|
|
magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
I recently saw on Barry Mitchells web site a new effect called Sew EZ, a mismade umbrella effect. In essence, you open an umbrella which has holes in the fabric. You say that you will fix the holes by placing it inside a magic 36" tall box. You can show the box empty. YOu hand a child a remote controlled sewing kit and the child turns the crank which makes a loud noise. The umbrella is removed but the umbrella fabric is now shredded. You comment that you forgot to put batteries in the remote controlled sewing kit. The box is again shown empty and the umbrella is put back in again. This time when the umbrella is removed, the holes are repaired but with a different colored fabric. Finally, the box is shown empty again and the mis-made umbrella is put back inside and when it is removed, the holes have been repaired to match the fabric.
While I like the concept of this idea and routine, I do not care for the fact that the box is solid wood and is 36 " tall. I believe the box with the extra umbellas weigh about 16 lbs. I normally do the ABbott's improved mutilated parasol. All you need to carry is the umbrella/parasol, a newspaper and a change bag. I always gets a good reaction and is colorful. Do you think that the effect and routine of Mr. Mitchell's Mis-Made umbrella is much better than the Abbott's mutilated parasol and I should therefore disregard how much the effect weighs and how much additional burden it would be to carry it around? Thank you very much. Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Everyone has their own taste in performance pieces. Everyone gets a different response from the props they use depending on their ability to ENTERTAIN. Barry Mitchell's SEW EZ is absolutely hilarious in the right hands. Abbott's Mutilated Parasol can be equally funny or droll...but Barry presents you with a full, choreographed routine that welcomes your personal touches of humor and sleights. Well worth every penny and any extra carrying space you may need. You're comparing apples to apples here.
Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
Skip,
I really appreciate you reply and comments. Have you seen Mr. Mitchell's Mis-Made Umbrella effect in action? I have many of Mr. Mitchell's items and they have always played well and are well thought out routines. I am just turned off by the bulkiness and weight of the this particular effect. The Sew Ez routine certainly seems to be more of an extensive routine than perhaps the Abbott's mutlitalted effect. Thank you agian for your comments. You have been very helpful. Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
I saw Sew EZ demonstrated and handled it at KIDabra last year and fell in love with it. It is on my 2006 Prop Budget and I'm looking forward to getting it. personally, I don't believe I'd use it for birthday parties...though you certainly could. My plans call for including it in my full stage school & festival shows...so the extra weight isn't an issue.
It all depends on where and how you plan to use it. I will tell you this: I carefully considered the Abbott's Mutilated Parasol...but opted for Barry's Sew EZ for the extra humor potential and by-play...no offense to Abbott's product. There is just so much more to Barry's effect if you add a little imagination and personal creativity. I strongly believe that you could easily push Sew EZ into a 20-minute laugh-filled routine or a great running gag! Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
magicinsight Inner circle 4293 Posts |
Skip,
Why would you not use it at a birthday show? Should there be more distance between the box and the audience to make the black art effect deceptive? Would you use this effect in a classroom or library show? Thank you again for your comments. You have been very helpful and courteous. Best regards, Michael
“Belief matters more than truth. Every moment, belief in imaginary things alters lives while truth sits unnoticed and waits.”
—Hakim, Loreweaver |
AragorntheMagician Veteran user Metro-Atlanta 304 Posts |
Like Skip I also saw it at Kidabra and it's on my list for 2006 also. It was an amazing, fun filled routine. I agree with Skip also that I will probable use it for my larger gigs. It can take some room to do and most B'Day Parties are closer and in more confined space. With that said however, the construction is great, and can be used very up close without anybody getting the secret due to it's construction.
Yours, Aragorn the Magician
aka: I used to be BOB (It's Cellini's fault)
"All Right, Who's Volunteering to be Turned into a Frog???" www.aragornthemagician.com |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
I also saw it at Kidabra. While the routine is very good, I just do not like the prop itself. I really see a lot of performing limitations to hauling it around to show. The Abbott's unit has served me very well for over 25 years. I think if I want to expand on the basic "normal" routine, I would just do switch in mats or something. Much like the original "Davenport Sunshade".
Nothing wrong with the prop or the routine, just a personal preference to pack lighter. I also like to work out my own routines that fit me more. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
HI,
I use the Harris of Sweden version - it's a two in one, it's well made, the chrome tube you put the brolly in looks nice and I keep the brolly in it for traveling, it takes up little room and plays well..... Phillip |
Billy Bo Special user 627 Posts |
http://www.KITCHENTABLEMAGIC.CO.UK MAKES THEIR OWN
|
Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
I agree with Richard and Aragorn. I prefer to pack light...everything in a single case...for birthday parties. When I walk into a house to do a private party I want to be ready to perform the second I arrive...because I am always immediately surrounded by wee ones. I also like to pack quickly, shake the birthday child's hand, collectthe check, tip my hat and leave in one well-choreographed trip. You can't do that with bulky props and repeated trips to the car. If the majority of your shows are private, in-home events, you may want to stick with the excellent Abbott's effect.
On the other hand, I really like to decorate my stage shows with larger and more colorful props. I charge much, much more for my stage show for schools, libraries and festivals and the sort...so I like to provide more of a flashy image. I usually have time to set up and break down out of sight of the audience so multiple trips are not an issue. In this case, props like Sew EZ really make a great impression. I also have more room to swing the box and to bounce around...adding a sense of excitement to the show. It's all a matter of taste, style and preference. Only you can answer that for yourself. Best wishes!! Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Skip,
Well said! Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » Barry Mitchell's Mismade Umbrella v. Abbott's Mutiltated Umbrella (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |