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Cliffg37 Inner circle Long Beach, CA 2491 Posts |
When Jack Goldfinger invited me to help him perform overflow (a magic show for those who would not fit in the regular shows) At the Hat in Hare Pub I was flattered, and scared spitless. I have been a member of the magic castle for just over a year, and because I have no problem approaching people and starting a conversation, I have gotten to know many other members there.
People usually think I am a smart person. I have never felt that way. I read a lot, think fast on my feet and I speak well. This combination makes most people think smart. So, while Jack (a very nice man) and I have spoken many times, he has NEVER seen me perform. For those of you I have met in real time at conventions or other venues, how many of you have actually seen me perform? Jay has seen Photos. Russell has been on stage with me, Margarete shepherded my first SJ escape (not on stage), and that is about it. So while I was honored at the invitation, I wondered if I deserved it, and if I was up to it. The magic castle is the Carnegie Hall of the magic world. This is what scared me so. Of course I said yes to Jack. Some opportunities you just can't turn down ready or not. (Like escaping a straitjacket in zero gravity with a broken arm that your doctor says needs one more week to heal) When I arrived I was told I was up first (Oh sh... Oh Joy) But when the show began, the switch was thrown (my internal `you're on switch') and off we went. I did not botch any of the material, and people laughed, even when not supposed to. Jack introduced me with a comparison to Houdini. I think you will all agree that this is common among non EA magicians and lay people to draw that comparison. I started with the ice breaker by pointing out that not only is Houdini dead where I am alive, but I am also taller than he was. The audience liked it. All thoughts of stage fright vanished in an instant. I opened with who can tie the most knots in one minute, producing 15 knots in ten seconds or so. Then I had myself chained and padlocked (not Siberian but ordinary chain) and proceeded to pick the lock using only a dime held in my teeth. I think I am the only one doing that. IT is hard. Much harder with chains on then without, but I did it. (I remember Morgan once saying she can pick handcuffs open behind her back with a pick held in her toes. That tops me, but not much else will) The dime in the teeth bit got a good audience response. I had borrowed the dime, and so produced a alcohol swab to clean it before giving it back. The guy left it. I guess I grossed him out. Wow, if I keep getting tips I might get rich. Out comes the straitjacket. I had a male volunteer buckle the back straps. He put them on fairly tight. I had a female volunteer buckle the crotch strap. I was shocked that she needed no guidance or prodding or even directions. When I used the classic line "You've done this before" the audience took it for a joke. I meant it seriously. I messed around a bit and got good applause as the jacket came off over my head, but stunned silence soon followed. It seems that I somehow got thumb cuffed inside the jacket. I cut that routine way short since the host had come in and announced the 9:30 dinner seating. My plan had been to play with the girl holding my jacket up to cover my hands, but I made the tired old joke, "No hold it here!" and then escaped. I came home on a high, and felt great. I performed at the Magic Castle! WOW!
Magic is like Science,
Both are fun if you do it right! |
magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
Cliff,
Sounds like you did a wonderful job.... Glad you did not go with the padlock and dime as an opener as we discussed. HMM.. can't wait to steal this idea from you buddy! When are you at the castle again?
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
Cliffg37 Inner circle Long Beach, CA 2491 Posts |
Tonight, probably close to 9pm in the Hat and Hare pub. But I am going to ask not to go first. Hopefully I paid enough dues last night to go second or third.
Magic is like Science,
Both are fun if you do it right! |
Kevin Ridgeway V.I.P. Indianapolis, IN & Phoenix, AZ 1832 Posts |
Congrats Cliff!!! Knock em dead again tonight! You just made a great addition to the resume.
Kevin & Kristen
Living Illusions
Ridgeway & Johnson Entertainment Inc Kevin Ridgeway & Kristen Johnson aka Lady Houdini The World's Premier Female Escape Artist www.LadyHoudini.com www.livingillusions.com |
Russell_LA Regular user Van Nuys, CA 101 Posts |
Cliff, best of luck! Wish I could be there!
R.
"You cannot kill the boogeyman."
- Halloween |
Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
Locks like that are a delight! I have a dozen, which I used (many years ago) in 100' chain challenge. They saved me losing lots of money.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
1200handcuffs Regular user USA 107 Posts |
Congratulations! I want to inspect the padlock and the dime.
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Cliffg37 Inner circle Long Beach, CA 2491 Posts |
Stan, I was wearing the same tie as you have in your avatar while I performed!
The second night was better than the first. I did not have to rush the jacket and thumbcuffs. I started by asking who had reservations for the 9:30 dinner. That met with Jack's approval and showed me who not to call on. It went so well, that several magicians suggested I send a demo to Max to perform under my own name. It is almost 1 am. I am exhausted, and still high off the evenings activities! Break a chain everybody!
Magic is like Science,
Both are fun if you do it right! |
pastorclyde Special user 576 Posts |
Congrats Cliff! A great opportunity for a great guy.
CLyde |
Doc Allgood Regular user Houston, TX 156 Posts |
Awesome!!! Very exciting, Cliff.
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