.
• Every move on stage should have a reason; only move when you need to move; every move should be scripted and well rehearsed ahead of time in order to appear completely natural. Scott quoted the legendary Micky Hades as suggesting that you should be able to do your act completely nude! If you can do your act in the nude without looking artificial or goofy, posited Micky, you can do it more easily fully dressed. (I'm sure this is true but somehow I'm not so sure I will avail myself of this advice...)
• Find an interesting way of talking then script it. And don't waste your breath on unnecessary patter. Edit your script ruthlessly.
• Believe your character's backstory so that your audience will believe it too. Know the historical facts from which your character is derived as if they were your own true birth facts.
• Never be afraid to emote, to act, to be emotionally engaging on stage.
• Find phrases or sentences that will stick with your audience long after they've gone home.
• Rehearse. Rehearse. Rehearse.
• Keep it clean, X rated material has no place in magic.
• Always remember that you are attempting to create memorable magic moments on stage for the audience to take home with them. And by doing so, says Scott, you are helping to bring style and class back to the Art of magic.

Live performance vs. the internet

Many of us fear the death of live magic performance with the advent of the internet age. Scott asserts that we must fight back and take back the rightful place of live performance in the hearts and minds of the general public:

• You must give an audience a greater experience live than they could ever get virtually online;
   
• You must make an audience want to come back to see other live shows that are wholly unlike anything they can get online; and
   
• You must remind audiences that we are all entertainers all the time, using any opportunity you can.

Clearly we need some heroic role models in this critical and worthy pursuit. I nominate Scott! But where else do we find such individuals today? It seems a rather daunting task. Scott argues that:

• We can (and should) all be role models;
   
• We can all help audiences regain/rediscover the wonder of/in magic;
   
• We can all help make magic something that audiences want to be entertained by;
   
• We must all work harder to make magic better; there are too many lazy magicians out there today;

and finally

• By looking back into the past (vaudeville, etc.) we may well find the way to create an exciting new future in magic.

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I have just very briefly scratched the highlights (for me) of Scott's incredible lecture. Part history, part theory, part theatre, and part magic, it was an experience full of memorable magical moments for all of us who attended. Any inaccuracies can be attributed to my futile attempt to write my notes faster and faster to keep up with Scott's powerful insights - and their subsequent growing illegibility.

For many of us this lecture was an introductory course in the Art of Bizarre magic. I hope Scott will follow it up with a more advanced lecture some time in the future.

Try to see Scott live any chance you can. If you are a magic club, book him for a lecture. You will not regret it. Meanwhile, his websites will delight and entertain you:

• http://www.carnivaldiablo.com
• http://www.theparanormalshow.net
• http://www.miracleexlixer.com

There are some photos of the event at the Browser's Den of Magic site. Go to their main website and check out Jeff's blog. You'll need to scroll back to late March 2013:

• http://www.browsersden.com

Many thanks to Scott McClelland for sharing the invaluable lessons of a lifetime and for showing us what it takes to be so well regarded (as he is) in his area of specialty.

Thanks as well to his charismatic assistant, Jessica Silver, for her invaluable contributions to the afternoon's festivities. You can follow her relevant posts on The Magic Cafe.

Finally, a big shout out and thank you to Jeff Pinsky, owner of the Browser's Den of Magic, for hosting yet another worthwhile special event that left all its participants feeling inspired and extremely well-entertained.

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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

[Guest post] Bobby Motta dealer demo at Browser's Den

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.


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BOBBY MOTTA DEALER DEMO AT BROWSER'S DEN OF MAGIC
Sunday, Feb. 3rd, 2013
A review by "The Magic Demon"


Even a basic dealer demo with Bobby Motta is an event worth attending.

I'm pretty sure everyone who witnessed Bobby Motta's dealer demo of original professional products at The Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto on Sunday afternoon (February 3rd) all felt the same way too.

Watching Bobby demo and explain his own effects I was struck by two thoughts. (1) Bobby Motta is a naturally laid-back, extremely funny and charismatic performer, and (2) Bobby Motta has an incredibly inventive mind. He is the creator of numerous out-of-the ordinary professional effects in use by names like Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, David Blaine and Derren Brown. Oh yes, this is the man who helps make them all look good.

And according to Browser's Den of Magic owner Jeff Pinsky, Bobby Motta practically grew up in the Browser's Den. Jeff has seen Bobby go from fledgling hobbyist to world class professional mentalist in what seems like only a scant few years.

Bobby later told me he was a bit apprehensive about doing this demo. It was not advertised as a lecture and it was definitely not meant to be a performance. So what was it? It was a roomful of appreciative magic aficionados allowed the privilege of learning first hand how a top rate mind came to create a dozen or so of his most powerful effects and the secrets behind them - all for free. What's not to like? The fact that the majority of us could not afford most of them did not seem to deter Bobby from his entertaining task (although I noted at least a couple working pros afterwards decided to enhance their routines with some of Bobby's higher-end creations as well as a larger number of amateurs happily buying some of his less expensive ones.)


The Demo

Bobby opened with his current much-talked-about commercially available effect, "Blackmail". If you are into mentalism, or would like to be, you can perform miracles with this clever utility device, inspired by but significantly updated from a classic principle once described by Corinda.

He followed with a presentation of "That's Alive". If I tell you it is a revelation effect with a surprise finish that caused his audience spectator to jump you can guess it was judged a big success by the room. And all I will add is that his lovely assistant Amanda made a most welcome guest appearance.

"Taste" involved a young audience member repeatedly choosing different beverages behind Bobby's back without his knowledge and yet... Bobby proved that he somehow knew which drinks had been selected and in what order, again and again and again. This one just blew me away when he performed it and blew me away again after he explained how it works. Ingenious! (And Jeff Pinsky's favourite of the event).

Bobby then presented (but was unable to fully demonstrate) his "Lethal.  A card is chosen, the deck is thrown into the air, a knife is thrown at a spectator wearing a protective board and the knife impales the chosen card right onto the board! It didn't matter that he couldn't fully demo it, the room was again delighted with its explanation - another combination of innovative technology and applied human psychology.

"Shock Treatment" was briefly discussed - it's a classic secret of mentalism/magic that Bobby has brought into more modern times featuring greater portability than in past versions.

Bobby then demonstrated the use of certain exotic electronic flimflammery that those in mentalism will already know about and the rest of you will not get any more information about from me. Suffice it to say that Bobby likes electronics very much.

He ended with his visually strong effect "The End" - what could be more fitting? Unknown letter cards freely chosen by spectators are randomly arranged in a horizontal frame and eventually turned around to reveal they spell - guess what? Beautifully constructed props and a stunning reminder that sometimes the greatest impact of all can be had from basic but unsuspected methods.

Bobby added an encore of his own devising which he calls "Advil." It's something that he says he will never reveal nor sell in which numbers called out at random from the audience somehow turned out to be the exact serial numbers on a audience member's previously chosen and physically isolated five dollar bill. A jaw-dropping conclusion to a most enjoyable afternoon with a most talented performer/inventor.

Many thanks to Bobby Motta of course and to Jeff Pinsky of the Browser's Den for hosting yet another worthwhile special event. I assume some of Bobby's effects can be purchased through Jeff or directly from Bobby himself. Bobby also performs on a regular basis in Toronto and details can be found on his website, www.bobbymotta.com.

Oh yes, I read later that there was something else going on that afternoon elsewhere. Not that any of us attending seemed to know or care very much. Super Bowl? What was that? Some kind of extra huge load Lota Bowl?

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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

[Guest post] A magical childhood memory of summer

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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A Magical Childhood Memory of Summer
by "The Magic Demon"

Whenever I drop by The Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto these days I always spend a few minutes looking through their well-stocked collection of joke or gag items before moving on to the more serious magic in the rest of the shop. Joke buyers usually tend to be a very different breed of customer than magic fans, Jeff Pinsky (the shop's owner) once told me, although some of us started buying gags when we were very young and eventually moved into more serious magic.

Perhaps the most famous, classic gag item is the old "snake in a jar" or "snake in a can". It has been around forever and never fails to get a laugh. I haven't bought one in decades, however, since I was a kid. But in my home, high atop a bookshelf I rarely visit, lies a dusty unused mini-jar of what appears to be Colman's French mustard. Whenever I look at it I always feel a combination of great affection and nostalgia.

I should explain, although most of you have already figured it out, that this is not just any jar of Colman's French mustard. It is, in fact, a jar from Davenports Magic in London, England bought during a childhood-era visit overseas. Whenever you open it, a coiled yellow and orange snake will still jump up and obligingly scream out "SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAK!"

Like I said. Classic.

And still inexplicably funny (provided the target - I mean subject - doesn't suffer from a weak heart.)

But this is not just any snake in a jar - it is an exact duplicate of a snake in a jar over in England that is memorably bound up in my family's personal history over there. Let me explain.

Imagine it is summer - perhaps very much like this one but many, many years ago. I am visiting my then equally young cousins in the UK. We have just come home from London to one of its sprawling suburbs and have placed a seemingly innocent jar casually near the dinner table. A special jar we had longingly coveted, extensively planned around and eventually bought with the remains of our hard-earned allowances. My aunt, my mother, my sister and of course my cousins and I are all painfully aware of its contents. My uncle, the chosen target - I mean subject - of this evening's scheduled entertainment, is not.

We (who know) are already bursting with anticipation. But we are doing everything young kids can do to contain themselves and appear normal - assuming kids can ever do that in the eyes of any adult. My uncle continues to be blissfully unaware of our emotional straight-jacketedness. (Or was he?)

My uncle was always very keen on his mustard. And so the jar was eventually set down centre-stage on the dining room table. But during the subsequent dinner he made not a single motion towards it. Had he gone off mustard? Was it somehow invisible to his eyes? Would our elaborate gag never be sprung? It was then my ever-resourceful aunt had the brilliant idea to ask him to pass her the mustard. Feigning inability to open it worthy of an Academy Award, she passed it back to him with the casual request to loosen it.

The rest of us held our collective breaths ready to explode, our little bodies literally quivering with barely concealed excitement...

My uncle calmly took the jar, twisted the top a little more open and... immediately returned it to the table.

... It had completely failed to open!

... ... The snake was still nestled inside the jar!!

... ... ... We were all ready to bust a gut!!!

Whether my uncle knew something was up and was merely playing with us by now - no fool, he - or whether his actions were entirely genuine - we shall never know.

All we do know for sure is that agonizing decades and decades seemed to pass until at long last he absent-mindedly picked up the mustard and - SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAK! - the snake satisfyingly jumped out of its jar and we all screamed appreciatively.

No audience for any professional performance has ever laughed so much nor felt such intense relief. My uncle happily laughed along too but with what was a possibly mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Today that original jar sits undisturbed in a glass cabinet in my aunt's kitchen, largely untouched since that special family dinner. Like my duplicate of it back here in Canada, it is a poignant reminder of the innocent pleasures of childhood. That long ago and far away dinner remains one of the most joyous of my childhood memories of summer - thanks to a classic gag - and a very magical uncle.


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There's nothing quite like the combination of a young soul and a snake in a can!  I know I've gotten good value from the one in my home.  (It helps to have an obliging audience.)


Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!


What are your childhood memories of magic?

[Guest post] Remembering Ron Leonard (1923-1998)

[Edited:

• February 22nd to add an additional comment from Matt DiSero.
• February 17th to include comments from Matt DiSero and Jeff Pinsky.
• February 15th:  Correspondence from James Randi added to the comments.
• February 14th to include the second last paragraph and bullet list of related links.]

I had the pleasure of making Mr. Leonard's acquantaince through Toronto's Hat and Rabbit club.  He was always a true gentleman, the likes of which are rare these days.  As I sat through his Broken Wand ceremony, I was deeply moved by the impact he had on the lives around him.  I attended an art showing of his, in his memory, and was awestruck by his talent and passion for painting.

   

There is no official tribute site for Mr. Leonard.  Thank you Magic Demon for putting this together.
 
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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REMEMBERING RON LEONARD (1923-1998)
by The Magic Demon

When I was a kid the first Canadian magician I ever saw on TV was probably the late Toronto-based Ron Leonard. Ron was tall, lanky, and silver or white haired with a friendly wide grin. He had an engaging style of presentation which was both kind of sophisticated and kind of goofy at the same time. I thought he was terrific. Although Ron performed magic on and off for most of his life he is probably best remembered for his numerous appearances during the 1960s and 1970s (and rerun for years thereafter) on the daily CFTO/CTV children's show "Uncle Bobby". The British-born host Bobby Ash always appeared during Ron's performances on the show, playing the part of his seemingly dimwitted stooge and creating a fun chemistry between them. Ron's weekly fast-paced appearances featured the classics of magic performed with energetic mock vaudeville-like gestures and intonations. Ron and Bobby really did seem to enjoy themselves which is why they were such great fun to watch working together.

Ask any grown up Canadian kid of a certain age today about the magician on Uncle Bobby's show. They will probably at least remember Ron's trademark explanation for all his minor miracles, "It's maaaaaaaaaagic!" Those words, repeatedly sung (merrily) during the course of a telecast by one or both of them (badly), would serve to comedically punctuate the climax of any particular routine or effect.

Ron was a former President and Life Member of Toronto's IBM Ring 17. His name appears as a young founding member on its original IBM Ring Charter issued in 1941. His brother, the late Canadian ventriloquist Cy Leonard, was also a regular weekly visitor to the Uncle Bobby Show over the years.
 
I remember writing a fan letter to Ron in care of the Uncle Bobby show and getting back an autographed 8x10 b&w photograph and a very kind handwritten reply encouraging me in the hobby of magic. In today's digital world full of instantaneous tweets and e-mails it's perhaps hard to imagine the sheer joy of receiving a snailmailed letter like that after anxiously waiting several weeks. Even after all these years I can still recall that he generously provided details about Ring 17 (which I was too young at the time to join) as well as what was then Toronto's only magic retail outlet, The Arcade Magic & Novelty Shop (now long vanished.)
 
If you do a search on line on Ron Leonard today you are more likely to find references to his much sought-after artwork than his magic. His magic seems to have been only a part-time profession for most of his life which he juggled alongside his other avocation (painting) and a full-time day job.
 

Among the few notable magic-related on line links about Ron that I've found to date:

• His listing at the Canadian Magicians' Archive;
• A fun colour screenshot of Ron and Uncle Bobby captured mid-performance (circa probably mid to late 1970s);
• Ron's writeup at Genii magazine's Magicpedia (which appears to have been inspired by this post);
• A b&w publicity photo of Ron with other performers on the Uncle Bobby show in their prime (circa probably mid to late 1970s);
• A reference from his friend James Randi about Ron's suggestion to modify Randi's $10,000 psychic challenge;
• And according to this site, Ron volunteered secrets learned from The Great Raymondo's protege to David Ben for the opening effect in Ben's stage show "The Conjuror".

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Ron Leonard in person he seemed to be a genuinely nice man as well as being a talented and very entertaining magician.

[Guest post] Patrik Kuffs in Toronto

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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PATRIK KUFFS IN TORONTO
Review by The Magic Demon

Montreal-based magician, mentalist and comedian Patrik Kuffs appeared in Toronto at the Browser's Den Saturday night (November 19th).

Throughout the evening, Patrik easily charmed everyone with his wry wit and quirky humour as well as impressing them with his insightful advice on real world performances. Playing to an packed room his two hours-plus lecture enlightened, informed and entertained.

Moving quickly from one effect to another he demonstrated and then explained a wide range of surefire audience pleasers including a close up design duplication worthy of Annemann; numerous compelling card effects (his card stab/knife routine was especially well-received); a novel handling of a classic book test; intriguing possibilities utilizing shiners; an innovative stage design duplication concept; a clever routine with a unique and inexpensive homemade version of a mentalist's most invaluable prop; and some classic spoon and fork bending.

Also particularly memorable was his TT gag... if you were there, you certainly remember the huge laugh it received! (I'm sorry - I know I've left out a lot but I was enjoying myself so much I repeatedly forgot to take notes.)

As he explained every effect there were frequently small gasps of appreciation throughout the room at the simplicity but ingeniousness of his methods.

Perhaps best known for his excellent DVD on metal bending, Patrik surprised the crowd by revealing it actually only played a very small part in his professional career of over 20 years.

As a bonus he gave away two special gifts to everyone in the audience - including the secret for a seemingly impenetrable impromptu blindfold made with materials readily available in any home.

Patrik at one point modestly referred to his lecture notes package, on sale and a real bargain, which were scooped up by many in attendance. He went on to apologize that he wasn't actually very good at selling. Not true! When it comes to his magic and winning over an audience, Patrik Kuffs really knows exactly how to sell himself... and does so brilliantly.

If you ever get a chance to see him lecture you will come away with several practical workers in your notebook ready to put into your act right away. Thank you Patrik for an extremely fun and rewarding evening.

Additional thanks to Jeff Pinsky, the Browser's Den's most gracious host, for presenting Patrik in Toronto.




Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

[Guest post] The new Browser's Den opens in Toronto

The Browser's Den of Magic opened up in its new location last week.  Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to step foot into the new shop.  One of our regular readers, however, not only visited the new shop, he wrote about the experience in the form of a guest post.

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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THE NEW BROWSER'S DEN OPENS IN TORONTO
A guest review by "The Magic Demon"*

From the world famous Yorkdale shopping mall and its easily accessible TTC subway stop it is a short walk down Dufferin Street.

From anywhere by car, the ample free parking out front is a godsend in parking-challenged Toronto.

It's set back a bit from the street, so you really have to go looking for it. The big Red Lobster building is easily seen from Dufferin but our destination is in the strip plaza just behind it. In its large front window
there appears to be theatrical red curtains pulled aside for a display of some of the marvels to be found for sale within.

You first enter a small foyer. You stop for a moment. On the walls you see impressive photographs and awards that have been presented to its owner. Right away you realize - this is no Joe Schmoe operation - this place is the "real deal".

Suddenly you enter the main room - and you are in a magicians' paradise! Truly an Aladdin's cave of magic, of books, of wonders yet to be purchased and revealed.

This is the impressive new home of The Browser's Den at 3220 Dufferin Street in Toronto, the city's oldest brick and mortar magic shop.

When owner Jeff Pinsky found out that the lease on his old location at Bathurst and Eglinton was up and that the old plaza was scheduled for redevelopment into condos he knew he had to look around immediately for a new address. Wanting to keep centrally located but also insisting upon better customer parking, he has done well to establish The Den's new home so quickly and so successfully.

We regular customers all enjoyed the old Den but its interior design could most charitably be described as "cheap and cheerful". Not that any of us cared. What mattered was the camaraderie of its customers and the humour and positive atmosphere created by Jeff and his employees - all still available in abundance (I am happy to report) at the new location too.

The appearance of the new Den is something totally different and unexpected. For starters, the main room seems huge. A commendable illusion because its retail floor square footage is probably almost the same as in the old shop. But the massively high ceiling plus an unusually beautiful stone floor create the sense of enormous space. Space to breathe in magic. Space to stop and look around. Space to enjoy the wonderful books over in one corner across the floor from the long main counter. I was immediately drawn to it and relieved to discover that The Den has maintained its reputation for housing an outstanding collection of magic books for sale.

Yet despite its perceived size the new Den still feels extremely comfortable to visit. Its relaxing colours consist of subdued browns and beiges with accents of white and black. Red signs and colourful framed magic posters cover much of its extensive wall space. And rather than using conventionally uniform retail lighting, there is an intriguing interplay throughout the shop of light and shadows falling mysteriously here and there - drawing your eyes immediately from one magical goody to another on display in the eclectic glass and wooden cabinets lining almost all its walls. Looking skywards there is a kind of slanted awning with reddish rooftop tiles up there all the way around the main room - making you temporarily question whether you are actually inside or are you outside? It's a kind of visual paradox that seems ideal for a magic shop.

Further inside (and across the floor from the main display counters) we come to "The Table". No need to tell fellow magicians what that means! And it's no longer a merely functional card table surrounded by uncomfortable folding metal chairs like at the old Den. The new Den's table is of tastefully finished light coloured wood in a classic oval shape. It's surrounded by matching classy solid wooden chairs with very comfortable green cushioning. They're all placed atop a luxurious red Persian style rug that together create yet another illusion - that of a very intimate space within the main room in which to share tricks and talk with your fellow magic enthusiasts.

The Den's new laid back ambience may require an adjustment of attitude from some old customers who were more accustomed to its brightly lit "cheap and cheerful" past. However the vast majority responded favourably to it right away when I visited. Looking around and soaking up the mood you may also feel (as I did) memories evoked of the great glory days of magic long gone and far away. But of course it's all modern and up to date too. Many of the latest wonders are for sale only inches away from you under the traditional glass top display counters. They run side by side in front of one wall from nearly the front of the shop all the way to the very back (and then around a bit). Hint - you'll find some sweet deals on discontinued effects on sale way in the back. (You're welcome).

If you ask very politely, you may also be shown "the future." In the back (still under construction) is an area designated for children's parties and private lectures/shows. Even further back is a partially hidden staircase leading up to a top secret room - dare I even mention it? - a Browser's Loft, if you will. Its future purpose is currently a complete and utter mystery.

Of course Jeff P and Shawna and Jeff H and Adam et al are all still as welcoming and hospitable as ever. They are friendly, funny, helpful people who could make any location feel like a home away from home for regulars, for new customers and for magicians temporarily visiting Toronto alike.

You must visit the new shop as quickly as you can and experience its unique atmosphere for yourself. If you think brick and mortar shops are dead, think again. This one has not only been reborn - it has been  significantly enlarged and improved. My guess is once you've visited it you'll be back again and again - and again. I know I will.


*Disclaimer: The author of this review has no personal, financial or business relationship with The Browser's Den in any way shape or form aside from being a regular customer for almost five years. The opinions expressed are his and his alone and may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner whatsoever without the prior written consent of Hockey Night in Canada. Thank you.



Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!