|
|
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] | ||||||||||
Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
I'm glad to see that the MAGIC castle takes advice from laymen, they of course know what they're talking about. Here's quote from another intelligent laymen during a simmple ambitious card routine: "you used your sleeves!"
|
|||||||||
Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
Unfortunately, like many other establishments, it only takes one squeaky wheel to get action done... even if it is a stupid action.
I remember working as a Page for CBS and NBC many years ago... I worked the Price Is Right line all the time. Each day I saw over a thousand people in just a few hours and gave the same speech that I had made up to quiet the crowd when they talked to the producer. Everyone found it funny. One day an ex-marine, who apparently still had a chip on his shoulder, complained that I sounded like his old drill sergeant. That's all it took. It no longer mattered that thousands had never complained and actually enjoyed my funny speech... this one guy got them to write me up and to have me "tone" it down. It seems stupid & uptight people now run the world. I keep saying that they are trying to make this into a Nerf planet where no one gets hurt and everything is nice and safe. Well, I know this won't change the way Dan approaches his magic and I hope he runs into that guy one day and drops a safe on him... the real one. Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
|
|||||||||
Tom Frank V.I.P. industrial Strength Magic 493 Posts |
It seems that many of you feel the same way I do. I am asking you to take action! What I would like you to do is write a letter outlining your feelings as why you think Dan is a benefit to the Magic Castle and why he should be able to continue to work there. Email it to "Ron Wilson" ron@uncannyscot.com and "Dale Hindman" dhind7252@aol.com
Then post it here. The day Dan got the email from Ron he called me on the phone. He was upset. Believe me, Dan doesn't work the Castle for the $33 a show, he does it for YOU. He loves magic and works harder on his act than anyone I know. I lived with him for 2 years. When I heard his voice the other night, I could feel his pain. I asked him if he would mind if I tried to do something about it. Now I am asking you all to show Danny what the "Voice of the people" means. More importantly, lets show Ron & Dale. |
|||||||||
Vandy Grift Inner circle Milwaukee 3504 Posts |
Probably won't do anything,(because it seems like the folks at the Magic Castle are clueless) but I dropped those guys an email.
Vandy
"Get a life dude." -some guy in a magic forum
|
|||||||||
Tom Frank V.I.P. industrial Strength Magic 493 Posts |
Vandy, thank you for private messeging me the letter. I appreciate you taking the time to do that. Would you mind if I posted it here so that the others could see? It may not do anything, but at least they know how you feel about the situation. Thanks again for stepping up to the plate.
Sincerely, Tom |
|||||||||
Vandy Grift Inner circle Milwaukee 3504 Posts |
No, your welcome to post it. I have never been to the Magic Castle so it's not like I can do anything, except let them know one person does not like whats being done here. I'm a fan of Sylvester the Jester, and I think it's a joke that he's been cut loose. That's why I wrote the note. You may post it if you'd like, also let Dan know that there are people behind him, that appreciate his work and don't like to see people getting screwed.
Vandy
"Get a life dude." -some guy in a magic forum
|
|||||||||
Tom Frank V.I.P. industrial Strength Magic 493 Posts |
This was the private message that Vandy sent me. Thanks again for your help and support of Dan.
Tom, I just sent the following E-mail to the addresses you provided. I Think this is ********, I don't know you or Dan but I still wanted to let these clowns know that this is a joke. I tried to be polite in the letter as I wouldn't want to be a jerk when I'm trying to help someone out, but I still think its a joke. Heres what I wrote; I have recently learned that Dan Sylvester will no longer be allowed to perform at the Magic Castle. This is a very disappointing development. It’s hard to understand why such a talented magician and entertainer would not be allowed to continue to appear at the Castle. I find it hard to believe that his services would be discontinued based on letter from a customer, a customer who can not even identify Billy McComb and who is completely unfamiliar with Sylvester’s act. I seriously doubt that customer complaints are the reason the Mr. Sylvester will no longer be welcome to perform at the Castle. I’m sure the reasons are personal or political and I believe you are hurting the Magic Castle with this decision. It’s a shame; the reputation of the Magic Castle has suffered greatly in recent years. This will certainly not help matters. Actions like this hurt the reputation and credibility of the Castle, in fact they make the staff of the Castle look silly and petty. Dan Sylvester is one of the most creative and original magicians performing today. The Castle was fortunate to have an entertainer of his caliber available to them. Now you have insulted and chased that talent away. This appears to be another step towards irrelevance for this once great establishment. David J Vandegrift It probably won't make a difference but at least they get one persons opinion. Take Care. Vandy |
|||||||||
kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
That is really to bad. As for the acts that work there. . . it is not for money it is for the love of the castle and the art. The old saying is you have to save up to play the Castle.
Having just returned from performing a week there in early May I truely love the Castle and hate to see the changes that are being made. Most of the staff that has been there is gone. Hopefully Dan will be able to come back if he even wants to at this point. Best, Ken scott |
|||||||||
MikeD New user 1 Post |
There is a similar thread in the Genii forums. You should go here http://geniimagazine.com/forum/cgi-bin/u......t=001590
and read Richard Kaufman's comments. And so you know, I have always enjoyed Dan's antics as Sylvester. MikeD |
|||||||||
truthteller Inner circle 2584 Posts |
This post is an amazing example of the art of spin. I was at the castle the week of the performances AND I saw the show. I also overheard several of the comments made by members AND guests. I also have read Ronn's email and been to the Castle website where it lists Sylvester as performing in the Parlor, but not the Palace - the venue addressed in the email in question.
I think Tom is doing everyone a great disservice by allowing this misrepresentation to stand, and I encourage him to set the matter straight before things get out of hand. And as others commented, in spite of Sylvester's reputation, the shows that week at the Castle fell totally flat. Part of this was due to Sylvester's placement on a bill with no magic. Due to a last minute cancellation - a far more interesting story than the one we are now focused on - the show was filled with a fabulous pupetteer. However, with him and McComb being funny, but doing no magic, many left the largest room of the Castle feeling as if they had been deprived from seeing any real magic. Sylvester's act may use illusory techniques, but to an audience it is a variety turn. Further, in that room, it simply played poorly. 8 minutes of strong material, spread out over a tepid twenty two with no audience connection at all. Brad Henderson |
|||||||||
Vandy Grift Inner circle Milwaukee 3504 Posts |
I have recieved an email from Ron Wilson. Basically, he let me know that he didn't appreciate the tone of my email and also stated that I didn't have my facts straight. I won't post the email, that would not be proper, but he shed some more light on the topic and stated some of the things that Richard Kaufman posted on the genii board and that Brad Henderson has posted above.
This is not for me to argue with anyone, it appears that there was some disappointment in the run of shows that week. However, Dan will be performing in the Parlor in the future as Brad has stated above. He is still welcome at the Castle according to Ron. I simply told Ron and I would say to everyone involved. This is a sad episode that I hope will be worked out to the satsifaction of the Magic Castle, Dan Sylvester and especially the patrons who come to the Castle to see magic. Vandy
"Get a life dude." -some guy in a magic forum
|
|||||||||
Spino New user 3 Posts |
This is a very odd situation. This notes specifically about Palace performances, as Sylvester is still scheduled for June 20-26 in the Parlour. To me, it suggests this was an unpleasant decision. I would suggest a plan of action if you enjoy his work.
1) Contact Dale and Ron. Tell them you are visiting the Castle on June 20-26. Bring guests. And that you are specifically bringing yourself and guests to see Sylvester the Jester and that you want to ensure he will be there to perform for your guests. Be polite: I don't think it was a popular decision with them either. As Vandy mentions, we may not have all the facts, nor we may ever have all the facts. 2) Contact Dan the Man. Tell him you've heard the news and that you want to see him at the Castle. Be there that week. A little support goes a long way. (SO if you don't get my message soon, I'm bringing guests just for you, Dan! And I've been wanting to before this debacle.) 3) If you liked the show, be sure to thank him. (I would suggest to do this for any performer you truly like.) 4) If you like his act, vote for him in any upcoming AMA awards selection. Ok, some of these suggestions are for AMA members, but support among working magicians is always good. Here are emails you can send your requests to. Dan - sylvesterthejester@hotmail.com "Ron Wilson" ron@uncannyscot.com "Dale Hindman" dhind7252@aol.com Like many entertainment venues, compliments and praise shift opinion just as strongly as complaints. Repost this message to anyplace you find appropriate. David |
|||||||||
John Macmillan Loyal user Vancouver, BC 226 Posts |
Seems to me that a lot of grief could have been avoided if Ron Wilson had picked up a telephone and asked to meet face to face with Dan to discuss any concerns.
Email is at best impersonal and a poor way to communicate with anyone on this type of a subject. Just my 2 cents worth! |
|||||||||
Kline Veteran user 361 Posts |
Seems to me that there is something missing from this entire story....I'm pretty sure all the facts have not been disclosed.
I don't know Ron Wilson at all but I would imagine that he has been doing this for a while and has seen a few acts come and go at the castle. Maybe we should all wait for the entire story before we start to ridicule.
Steven Kline
<BR><BR>www.stevenkline.com <BR><BR>www.stevenklineproductions.com Follow me on Twitter @steveklinemagic |
|||||||||
markjens Loyal user N. CA 213 Posts |
How is it a mistake to get behind a talented and creative performer in this case? I somehow missed the point in this e-mail where a certain scheduler of magical talent took responsibility for putting together an entire after dinner 'magic show' with no magic. I missed the part in that short missive directed at Mr. Sylvester where he stated his need for a more balanced act in the Palace. Call it spin if you will, Mr. Henderson, but I think the e-mail was rude and unfair. Rather than view the situation for what it was, he reacted, rather than acted. Hmm, I wonder if Billy McComb and that most talented puppeteer also got the same dismissal from the venue? The agenda speaks for itself, if you ask me. When one books Sylvester the Jester, he knows what he's getting, and shouldn't lay the blame for a 'flat' week at his feet. "Gee Danny, maybe you could throw in some card tricks or a bit of mentalism?"
|
|||||||||
truthteller Inner circle 2584 Posts |
Mark, get your facts straight before you start jumping on a bandwagon.
The audience laughed and loved Billy. He responded to his audience, got them on his side, and was the consumate host. The audience was entranced with the puppeteer (who was called in on short notice - NOT the bookers fault). They laughed and were touched. The applauded with great ferver. The audience, regardless of your or my personal feelings for the creativity of Sylvester's act, did not respond to him in any way except in the negative. I saw people walk out, they did not laugh, and the shifted uncomfortably in his seats. Is Sylvester creative? Yes. Was his 5 minute spot on WGM wonderful? Yes! Does his act play in that large room for 20 minutes? The answer is, sadly, no. Call some of the regular castle goers and ask about Sylvester's track record or his demands for being given two spots of time - more time than he seems to be able to entertainingly fill. Talk to others who have seen him perform regularly and ask about the reliability of his props. NOW realize that what you were sent was one email that was the tip of a large iceberg, one PERSONAL email that was not intended for publication. Do you post your friend's personal emails for others to see? Is that what civilized people do? NOW you, yourself, spend sometime communicating with Ronn via email and come to learn that he sends short, concise emails that are to the point. If you knew that, then when you read the email, it would not have had any "tone" other than being very matter of fact. Actually READ the email and see that it mentions nothing about being "banned" from the castle as the spin doctors have tried to convince others it does. Now, try to read some of the other complaint emails that were sent which referenced Sylvester specifically. Have you seen them? I have. NOW maybe you are closer to understanding what went on instead of relying on internet gossip to fuel your emotional reactions. Brad |
|||||||||
Micheal Leath Inner circle 1048 Posts |
Does it really matter what any of us think of his act? Isn't it the opinion of the audience that counts? Apparently the audience does not like his act and the Castle has every right to do what they see fit to satisfy the audience.
|
|||||||||
briansmagic Special user USA 507 Posts |
Man, it is too bad that this happened. I LOVE his act, I saw it at PCAM this summer and I think it is probably the funniest act I have EVER seen. I was rolling on the floor I was laughing so hard. This was the first time seeing him live....man there's a lotta things they don't put on TV. Bottom line: he's GREAT at what he does
|
|||||||||
bsears Inner circle Cincinnati, Ohio 1040 Posts |
If the act wasn't well received, why did the Castle continue to hire him again and again?
|
|||||||||
Tom Frank V.I.P. industrial Strength Magic 493 Posts |
Dan's letter to Dale sent June 2nd and 5th
Dale, I left a phone message for you last week but have not received a reply. I wish to have a copy of these complaints about my act which the Castle received from various members. (The complaints for which I have been expelled from performing in the palace.) And If you would be so kind, I believe as someone who has been working there 15 years, perhaps, an explanation as to why these complaints hold so much weight, is also in order. Needless to say it had been a difficult and stressful week there. Which should be noted by the fact that one performer quit opening night. But none the less what I don't understand is how these complaints could hold any weight with castle when I have been nominated performer of the year 9 times in the parlour with the same act and twice in the Palace. Not to mention all the other awards. And TV shows. The AMA cannot decide to book people or not book people based on the very limited and often self-serving tastes of a few members. That seems to me to go directly against the Castle's stated purpose. Again I am just on a fact finding mission. If you do not wish to explain yourselves, fine but I feel I am legally and morally entitled to a copy of those complaints. Incurably, Daniel Sylvester |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Did you hear the latest? » » Sylvester The Jester has a fallout with the Magic Castle » » TOPIC IS LOCKED (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page [Previous] 1~2~3~4 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.05 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 < |