Lots of Catching Up and REVIEW: Black Box by John Kennedy

Hi all,

I know its been quite a while since my last post and I apologize for that. It's been crazy here...first of all, I was sick as hell right before Christmas and then again in the beginning of the new year.

I also have been seeing a lot of people in my hypnosis clinic which is where I'm putting a lot of my effort into as I'm just too worn out anymore to travel.

That being said, the new year has already brought a few interesting stories worth mentioning. In the first week of the new year, I was booked in a school for one of my educational assemblies, and I was sick as hell, and as it turned out, I forgot two props and then as I was setting up, another prop broke, so I thought I was SOL, but with an adjustment in how I set things up, I was able to fulfill my allotted time and the audience was none the wiser. There's a pretty cool lesson there.:)

I also recently had the opportunity to Skype with Paul Romhany. It's funny because he and I have been friends for years but that was the first conversation I'd ever had with him.:) It was the first of what I hope will be many...especially considering my wife Libby & I are taking a cruise to Alaska and we'll be In Vancouver near where Paul & his family live so hopefully we'll be able to meet up for dinner or something.

Paul also shared with me the details of a really cool prop I'm thinking of getting, that I've had my eye on in a long time.

On to this week's review - The Black Box by John Kennedy. It's available for $350 from Hocus Pocus.

Here's the ad copy:


Make things move, jump, and fly around anywhere in the room! There's no clue to the mystery because Black Box is hidden away from the action!

Black Box is an advanced RF remote control device for magicians. The electronics are designed and manufactured exclusively for John Kennedy Magic, enabling the unit to operate in four different modes: manual, timer, remote, and hands-free remote. There are no toe switches or body wires of any kind!

It's sleek, only 4.8" L x 1.4" W x 1.1" H (12.1 x 3.5 x 2.9 cm). Small enough to carry in your pocket and hide just about anywhere in the room you're working in.

A standard 9V battery powers the unit. The automatic sleep mode circuitry makes it literally impossible to drain the battery, even if you leave the unit turned on for weeks!

You will receive the Black Box, transmitter, and instructions. Several applications are explained, and once you start playing with it you will be inspired!

EASE OF OPERATION: Just one push of the button on the included remote is all that is needed to trigger the Black Box. I didn't experiment much with the timer aspects of the unit, as for my style of performing, I prefer to ad lib based on the response of the audience so some audiences, I may just stick to my script but other audiences, responses may be different and I may choose to go 'off script' and ad lib a bit...therefore, I'm not likely to use any kind of timer.

INSTRUCTIONS: The instructions for this prop are adequate, but by being written on a teeny tiny brochure was rather irritating. The instructions also give some routine ideas, but the instructions were so simplistic, like "You can use the Black Box to knock objects down," things like that.

BATTERIES: The Black Box operates with one 9V battery, and this was a point of contention with me because the manner in which the battery is installed pulls on the wires a bit, which would always concern me in that in time, the wires may be pulled loose, so to me, this is a design flaw.

NOISE: This is the biggest issue I had with this device. It has a LOUD buzzing sound, making this almost completely useless for my purposes - I had bought this with the idea of using it in seances, and with the way I'm planning to perform seances, I'll be in peoples' home and such and do not plan on having music on loud enough to mask the sound. For stage work this would be OK, but it's not what I bought it for.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: So, with a design flaw in how the battery is secured and an extreme loud motor, I cannot recommend this at all in close-up or even parlor situations. It'd be fine onstage assuming you have control of lighting issues, but for living room work (as depicted in the demo video) you're really out of luck unless you can think of a reason to have LOUD music playing.

5 out of 10.

Next week I review Hanky Panky by Scott Alexander & Puck.

LAST DAY for Murder By Magic and 2012 Year In Review

Howdy dear readers!

I'm publishing this blog on the evening of December 30th, 2012, which means you now have ONE DAY left to invest in Murder By Magic: The Ultimate Corporate Magic Show. After that, it disappears FOREVER!

As I've done in years past, this column will focus on my "top ten" list from reviewed products in 2012. To restrict myself, I've stayed with new items, either released in 2012 or at least new to ME. I've also rated them on the basis of the quality of each item, the impact on my own performing biz and other, random, completely non-scientific methods. Additionally, all props listed here are available from Hocus Pocus - www.hocus-hocus.com. Here we go...

1. Electronic Flashbox by Peter Loughran

This was my personal top pick for the year. I dropped this into my Self-Esteem magic show for schools - as my CLOSER, no less- and the results have been incredible. People love it, the prop is 100% reliable, looks great on stage, gets a helluva reaction...what more can I ask? A stellar piece by a guy who constantly puts out great stuff. I've used it around 40 times or so in front of audiences of kids from 200-500 and it always slays them.

2. The Big Opener by Andy Nyman

This came REALLY close to being my fav pick of the year simply because it takes a LOT for a new trick/routine/prop to crack the starting line-up of my strolling/close-up magic set list. This effect, a re-invention of a classic, by Andy Nyman has earned my respect. It's now my go-to effect in my strolling set list. The old cliche of "If I only have time to do ONE effect for a group..." holds true here. While my own Perfect Corporate Opener (available in my Cause & Effects book series) is my favorite overall effect in my strolling set, I actually really enjoy using this if I only have time to do one trick for a group simply because this WILL get cheers and applause every time.

3. Briefcase Table by JL

While not a "trick" or "routine," this is nevertheless a terrific all-purpose performing case/table base for a small parlor type act or full length mentalism show. This looks great on stage, is sturdy, spacious and very professional. While I rarely can fit an entire act into this case (hey, I like big props!!) for the times and situations I could, this baby ROCKS. In particular, I had a Stress Reduction talk for a corporate group in Milwaukee earlier this month and I walked in with JUST this case and did a one hour program easily out of this sucker. Highly recommended.

4. SPOTS by Michael Ross & Bill Abbott

This rates so high on my list purely because of the awesome handling Michael provides. I always enjoy studying another pro's improvements on a classic and the handling alone warrants a good look at this release. The handling completely fools me and while the script is nothing to get excited about, the 'fool 'em factor' on this is very high.

5. Gypsy Balloon by Tony Clark

Again, this is a re-invention of a classic and brilliantly rendered for stage shows of large audiences. Beautiful, visual, elegant and an easy technical handling makes this an instant classic.

6. Multiplying Rum Bottles by Reg Donnelly & Paul Romhany

After my Harries Magic bottles got too dented and banged up from years of abuse, I got these mostly because the white bottles really 'pop' from stage in terms of visibility. After 50 or so uses this year, not only have they held up extremely well but the smooth handling ensures ease of operation. A GREAT buy, and the option of producing two Coke cups at the end can offer the buyer a cool kicker at the end.

7.Astor Epic

The Mental Epic seems to be one of the props every would-be mentalist owns and often after a person thinks they are getting 'serious' that they drop it. This release is marvelous because there is NO force of any kind and the 'dirty work' is unbelievable simple and the solution for the third revelation is a reliable mechanical marvel. The only reason it does not rate higher is because this prop hardly appears natural in any sense and thus I myself feel comfortable using - as I mix magic & mentalism effects constantly - but pure mentalists will shy away from the look of the prop.

8. The Real Deal by Paul Romhany

If you're a professional or if you WANT to be a professional, you NEED this book. Period.

9. Professional Backdrop System

When this is set up, this looks REALLY nice! The 'break down' is mere seconds, so this is really nice for the guy who has to pack up quick for another show. I certainly made fun of the instructons for this, as they are truly awful abnd laughable, but the product itself is well built and looks great. I'd rate it higher, but its very bulky and a pain to find room for in your vehicle. Still, I've used it 40 or so times since I bought it and it really does look great.

10. Jitters by Peter Loughran & Sean Bogunia

A clear labor of love on the part of both guys. This looks great, is reliable, and has the potential to be very scary! This 'speaks' to me (pun intended) because of my love of spooky and Bizarre magic. While I haven't had the opportunity to use it in a live show yet, I can rest easy knowing when the opportunity rises, I'll have an incredible toolbox of goodies to enhance a spooky performance.

Until next week, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Year-End Review, Murder By Magic and REVIEW: Spots DVD & Script by Michael Ross, Produced & Directed by Bill Abbott

Howdy Everyone!

Cris Johnson here and I have to say I'm excited...tomorrow is my LAST show til after the New Year, so I finally get some tough off to finish setting up my wonderful new hypnosis office!

A couple of notes on upcoming reviews...next week I'll be doing my annual 'top ten' of 2012. as with years past, since I do not review ALL the new stuff out there, this list is hardly scientific or all-inclusive, but simply a list of the goodies I liked best for the year.

Then, I'll be reviewing the following: Black Box by John Kennedy, Blank Night by John Archer and Rubik's Nightmare DVD. Those of you who are regular readers of this blog, you may remember that several months ago I mentioned reviewing the Black Box. I'll admit that I've been dragging my feet on reviewing that one because I glanced at the instruction sheet and found the type size too damn small. the instructions also seemed confusing to me at first glance. So this may not bode well for the review but I'm FINALLY going to get to it!!

Also, today is December 19th, and Murder By Magic will be GONE at the end of the month so if you've been thinking about getting this, order ASAP!!!!

OK, now on to this week's review: Spots by Michael Ross and directed by Bill Abbott. It's available for $49.95 from Hocus Pocus.

AD COPY: "When I was 14 years old I saw Michael Ross perform at the anniversary party of a local magic shop here in Toronto. One of the pieces he performed was his original presentation and handling for the spot card that baffled me completely. Even though I had a version of the same prop at home, Michael seemed to make the spots appear like magic and more incredibly with audience members on all sides of him! I am so proud to offer this complete package with Norm Nielsen's beautiful handmade Dynamo spot card and Michaels unparalleled routine. I have added this routine to my show and now you can too." - Bill Abbott

The Effect
The performer explains that he will place the audience under a mild hypnotic spell and demonstrate an optical illusion in the form of a card with four(?) sides. True to form the magician proceeds to show a large black domino-like card with white spots. One spot on one side, four on the other, then three on the third(?) side and six (?) on the other! This is shown two more times and then the performer explains the psychological and manual manipulation that creates the illusion of a four sided card. Due to the way the card is held the spots are either displayed or covered by the fingers and the minds of the audience create the illusion of a four sided card. Then things get strange when the performer shows that the illusions have become a reality and spots start magically appearing at every turn of the card. Finally in one final turn of the card, it is suddenly filled with white dots bringing the routine (and hypnotic spell!) to a mind blowing conclusion!

An Introduction
The spot card has been an unsung standard in the repertoire of many professional performers, including magic superstar David Copperfield. Michael Ross, under the stage name of Merlin, has developed the perfect fusion of elegant technique and engaging performance unlike any other spot card routine. With Michael's handling you can perform this up close and completely surrounded as Michael often has in the over 30 years of performing this routine. On the street, at a house party or for 2500 on a theatre stage, Spots is truly a pack small play anywhere routine.

SPOTS Pro Package Includes:
- Printed scripts for both the adult routine and the family routine.

A 60 minute DVD featuring:

A Live Performance
Michael performs the routine for an adult audience at an intimate private party. You will experience how Spots plays for a modern audience of professionals in a house party environment.

A Personal History
Michael shares his initial inspiration for the optical illusion presentation from a Pavel effect and his discontent with the traditional spot card handling that led to SPOTS Michael's original spot card technique.

Routines, Audiences & Venues
Michael has performed this routine for every kind of audience and in every kind of environment. Children audiences, family audiences, corporate audiences, comedy clubs and even silently to music. Michael explains how he has used SPOTS as a great segue piece, a lead in into the Invisible Deck or to the Torn & Restored Newspaper effect. The idea, the premise and the patter sets everything up for the tricks he performs during his show. Michael dissects the guaranteed laugh points during the routine, how to play the optical illusion sequence to get a laugh and then how to get two steps ahead of the audience into the multiple spots.

An Audience Proven Routine
This is a not a trick that Michael has performed on dozens of show, or hundreds of shows but a staple in his repertoire he has performed for thousands of shows over the course of 30 years. Michael explains how SPOTS became an audience tested and audience proven effect over years of experience.

Why The Dynamo Card?
Initially using the Tenyo's What's Next spot card Michael explains why he switched to the Nielsen Dynamo spot card due to visibility under various stage lighting, better audience sight lines and the deceptive nature of the method at close quarters. Michael has used the Dynamo card in 5,000 seat venues and up close in house party venues, and it works these environments and everything in between.

The SPOTS Method & Handling
Michael shows how the standard handling and method for the spot card had to be re-worked to achieve the impact that he wanted the trick to have on his audiences. He explains how to hold the card so it doesn't block the audience's view of your face and how to be sure everyone can view the changes and transformations from any angle, even from behind! The surrounded handling is explained and demonstrated so that all the secret movements become invisible no matter where your audience is situated. Even if you don't ever perform this surrounded Michael explains why learning the 'surrounded technique' makes for a better rehearsal experience and overall theatrical competence. Vertical and horizontal positioning of the card for psychological reasons is clarified and explained to get maximum impact from the audiences viewpoint. Getting precise spot movement and how to adjust on the fly if needed is demonstrated in detail.

Walk-Through from The Performers View
A complete routine sequence from the performer's point of view to nail the necessary hand positions perfectly for rehearsal. Every nuance of how to perform the routine and the important "why's" of every aspect are also explained.

Practice Sequence from the Front & from Behind
The routine sequence performed silently from the front (audience view) and then from behind (performer's view), to practice along with. This will help you get the hand positions into your physical memory and get you up and running that much faster.

Adding Glue or Wax to Perfect Your Technique
Michael explains how he used drops of glue or wax when he first performed the routine to help line up the spots by feel under fire. This may be of great help when adapting the routine into your repertoire for the first few performances.

Adult Routine Studio Performance
The entire routine utilizing the adult script (included) is performed for the camera in the studio.

Family Routine Studio Performance
The complete family routine with family script (included) is performed for the camera in the studio.

Set-Up & Prop Placement
Pre-show spot set-up for both sides of the cards and how to get the card in and out of the bag without upsetting the set-up. How and where to place the card before your performance to ensure a safe, secure and exposure-free placement of the prop.

Care & Cleaning
Using the card's felt carrying case Michael shows how to get rid of unwanted fingerprints on the card before performance that sometimes show up under stage lighting.

Conversation with Bill Abbott
Bill Abbott and Michael Ross discuss their professional relationship over the years and how Michael's performance of SPOTS made a strong impact on Bill early on in his performance career. A wide variety of topics are touched on and commented on including; performance commitment vs. strong material, how audiences sometimes resent applause cues, producing laughs by expressing an audience's inner thoughts, letting an audience enjoy the moment, SPOTS as a 'tester' routine for audiences, and much, much more.

NOTE: The SPOTS package is supplied with scrript and DVD only and DOES NOT include dynamo spot card!

WHAT YOU RECEIVE: a 60 minute DVD and printed scripts.

QUALITY OF DVD: Like most of Bill Abbott's DVDs, this is a high quality release. The lighting, camera angles, etc are all fantastic. Just great stuff.

MY THOUGHTS: Since this is a DVD release without any physical props, I'm going to skip all of the separate categories on angles, etc. In short, this DVD is about performing the old "What's Next,' "Spot" card, whatever version is out there, this performance will work just fine.

Full Disclosure: I originally bought Spots from Bill Abbott directly months ago and at that time, he included The Nielsen Magic spot card and I feel it's the best out there. Royal Magic has a cheesy version out there which will not last long - trust me. A friend of mine, decades ago, fooled me badly with the Whats Next card, but the Nielsen one is superb.

I had performed this here and there as a young magician but like most classic stuff, I set it aside without a tremendous amount of thought...with so many of us, we're so quick to ditch the classics when we're younger!

Anyway, the reason I bought Spots is because I have always had a fondness for the effect but never cared for the "supplied" handlings. Michael Ross' handling is AMAZING and he fooled me badly with the effect even though I owned a version of the prop. That, dear readers, is a GREAT feeling!

The DVD covers 'care & feeding' of your prop, angles, prop management, performance theory and a lot of somewhat esoteric stuff, some of which I agree with and some I definitely don't but it's good food for the brain.

As with most of Abbott's releases, at the end of the instruction part of the DVD he includes a "conversation with" whomever is the subject of the DVD. Often, this is where the best stuff is hidden. I found Michael Ross to be an engaging, intelligent guy who obviously takes this stuff very seriously.

Back to his handling for a moment - if you have ever received the so-so reactions to this effect (as I have) I can assure you that Ross' handling will work in any situation. I've used his handling at a few birthday parties, in front of 500 kids at a school and all points in between. I've had people  three quarters of the way around me (I avoid surrounded performances) and I've always had complete confidence that I would NOT get busted.

I really love and appreciate the amount of thought that went into a classic that many of us would toss aside.

Okay, that's the good stuff, but now I want to discuss the negative - for me personally, I felt Michael's scripting was lacking. There was not anything wrong with it per se, but it did not jump out at me, either. There's a couple of somewhat amusing lines and in truth the family and adult scripts are nearly identical - by omitting a reference to drinking, you've almost got his family script.

There's a few set up lines outlining the effect to follow and then it's mostly exposition - "Four spots on this side, three on this side," etc. Just very basic stuff.

I don't mean to pick on Michael and it's obvious that he put a lot of time into this effect, having performed it thousands of times, and I know in a given show that not every effect I do will necessarily have Pultitzer prize scripting, but in my humble opinion, this release is absolutely worth buying for the handling alone - Ross has really made some great innovations. His scripting is just OK. Nothing wrong with it but not earth-shattering, clever or even memorable.

The 'extras' such as the care and feeding, prop management, and especially the conversation with Abbott are all worthy things to search out on the DVD.

RATING: 8 out 10 - great handling, great value.

Murder By Magic is Almost Gone and REVIEW: Amazing Twenty Dollar Bill Trick by Hal Spear and Paul Romhany

Hi all!

Sorry for the delay in my last post. A few updates...

My hypnosis office is FINALLY FINISHED! This is something that's been in the works for several months now. We took over the building from the former tenant in October and since then , my wife and I have been in there in our spare time which has been quite rare since her hair salon is crazy-busy and the 4th quarter of every year is always my most insane time of the year in terms of performing...but now it's done - the city came through and gave us the official 'stamp of approval' so I can legally open my doors. So, if you're in the Niagara Falls area and need to quit smoking, lose weight, etc., visit our site - www.NiagaraFallsHypnosisCenter.com

Today is December 11th and that means there's only a few weeks left to invest in my Murder By magic - The Ultimate Corporate Magic Show package. After December 31st, it gets pulled forever.

On to this week's review: The Amazing $20 Bill Trick by Hal Spear and Paul Romhany. It's available for $39.95 and is available from Hocus Pocus.

Here's the ad copy:


"When Hal showed me a tape of this hilarious new confusion routine, I said this is the substitute for banana/bandana I've been looking for."-- Paul Romhany

Explaining that he is trying out a new trick, the performer follows along to an instructional CD only to have the volunteer's borrowed and signed twenty dollar bill totally destroyed. The instructional CD is no help as it ends abruptly, telling the performer if he wants to learn the secret to magic Lesson number two - he has to buy magic lesson number three!

Left with no recourse, the Magician says he's going to let the volunteer keep the Amazing Twenty Dollar Bill Trick as pay back.

Now get this - the volunteer, who has been holding the box the Amazing Twenty Dollar Bill Trick came in the entire time, is asked by the Magician as a last ditch effort to check inside for the trouble-shooting DVD. The spectator opens the package, takes out the DVD case, opens it where inside is a sealed windowed envelope that says TROUBLE SHOOTING. But wait - seen inside the window of the sealed envelope is a signed twenty dollar bill. And yes - lo and behold - it is the spectator's signed twenty dollar bill!

After our performer screams that he's returning the trick in the morning - the Voice Over pops back on for one last word - very funny, unexpected closer.

This is just the basic effect. The Amazing Twenty Dollar Bill Trick is filled with comedic twists and turns and is soo easy to do!

Comprehensive DVD with Paul's handling and bonus ideas. Quality made CD with professional voice over including two shorter versions of the routine and the full seven minute version. Quality made props.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE: You receive the instructional DVD and an audio CD with three different versions of the routine recorded. You also receive a "Cheap Tricks" DVD case for use in the routine, some envelopes and other things.

QUALITY OF INSTRUCTIONS: Like Paul's other DVD releases, the instructions are top-notch in terms of clarity, understanding the effect, etc. The lighting is good and you can see & hear everything. This is not L&L studio-quality stuff, but for my liking, it doesn't need to be. Paul is one of the busiest and most respected professionals working world wide so I don't need some over-reacting L&L audience.:)

DIFFICULTY: I am very pleased to report that the 'difficulty' level of this routine is insanely easy from a technical standpoint. Additionally, Paul offers up a few even EASIER options (with NO reduction in the amazement level of the routine) for guys like me who really just want the easiest thing imaginable. In a recent email conversation Paul & I had recently, we both agreed we generally wanted the easiest methods possible for new effects as we both constantly try to anticipate and thus plan for anything that could go wrong. When you're a working pro and you count on successful shows to pay your mortgage, you can't afford to take chances. People pay for success!

QUALITY OF CD TRACKS: The original routine is quite long, around 7 minutes on the first CD track. It has some really good jokes and in particular has a moment or two where the audio recording apparently 'hears and reacts' to the live performer, which I thought was really cool. Additionally, the voice actor recording the track is quite good in terms of acting and cadence. Ultimately, I do agree with Paul's own assessment on the instructional DVD that the track is really too long. I myself have recently began taking notes about what I can chop out using my free Audacity audio recording program because I really like the voice actor, but if you're not into playing around with that stuff like I am, Paul has also provided on the CD two much shorter tracks - one in a female's voice and another in Paul's own voice. Both tracks are also quite good.

MY THOUGHTS: I feel this is a fine addition to the "Magician plays an instructional magic CD for the audience" plot most popularized by the Vanishing Bandanna. This may not be a show stopper, but it's a fine middle effect and the use of the CD recording always livens up any show as it's something different to add texture to a show.

Also, and on a personal note, I want to add that when this effect first came out, some folks attacked Paul's acting on the DVD, claiming his mugging and reactions to the CD was childish. Two things on that - first, after watching the DVD, I did not get that feeling and two, Paul often performs for 2000 people at a time so a certain degree of 'projection' is necessary.

Personally, I thought he was just fine.

Again, I REALLY liuke this. Not a showstopper, but a worthy addition to my family shows. 9 out of 10.

REVIEW: Mona Lisa 2

Hi Everyone!

This week's blog is actually a little early! My late-week gets pretty crazy, so I decided to do the blog early. Let's get right to it - this week's review is Mona Lisa 2 by Alpha Magic, it's available for a special 30% off - $315.00.

Here's the ad copy:


Long unavailable. Through an exclusive arrangement with the mfg. we have purchased all remaining inventory of this incredible effect and are offering you this last chance to obtain one at an incredible 30% OFF! Supply is limited so don't delay...Order yours today!

This brand new version of this classic effect is available again. The Mona Lisa 2 now offers two performance options!

The Effect:

A volunteer from the audience examines the pieces of the puzzle and independently selects one out of 100 completely differently shaped pieces. Once this has been done the magician exposes the puzzle, which is missing one piece. To the audience's amazement, the piece that the volunteer chooses, is precisely the missing piece!!!

This simple and direct effect is what will make this an instant classic in the world of magic! You receive the beautiful fully golden framed puzzle of the Mona Lisa, the extra puzzle pieces,the special something that allows the trick to work,velvet puzzle cover, protective transport case,full performance music on CD and a full "Mona Lisa Routine."

This elegant magical mentalism piece will be the hit in your next performance. Imported from overseas just for you, order Mona Lisa 2 today!

The Kit Includes:
A 100-piece picture puzzle of the "Mona Lisa"
A unique gimmick with unique puzzle pieces
A black velvet fabric cover
A custom case
A classical music CD


QUALITY OF EQUIPMENT: I bought the first version of this about 10 years ago, right before I went full time as a performer. 10 years later, it still looks like new. Everything is so well made and besides, the protective travel case keeps everything looking great. This is made to last, for true traveling pros.

ANGLES: Although you could do this surrounded in terms of The Secret, the fact is that the revelation is really best for audiences seated right in front of you. It is a visual revelation, after all.

DIFFICULTY: In terms of technical skill, this is indeed one of those "do it right out of the box" type of tricks. Obviously there's a certain level of performance that's needed. You can rest assured that your efforts can be directed toward connecting with your audience.

MARKETS: Here's the cool thing about this bit o' mental magic...in my experience of performing this for 10 years, I've found that adult audiences, teens, and even elementary kids can appreciate the effect. I've performed this for corporate groups, daytime school assemblies and night time family shows. It plays well for all of them.

MY THOUGHTS: From what I've said thus far, you should be able to tell that I really like this effect. The props look great and the puzzle pieces themselves are large enough for big audiences. Once you find out how it works, you'll definitely have one of those "oh, I could have thought of this" moments. That being said, everything is so well made and the high visibility of the props really adds a visual element to the effect. Additionally, unlike the version I bought 10 years ago, this version gives you TWO options so you could do this for repeat audiences.

10 out of 10.

Holidays and REVIEW: Briefcase Table by JL

The holidays are upon us!!

Welcome back, dear readers. Sorry about the delay with the blog the last couple of weeks. Between my performing schedule and getting the new hypnosis office open, it's been pretty hectic around here. Add in a bout of serious flu this past week, and I have been amazed at how fast time flies!

It's the end of October and that means the year is just about over...and that means there's only one month left to make the investment for my incredible "Murder By Magic: The ULTIMATE Corporate Magic Show." At the end of this year, it will be pulled...forever!

On to this week's review...it's The Briefcase Table by JL. It's available for $229.95 from Hocus Pocus.

Here's the description:

This Heavy Duty Professional briefcase table is beautifully made with top quality materials to insure a lifetime of use. If you are a working professional you will appreciate all of the upgrades that lesser quality tables do not offer.

Take a look at these great features.
Double braced chrome plated tripod Stand.
Black Velvet like storage bag
Thick rubber feet
Extra large heavy duty flange (attached to case)
Heavy duty flange (attached to top of stand)
Full height adjustability
Lined case to protect against scratches
Storage pockets
No wobbling
Built to last a lifetime

Briefcase Dimensions Approximately: 3.5" x 12.5" x 18"

Table Height when assembled Approximately: 24" to 36" (Adjustable)


WHAT YOU GET: You get the briefcase itself, with the mount on the bottom for the stand. The case itself has inner pockets to store props, too. You also receive the adjustable stand with a velvet bag.

MY THOUGHTS: Since this is not a 'trick' I will get right to my thoughts. This case and stand combo is REALLY well made. It has the silver corner protectors in the 'musical equipment roadcase' style that is popular these days.

The stand itself is super stable and the overall look of this combo means your show will really look stylish - so much more so than a traditional briefcase, which is what many magicians use.

I myself typically travel with a lot more equipment than will typically fit into a briefcase, but lately I've been re-visiting Dan Harlan's Pack Flat, Play Big series of DVDs and I know that some day I will be downsizing my show into something a bit more manageable and this case will completely fit the bill.

RATING: This is an incredible value as a great way to both transport your show - either all or part of it, depending on your style - and as a way to perform in a way that is stylish and modern. 10 out of 10.

Sorry about the short review this week, but the way my schedule is, it's hard keepin up.:)

REVIEW: Creature Shock by Peter Loughran

Hello all!

Well, election day has come and gone....I'm just glad that I won't have all of those damn political messages clogging up my answering machine.:)

Just a quick reminder that Murder By Magic is available again here at Hocus Pocus but ONLY until the end of the year and then it is GONE forever. It really is the ULTIMATE corporate magic show and can easily play for 400, 200 or 20 people! Pros around the world who have made the investment continue to praise it. The clock is ticking.:)

On to this week's review: Creature Shock by Peter Loughran. It's available from Hocus Pocus for $699.

AD COPY: The performer introduces a small magical chest and explains to the audience that this chest is actually a portal or a gateway to another dimension, and this is how magicians have been making animals and objects appear in their magic acts for centuries. He will now reveal to the audience how the magical gateway works and will now demonstrate the illusion.

The performer introduces several playing cards that have different names of animals on them that a magician might produce or make appear in their magic acts, for example a Dove, Rabbit, Canary etc. He has someone in the audience select a playing card, and show everyone what they have picked. The card is shown to have the word "Rabbit" written on it.

The performer now opens the chest and shows it to be completely EMPTY. The chest is closed and then the door is opened and a rabbit is pulled out of the box just like magic! The audience is thrilled but wants to see more, so the magician offers to do it again, and this time they can select a different card.

The next card is turned over, but to the magician's horror, the card says "Gorilla". The performer seems confused and starts to utter..."What does that card say?...A Gorilla?...how the heck could a Gorilla fit inside this small...." Then before the magician has a chance to finish his sentence, the small chest starts shaking violently out of control, the front door busts open and a giant Gorilla arm comes lunging out towards the audience, and reaches for them and the magician. The magician, frantically struggles, but manages to somehow contain the beast and close the door. The chest still shaking wildly, the performer decides to ditch the prop, and move on to a much easier and less dangerous card trick.

A hilarious and action packed routine great for all ages, full of laughs and surprises, a guaranteed hit at your next show.

You can use any small animal or object that will fit inside the load area instead of a rabbit. The inside boasts a clear coat armor finish that makes it virtually stain proof and animal droppings will easily be cleaned up after each show.

You can show the box empty before the first production, and then show it again empty after the first production and before the gorilla makes its appearance. It is also possible to once again show the box empty after the gorilla has been contained.

Creature Shock is fully self contained, and requires no special clothing, just pick it up and perform it, simple as that. Sets up and Resets in about 1 minute and is very easy to do. Built like a professional illusion and tricked out in polished aluminum.

Creature Shock is very deceptive from just a couple of feet away, and great to perform up close or on stage. Just as people begin to think the gorilla arm might be, being animated by simple puppetry, you turn so that the audience can see both hands are still on the outside of and still holding the chest. The Gorilla arm itself also appears much longer than any of your own arms which only add to the impossible appearance of the illusion.

Packs small and plays big!
No animals were harmed in the making of Creature Shock; however some of the humans didn't make it.

Creature Shock comes with professionally built illusion chest, playing cards, and instructions.

This illusion is built on order, please allow 2-4 weeks turnaround time

Custom ATA Case - Please add USD $199.99

WHAT YOU RECEIVE: You receive the specially designed box itself and written instructions along with routining ideas.

QUALITY: I love the fact that not only is Peter's stuff modern-looking (no damn dragons spraypainted!) but by adding the silver metal corner protectors, the box is well-protected. The written instructions are very detailed - the workings are so simple that Peter could have done the 'one sheet treatment' with this release but he goes into much more detail.

DIFFICULTY: This is one of those effects that from a technical standpoint is really easy, maybe a 1 on a 10-scale of difficulty, but the true secret of this effect is selling the idea that a gorilla is trying to get out of the box. You'll need to do some acting and work on your blocking, which leads me to...

ANGLES: The angles are quite good on this for the first production of the animal or whatever you produce the first time, but for the gorilla, you want your audience in front of you. If you have audience members sitting on the sides or in back, you'll be busted. In my opinion, while the trick is deceptive from up close, the angles on this will keep me doing this strictly on stage where audiences are more easily controlled (as opposed to birthday shows!)

AGES: I feel this effect may be too scary for daycare-age kids, but thus far in my performances, kids of a wide range react really well to it! So far I've used it for audiences from K to 5th grade and the responses have been incredible.

MY THOUGHTS: The first time I did this, the audience lost their minds! The screams and laughter blew me away! I did it early on in the show and when I was building to my big climax trick, several kids in the audience called out, "Bring back the gorilla!" That was REALLY cool, as I had held off on ordering this effect until I  had a place for it in one of my school assembly shows. Once I found the right place for it however, it fit like a glove.

One thing I should mention - if you do this as a way to produce a live animal, make sure your animal is not a 'chewer,' as the first time I performed this, I used a rat and the little beast chewed a hole in the gorilla hand! The secret compartment where the animal is hidden is the same place where the gorilla arm is.

In my case, I simply switched to producing a non-live animal for the first production. After making that switch, the quality & reaction to the effect did NOT drop at all as the nature of the production (based as it is on a fantastic classic principle) is so deceptive that pulling anything out of the 'empty' box is mindblowing.

RATING: Peter Loughran continues to deliver big-time with his releases and this is no different. 10 out of 10.