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SandyWeber Regular user 121 Posts |
Hi All!
I was wondering if any "old timers" (forgive me) out there remember the following act/routine and who performed it. It was performed at the SAM convention in Chicago way back in the late '70's 1977 or 1978). I believe it was an afternoon performance, if I remember correctly. It was a satire of a mentalism act and it was hysterical. People were literally rolling in the aisles laughing. I have been trying to figure out for years who the performer was. The "mentalist" was a white-haired elderly gentleman with a thick Yiddish accent. I won't describe the whole act but basically he had a "volunteer" (who was very obviously pre-chosen) blindfold him. But not with an ordinary blindfold, oh no. He had the volunteer tape a sliced bagel, shmeared with cream cheese and tomato slices, over his eyes. He also had his nose covered, and two GIANT bats of foam rubber taped over his ears (in case he could see out of his ears). He then donned a pair of gloves so he could not feel and declared himself now "totally senseless!" The act went on with several more funny gags and culminated with the volunteer selecting a card and locking it in a wooden cigar box with a much too heavy chain and lock. The climax came when the "mentalist" discovered the name of the card in the box - by smashing it to pieces with an axe. Was anyone else at this convention and remember this act and performer (I know it's a long shot)? I am wondering if this was this guy's standard act or if it was a special routine just for the convention (competition?). Did he perform it elsewhere? Well, I have gone on long enough. I hope someone out there can enlighten me. It really was a funny act! Thanks for any info. Best regards, Sandy Weber Polidor1@aol.com |
RC4MAG Special user 563 Posts |
From the time period, the physical description, and the routine, it sounds very much like Phil Kosninsky doing his "Farvel The Marvel" act.
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Larry Becker V.I.P. 241 Posts |
And a funnier act there never was!
Visit our website: www.MentalismUnlimited.com
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ESP Guy Regular user Falls View, Vermont 137 Posts |
That does sound like Farvel, but I like Mickey Maven.
Dave |
John Smetana ???? - 2009 499 Posts |
There is no doubt it was Farvel the Marvel.But who the h*** is Mickey Maven? Is there such a person Dave? Could be trouble if Max hears about it.But I won't tell.
Best thoughts, John Smetana |
Peter695 Regular user 102 Posts |
SandyWeber,
Thank you for this thread Sandy et al. It has been a long week. It's after 3:00 in the morning and I'm sitting here, taking a break from work, laughing out loud. Peter |
ESP Guy Regular user Falls View, Vermont 137 Posts |
Quote:
On 2002-11-08 19:48, John Smetana wrote: I first saw Mickey Maven at the San Jose PCAM about 15 years ago. He was a riot! Watching Bill Larsen's expression was worth the price of admission. Mickey is Max's evil twin. He is rude, crude, and obnoxious to his audience members. Quite simply, he is a living course in what NOT to do as a performer! Boo! Dave |
John Smetana ???? - 2009 499 Posts |
Quote:
On 2002-11-09 08:54, ESP Guy wrote: Thanks Dave..I appreciate your response. At a PCAM convention yet...surprised he got away with it. Best thoughts, John Smetana |
Ted Lesley V.I.P. Berlin / Germany 421 Posts |
John:
Micky Maven got away with his wonderful act on Bob Haines´ Invitational. He was GREAT and we all had a very good time as we watched the act. He sold even lecture notes for it! Hilarious!!! I still have them.... ESPecially
Ted Lesley
( The "Victor Borge" of Mentalism ) |
ESP Guy Regular user Falls View, Vermont 137 Posts |
A couple of folks have PM'ed me asking for some of Mickey's bits. Well, he comes out in full make-up looking just like Max. He's smoking a cigarette which he puts out in some spectator's drink. He removes his sunglasses and does Max's patented "Boo!". Next he talks for about 5 minutes about how he's about to do all of these incredible demonstrations of telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance, etc. And to accomplish these things he's going to use... "A deck of playing cards!"
He then does waaay too many card tricks and then says, "People say Mickey does too many card tricks, so now, Mickey will do a booktest!" And he does...using The Royal Road to Card Magic, Close-Up Card Magic, etc. (all books about CARDS!) I saw a video where Mickey did a Carnac-style Q&A. When the MC said to Mickey that he is "holding the final envelope", the place broke into wild applause ala Carnac's audience. Mickey simply looked at the audience and said, "During your next performance, may each of you experience a Collector's Workshop 'moment'! Funnnnnny stuff! Dave |
SandyWeber Regular user 121 Posts |
Thank you, everyone, for the information about Farvel the Marvel. He really made such an impression on me so many years ago as he was so very funny.
I did an internet search and discovered he is still performing (as recently as September) in New Jersey. Does anyone know if he is a performing pro, or just an occasional performer? I would love to be able to see his act again. I'd also love to see the Mickey Maven act. Sounds very twisted... Best, Sandy P.S. Larry, I am enjoying your MAMMOTH book Stunners-Plus! I must add my name to the long list of folks saying "Thank You" for this incredible resource. |
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