Watching another magician’s show is at best problematic.
You can’t avoid looking for the occasional flash,
or judging his technique, or choice of slights,
uncover the cracks in his façade.

By nature of the craft we can’t help but see--
behind this other performer’s smoke-and-mirrors.

How agreeable then, to finally lean far back into your seat,
feel the magic wash over you like a salty wave.
Have your judgment and ego locked away,
to feel and perceive only what the audience does.

What magic this must be to achieve this state,
cast a spell to short-circuit a colleague magician,
draw him in, to amaze, and most of all awe him.

I’d seen the early edition of Christian’s new show,
in the cramped little space with the weird stage,
the rather makeshift casual setting--
And it was fine theatre, if on the provisional side.

Now returning in this fresh more fitting theatre,
with full polish and panache in the setting and lights,
wow-- what a class act and venue he generously offers his audience.

The show is more set in some ways, more flexible in others,
the highs a trifle higher, the comic moments a tad more sharp,
the spooks a bit more tangible.

His technique does not telegraph-- his enthusiasm does.
His gift is in his feeling of each piece, rather than the visible execution.
Obscura’s references may be a bit obscure to some general audiences,
but guests are more than welcomed into Christian’s off-kilter world--
a world he presents with homage to Chelman, Burger, Neale, Punx and others.

I loved the first run, but I was completely transfixed by this one
--as was my “muggle” guest who I think left a bit changed,
maybe more aware, or even doubtful, of his world.

This is the third in Christian’s lineage of successes:
The Pandora Experiment, Now and at the Hour, and
today the very close-up environment of Obscura.

He has become a force to reckon with,
I question whether due to his innovation,
I might be getting a bit dusty needing to reinvent something myself--
When a fellow magician does that, you know his work is inspired.

So that was my Friday evening, how about yours?

Magically,
Walt

Wow!
Thank you Walt! These words are generous. Very, very generous indeed. I thank you again for coming a second time to the show and for hanging out after.

Humbled,
Christian

Christian, are you going to be coming to the East Coast with Obscura?

Not until I find a co-producer at a small independent theatre.
This is much harder than you would think. =(

C-- Talk to Brian about how he just recently did this with success. W--

Oh, I believe it.....well here's hopin'! I was quite sad that we missed you last time you were in New York (I dunno if you remember but Holly broke her foot so we never made it)......

Here's a wee teaser trailer for Obscura!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61xXt9glE9U

And, here's a glimpse at the show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5mPAxU48yw

C

Christian knows he always has a place to stay here in NYC ....for free.

that's one off the checklist. NEXT!

Now I need theatre in NYC to actually co produce with me and not in that "we still want you to pay full rent but we'll split the door sort of way."