http://www.magician.org/node/1084

Hocus in Focus The Linking Ring. March 2011 by Phil Willmarth. Tales of Enchantment

Tales of Enchantment: The Art of Magic

Walt Anthony, who bills himself as a “Conjurer & Teller of Tales,” is a long-time magician and (sometimes actor and director) who has earned a living doing stage and platform performances for corporate and sophisticated San Francisco and other audiences. Mr. Anthony is an erudite, sensitive, articulate gentleman who Bob Neale describes as “an elegant artist whose comprehensive craftsmanship and studied theatricality leads to powerful and entertaining mystery.”

Here are some 35 scripted performances pieces, wonderful examples of giving magic meaning and emotional impact, many of which force an audience to surrender their rationality and join and enjoy the magical journeys on which they are taken. The reader will find presentations for such classics of magic as the Professor’s Nightmare, Spot Card, Die Box, Prayer Vase, Rice Bowls, Lota Bowl, Milk Pitcher, Egg Bag, Twentieth Century Silks, Flexible Mirror, Cut and Restored Rope, Psychic Touch (with an intriguing new method), a triple Cut and Restored Ribbon, Haunted Key, Zombie, Thing, and the Okito Doll (rising pencil/pen method).

There are edgy and adult presentations, fun presentations, presentations which will test one’s acting ability, and even presentations for illusions such as the Sword Basket, the B Screens, levitations, and presentations for the Rope Thru Body that raise it to an impossible illusion. Surely these presentations will inspire you to rethink your magic and improve your performances. Mr. Anthony sums up their power thusly: “The act of storytelling unlocks our imagination and we’re programmed from childhood to let them allow us to explore and feel emotions.”

As important as the scripts are, if not more so, are the dozen or so discussions about what has made Mr. Anthony’s performances so distinctive and appealing – a sharing that in my opinion will help and further inspire any performer of magic regardless of their preferred venue whether it be close-up, stage, parlor, kid shows, or another setting. His attention to detail, personalization and handling of props, staging and stage settings, use of and sources for music, recommendations for further reading on magic theory, performing, acting, storytelling, a basic library, and so on should be read by all aspiring magical performers; even long-time pros should benefit.

Bob Neale, who “has known Walt for decades,” gives his work such a strong recommendation that all I can say is, “Me, too!” If you love magic and want to improve, buy and study this book.

Highly recommended. Phil Willmarth

Walt Anthony. Leaping Lizards Magic. Available from Your Favorite Dealer or Leaping Lizards Magic, P.O. Box 690036, Orlando, FL 32689. http://www.leapinglizardsmagic.com. Wholesale from Murphy’s Magic Supplies. Hardcover, 270 pages, $45. Softcover, $35; both include S&H.