|
|
The Drake Inner circle 2274 Posts |
The Hatfield Tour passed through London tonight and I thought I'd check it out.
To be fair.... I don't think magicians make the best judges of other magicians shows. We're always looking for the sleights ( and we usually see them) , we've seen the routines before and we've heard the jokes. Yet...we keep going to these touring shows hoping it won't be like the others...where we saw the sleights, knew the routines and already heard the jokes. Ahhhhh.... the refreshment of ORIGINALITY! This show was packed with it. A good opening dance routine resulted in Murrays production followed by the introduction of Jeff McLeod. This guy worked entirely out of a small road case . He worked entirely to music and when he started into a ' professors nightmare" I almost groaned out loud as did all the other magicians in the audience. Good thing we didn't because he pulled a twist on all of us and went into a well choregraphed routine timed to various music bits. I won't describe what he did because it would not do justice to his performance and audience reaction he got. Beside you'd never believe me what he did would go over so well. Lets just say...he's a braver man than I as I would never do what he did and expect to be so well rewarded for it. Danny Cole..... I won't spend too much time on Danny as you've probably seen this guy before and been impressed with his quick hands and manipulation. Also a big hit with the audience Danny had lots of material I'd never seen before. His manipulation was a good as I expected but what really floored me was his bit with a floating chair. NO gimmicks, threads..nothing! Just good ol mime that I couldn't take my eyes off. It REALLY looked like that *** chair was going to pull him right off stage. He had to fight to keep if from floating away. Kudos Danny! Chipper Lowell.... Never heard of him? Neither had I but I'll never forget him. I can describe him in one word...wacked! Ok....two words....wacked AND original! A cross between Robin Williams and Chris Farley this guy had us all in stitches. You never knew what was next and would be wasting your time trying to guess. Murray and Teresa. Very nice presentations of some large illusions ( one with a surprise ending ) and a very nice ( and well recieved by the audience ) close up effect using a large projection screen. I missed Murrays show last year but noticed a huge difference in lighting and production between the show two years ago and this years. Keep in mind that this show has to tour which means a quick set up and tear down are needed. You wouldn't know that from the lighting and production equipment used. It played large. ( lighting was also well done and not just there for decoration) The illusions were good ( we've all seen Murray perform ) but I really have to give it to this guy as producer. This group made a great cast and a very entertaining show. I've specifically avoided going into to much detail as I don't want to rob you of the delight I experienced with this FUN show. Check his website and catch it if it comes through your town. I'm glad I did. Best, Tim |
The Drake Inner circle 2274 Posts |
I just noticed that there are still many upcoming dates in Canada for the tour. If you live above the 49th parallel check this link http://www.murrayhatfield.com/tour.html
Best, Tim |
Ray Ouellette Regular user Ottawa, Canada 114 Posts |
I agree. I caught the show here in Ottawa on December 10th. We have been to the show every year for the past 6 or 7 years and it is always great. Murray and Teresa did a very nice variation of the sub-trunk they called Exalibur where Teresa was trapped in a see-through trunk with many criss-crossed swords.
Murray did Kevin James' Bowl-o-Rama and the guest magicians were also very good. And as Tim notes above, Chipper Lowell was hilarious. The rope routine to music was very good as well. It was part prof. nightmare, part three ropes and a baby, and I even noticed some Tabary moves as well. But it was the timing with the music that made the routine work. All in all another great show from Mr. Hatfield and company!
"Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice"
|
Glenn Alloway Regular user Edmonton AB Canada 103 Posts |
This was my first time to the magic N' miracles show. I thought it was great.
My favorite performer was Danny Cole. But my background is in manipulations, so I may have somewhat of a bias. I thought the chair routine was also well done, and I love seeing costume changes performed live. If I had to give a criticism, it was hard to distinguish the number of CD's being produced when you are in the second balcony. But a great finale to the CD routine. I also thought that Chipper Lowell had a really cool show. It seemed to be a street show that was just brought on to the stage. I don't know much about the guy, but I will bet he has some experience doing street festivals. His gags were great, and his quick improve really gave it that finishing touch. All in all it was an excellent show and I will be sure to go again next year.
"This is madness and yet there is method in it." ~Shakespeare
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Magic names and the media » » Murray Hatfield Tour....A Review. (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 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 < |