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thegreatgeorgio Loyal user 236 Posts |
Hi guys,
What pack small play big illusions would you recommend I start off with? Gamolo? Modern Art? thanks George |
Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Neither one of them pack small but both are good illusions.
Dennis Michael
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thegreatgeorgio Loyal user 236 Posts |
Lol yer. But the gamolo can fit in the boot (trunk) of a car cant it?
What pack small play big illusions would you recommend, Den? thanks George |
David Goldrake Loyal user Las Vegas 226 Posts |
Dear George,
Here are some illusions: Shadow Box Metamorphosis Broom Suspension Hindu Basket Modern Art Regards, D |
thegreatgeorgio Loyal user 236 Posts |
Hi David,
Thanks for your reply. I think I will buy modern art first---where can I get it from? thanks George |
chmara Inner circle Tucson, AZ 1911 Posts |
I guess in each of our apprenticeships we all look for the pack small play big illusions and end up buying stock off the shelf. And then we either put that stuff away as old and hack -- or get on with the business of deciding what is really our dramatic or comedy goal in our appearances.
The costs of actually construction things that play big need not be great IF you think not just of the trick, or illusion -- but what will go into the presentation build-up and process of presentation. As I mention in the discussion on burned shoes -- a major illusion can be made out of Wiz Kote IF other pieces are added to the routine-- reproduction apparatus, fire extinguishers, shoe gags. It not only fills the stage but can take the routine into the audience. The Harbin/McComb/Kovari Magician's Revenge (Not to be confused with the assistant's revenge) is -- as originally presented a pretty bland trick of put the girl in the box -- push in blades -- then pull out blades and let the whole girl out. I got one and did not present it for about 30 months as I worked out a routine that now involves four on stage volunteers, costumed with hats -- an assistant who can be "an audience volunteer" (plant) and movement and sound coming in three parts of the audience. Rafael, winner of this year's Golden Lion Award from S&R (it was great seeing Roy on stage again) when he saw it said one word, "genius." He had seen the Kovari routine a number of times before and thought the illusion which DOES pack small although it has seven major blades and a head box now filled the stage well. And with tweaking by Jeff McBride the picture became bigger and is a seven minute portion of my work including gong, drums, costumes and a big box for all concerned. As far as modern art -- it is a great illusion in great hands -- and hack as Zig-Zag if presented wrong. Since there are so many of these out -- I would recommend against it being your first illusion. ALSO, remember that EVERY stock illusion must be tweaked and re-dressed to meet your character and show needs, size of assistant, angles, etc. So the base price (unless purchased from and built to your specification by someone like Owen, Bill Smith, Jim Summers or the like -- is like buying generic peas at a super-market. And like automobiles -- unless you want built in obsolescence -- HOW WELL an illusion is built will affect its life on stage. AND that does not mean using 3/4 plywood -- but it does mean knowing that 7 ply 3/8 baltic birch has the strength of 3/4 US ply - minus the weight. In regards to the Gamalo -- I used mine a while then converted it to DC with a 12 V battery. The circuitry, new parts on the lifts, etc. added about $1200. It remained problematic on angles -- as are almost all levitations -- so now I use a suspension instead. So consider not just the illusion -- but how to use it in your act before a purchase -- if you want to be better than run-of-the-mill.
Gregg (C. H. Mara) Chmara
Commercial Operations, LLC Tucson, AZ C. H. Mara Illusion & Psychic Entertainments |
thegreatgeorgio Loyal user 236 Posts |
Hi Gregg,
Thanks very much for your detailed reply, I totally agree with what you are saying. Routines are so much more important than the actual trick and presentation is the most important. Yes I will consider when I would use it and where in my act I would use the illusion. What first illusion would you recommend to me to buy? thanks George PS chmara, What is your favourite illusion that you have seen presented and what is the presentation theme? thanks George |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
George -
This thread, on the Pine Belt Magic Forum, might also be of help to you in your information gathering: Pine Belt Magic thread titled... First Time Illusion? Here is something I say in a post on that thread: Quote:
Donald Dunphy: Note especially the last paragraph. Once you have gathered the information you are seeking, make a decision, start saving, and then act on your dreams. The only way to actually do it is by taking action. Questions are fine, but at some point you must make a decision and make your dreams become reality. Some people become too stuck in the "ready, aim" position, and never "fire". I don't want to push you into a rush decision, but thought I might add this food for thought. (This advice is also true for people who think about getting some shows, but don't actually take a consistant action to get them. They try once or twice and then give up, saying it doesn't work. Or spend forever tweaking their promotional materials without mailing them out.) The reality is that you will make some bad magic buying mistakes in your lifetime, but the GREAT NEWS is that you will learn and grow as a performer from those. And who knows, you might make the right decision to start with. Also remember this: It's not the tricks that make a performer great, its the performer that makes the tricks great. A great performer with a great presentation for the chair suspension, can outperform an weak performer with a weak presentation for a gamolo levitation. - Donald George - I did forget to mention, that at the end of that thread I have linked to, is a link to another thread on the KidAbra forum, started by Den Dowhy. That second link is loaded with links to various illusion builders' websites. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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chmara Inner circle Tucson, AZ 1911 Posts |
I would suggest a Sommers version of the Harbin Sawing -- moderately priced, easy to use. I do lust after the Owen or Wellington (pant, pant) but do not have that type of cash. Just think Snidely Whiplash anbd Little Nell.
I would also suggest Big Shot by Collectors. Pirates of the Carribean. Snow by Kevin James is a great closer for kids and adults....and if clean upis not a worry -- is the best and biggest for the money. GC
Gregg (C. H. Mara) Chmara
Commercial Operations, LLC Tucson, AZ C. H. Mara Illusion & Psychic Entertainments |
thegreatgeorgio Loyal user 236 Posts |
Hi all,
Thanks for all your replies. The Pine Belt Magic page is excellent. PS is dan sommers' cutting edge portable? thanks George |
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