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Eric Leclerc Inner circle Ottawa Ontario 1185 Posts |
Copperfield was in town last night, it was the 3rd time I have seen him live, the show was so special I had to write my review of what I saw with my own eyes.
In one phrase, he was an *** to his audience.... One of my pet peeves is people (magicians) insulting and putting down another performer in forums like this, I am not one of them, BUT this is Copperfield, the master of our art, the most successful magician ever...bla bla bla Prior to show time there was a screen on stage showing facts of what he has accomplished in his career, "21 Emmy nominations"... "Knighted by the French government,"..."Forbes list of 20 highest paid entertainers for the past 10 years," etc.. It went on and on and on for 30 minutes... its pumped everybody up and was a nice touch...after all, who wouldn’t be proud of all those accomplishments and want to share them with the world. Fine.... the show starts... He was talking really fast and going through what was an obvious rehearsed speech... We all know its patter but the magic is to make it seem new every night...whatever not a big deal... something I noticed as a performer. He was rushing through the whole show... At one point he throws a Frisbee to someone in the audience. He asks the closest woman to rise...nothing happens...asks again... nothing... he then says and I quote, "Do you speak English? Jesus Christ," Now, I am not religious in any way, but this offended a lot of people in the audience, I could hear people around me say, "Did he just say that?" Ok a little slip up, fine, show must go on...he handled it well afterwards... Each and every spectator who came on stage next in the show he asked in a condescending way, "Ok, do you speak English?" got a laugh after the first 2 spectators... after the 2nd one, no reaction, and he kept asking it...ok fine... bad night... He does the teleportation trick, accompanied with a spectator to Australia to reunite them with their long lost sibling... At the end of the trick, the spectator stays in Australia and DC comes back and appears in the middle of the crowd. He had sand in his hand to prove he was really there and starts pouring it (ala salt pour) on the crowd, looking up to take his pose. Right in front of him was this gentleman who had to be on a date with this hottie... I could tell from far he was dressed well, Copperfield poured sand all over him and the guy freaked.. Copperfield saw nothing, or ignored it, I am not sure.. I thought that was kind of raunchy, who wants sand in their shirt or in their hair at a night show, or anytime really? Then he came out and started talking about how he holds 11 Guinness records, and how the "Guinness People" put together a video to show at the awards or something like that, and he thought it would be fun to show us.. He said "I call it, I am fantastic!!!" ...got a good laugh |
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Daegs Inner circle USA 4291 Posts |
David has been working constantly over many years, unless you have done it you don't know the toll being on the road takes, not to mention I believe he has some extended family troubles...
Not excuses, but we definitly do all have bad nights and no matter what stress comes up, we still have to do a show after everyone has bought tickets and whatnot... It's possible you caught him in the middle of a crisis and really when you are doing 6 shows in 3 days(and more I'm sure right after and right before) sometimes a show slips through.... not the best thing to have happen, but hey 84% of the people in your area probably thought the show was great(5/6 shows), so on the whole not a lot of harm done.... It's tough with so many expectations and whatnot, but he obviously can still pull in crowds and still make it work 99% of the time!!! |
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Dennis Michael Inner circle Southern, NJ 5821 Posts |
Several Weeks ago, David's father passed away. Having lost a daughter, I can say it takes time to heal, and it takes a couple of weeks for reality to set in.
This is not an excuse, just some thoughts on what may be going on in his mind.
Dennis Michael
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ed rhodes Inner circle Rhode Island 2885 Posts |
Wow. I'm sorry for David's loss.
With the "fame" thing, I'm looking at a DVD of Penn and Teller in three different countries looking for street magicians. In China, they're talking with a Chinese magician (through an interpreter, of course) and ask who his favorite Western magician is. Through the running Chinese, two English words are clear; "David Copperfield," Penn turns to the camera and says; "We've picked up a little Chinese on our trip here and we know for a fact that 'David Copperfield' is Chinese for 'Penn and Teller.' "
"...and if you're too afraid of goin' astray, you won't go anywhere." - Granny Weatherwax
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magicalaurie Inner circle Ontario, Canada 2962 Posts |
Good one.
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Den has my second. This is an awful time for a journalist to judge David Copperfield.
My suggestion is to come back again in a few weeks and let things get back to normal. To do this piece now is as misleading as asking the people on the Titanic about the food and flowers. It is hardly the real story! There is integrity in journalism too! I'll bet free tickets will even be made available to you. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
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Justin N. Miller Inner circle 2457 Posts |
I agree,
David is a great guy and he has had A LOT on his plate right now. He does over 500 shows a year and only gets off two weeks at the most. Do not let this show make a statement about the man. It is not easy being famous and have tragedy hit home so close. Justin Miller |
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Joey Stalin Inner circle Canada 1072 Posts |
Yeah think about how many shows he has a night. I would be stressed as well.
-A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic.
-It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them. -The secret impresses no one. The trick you use it for is everything. See you space cowboy... |
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Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Very good review, Eric. I've seen Copperfield three times in the last two years - twice in Las Vegas and once in Phoenix. To be honest, he no longer seems all that interested on stage, seeming quite bored at times.
So, maybe it was a bad night, or perhaps (like others have said) his father's death is still weighing heavily on him. But it sounds pretty much the same as the times I've seen him. Still...his magic is truely fantastic. And his show is so far above any other magician entertainer I've ever seen. It's too bad he does act like an ass sometimes. It's the only downside to an otherwise magnificent show which I'll go see anytime I have the chance. Ron |
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MagicMan1957 Inner circle 1445 Posts |
Whenever I read this stuff about Copperfield I always wonder, why does he still do 500 shows a year?... Money? Ego?
I remember about 8 years ago he did 7 shows in 2 days at a local casino. I don't think there is any way a performer can stay sharp and on top of his game with this kind of schedule. So the question is why does he do it? |
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Joey Stalin Inner circle Canada 1072 Posts |
Becuase the MGM tells him to?
-A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic.
-It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them. -The secret impresses no one. The trick you use it for is everything. See you space cowboy... |
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makeupguy Inner circle 1411 Posts |
It's odd.. but every review I've read about DC on this board has been the same. He's bored... he's disinterested... he's mean... he's not on the ball...
I worked for David in the late 80's and since then have toured with Broadways shows and other touring magic shows.. and I have to say one thing. No matter how big you get, or how famous you are, there is no excuse for acting like that on stage, even if your name is on the marquee. If you're that bored, stressed, burnt out, whatever... take a year off!!! If it's that clear that you hate your job, take a year off to chill... do some consulting for other people, to see how people with real passion do their jobs.. for goodness sake the man is 51 years old (not sure how old he admits to).. take some time off. I've done several single runs of over 3,000 shows.. and it's hard to keep things fresh. David's done way more than that.. I can't imagine being thrilled with what you do after that. |
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Eric Leclerc Inner circle Ottawa Ontario 1185 Posts |
Sorry I didn't realize this subject had already been talked about....
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glatner Loyal user 245 Posts |
I agree with Eric,
I got to see the same show the night before in Toronto. I was not impressed, although the technical magic was usually impressive. (I love the shrinker). I found his patter and audience interaction to be disturbing. The show I went to was a 7:00, the majority of the audince was parents with young kids. (I'd say 25% of the audience was under 12) The majority of his jokes were extremly "lewd" to put it politely, his "baby act" was ridiculously inappropriate, as for the lotto trick, and "the magic beach teleport" it was so shmultzy, no one in the audience around me took it seriously. Then the video's. Man, those videos took up around 15 minutes of the show, and sucked. When you are paying $90 for a 1 1/2 hour show that's 1/6 of your money down the drain ($15). In conclusion, it was quite upsetting. glatner |
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pierredan Special user Dai Vernon's birthplace 540 Posts |
Eric,
I was at one of his show the night before yours. He acted a little better with his audience but not much. I almost felt like heckling him to "stop being an *******." I cannot accept the excuse that he performs many shows and is having an off night. He is a billionaire or close to it. He can choose how many shows he wants to perform. No one forces him to do 6 shows in 3 days. I loved the show, but no longer like the man. I have a feeling that "Copperfield: coming to a town near you" may soon come to an end. |
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Eric Leclerc Inner circle Ottawa Ontario 1185 Posts |
I totally agree.... Why does he still do it then? Boredom?
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Marshall Thornside Inner circle chicago 2016 Posts |
Its no excuse for a professional performer
to act like that on stage with the circumstances that he's been through. The average people do not know that David's father has passed, and unless there's a public announcement its not in good place. Even with the toll of constant touring its still no excuse. People can accept the circumstances of David's emotional turmoil and situation of loss but it does not give him the right to act like that in public forum. Professional and non-Professional everyone should be at their best and put their feelings aside for their show. If he wasn't in the best frame of mind in the past few weeks then he should of cancelled his shows. Until he is emotionally OK. It isn't easy to perform when a loved one is sick or has passed. I don't think Eric or anyone else is wrong for feeling that way or judging him that way. Either way I think David lost it a long while ago. And as far as being a jerk, well ...
you will remember my name
World's Youngest Illusionista 7th greatest pianist in the world Go Red For Women and Stroke Ambassador www.mai-ling.net |
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Johnny_Dee Loyal user 225 Posts |
Ok let me put my words in this discussions... I was at the Ottawa show, the last one. I think it's the same show that Eric has seen. I agree that it is the same show since 4 or 5 years, I agree that Copperfield should found some other original illusions. I agree that it is not his best show.... BUT the Ottawa show was really great and he was in a good mood. Better than the last time that I saw him in Montreal. And the audience reaction was really great too. In this show, he got 2 standing ovation. One after Portal, and the other one after thirtheen.
WE magicians often think like magicians, but from a layman angle I have to say that the response to this specific show was really great. Lot of laught, lot of applauses. I have brought my girlfriend with me and she told me that he was one of the best showman that she has ever seen. I don't want to deffend David Copperfield at all, he is able to do it by himself, But after all, he is the only magicians< that I know who is able to sold out magic shows all around the world. When I'll be able to do that, I'll be in better position to do a critic on it. Just my thought Johnny |
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skc417 Loyal user australia 226 Posts |
Well I saw his show must be 10 years ago now, when he toured Australia.
I found the same thing, just wasn't really engaging. And most of what was done has been seen on TV. He actually sang a song at the beginning, I remembered this so well. Kum Ba Yah My Lord, Kum Ba Yah.... It went for quite a while actually, then he saw people that came in late and told them they just missed his song and decide to sing it for them again. The worst part of the show I thought was when he just walked off the stage and just showed us a video. I mean I would much rather some real small sleight of hand trick then watching a video, we are there for one reason, to see him Live. |
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Ron Giesecke Special user Redding, Ca. 947 Posts |
I lost my dad seven months ago. It made me more empathetic to my audiences.
I'd like to see the causality between bereavement and being a jerk proven, actually. Anecdotal evidence points to the contrary, in my experience. I've paid exorbinant prices twice to see him regale his audience with Viagra comments, crotch jokes, and a stream-of-consciousness drift into "I am still able to get girls" mantra. If you or I ever publicly humiliated a spectator like that, we wouldn't be able to hide in the skirts of "daddy died, therefore ram your 60 dollar entrance fee up your keyster." We'd be fired. |
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