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Tom Frank
Veteran user
industrial Strength Magic
397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 4:38am
Hey Tom, this is the Email I got from the Magic Castle. I can't believe it! After working there for nearly 20 years and receiving 12 nominations for performer of the year. 8 for parlour 2 for Palace one for Comedy and One for lecturer of the year. I guess all those people who voted for me don't count as much as the compaint letters. I have called Dale Hindman, but he hasn't called me back.
Your pal, Dan the Man (Sylvester The Jester)
From: "Ron Wilson" ron@uncannyscot.com
To: "Dan Sylvester" sylvesterthejester@hotmail.com
CC: "Dale Hindman" dhind7252@aol.com
Subject: Last week's show in the Palace
Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2005 21:20:37 -0700
Danny,
I regret to inform you that I will no longer be able to book you to perform in the Palace of Mystery. We received many complaints from unhappy members who saw your act and even the host last Monday night approached me to tell me about the complaints he had received. Both Milt and Dale were present. One of the letters I received from a member was extremely bitter about your act, also criticizing whoever had booked the show.
Please contact Dale if you wish to take this matter further.
-Ron-
Reverie Blog
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Paul Sherman
Inner circle
Washington, DC
1511 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 4:40am
What were the complaints?
"The finished card expert considers nothing too trivial that in any way contributes to his success..." Erdnase
some youtube videos
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Greg Arce
Inner circle
5397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 5:33am
Now that's weird. Sylvester is one of the most unique performers out there. His act is like no other. I don't know what happened, but I can probably guess that some people found some of his humor a bit too blue, but that means they didn't get his style. His character is an innocent who doesn't even realize when he is saying something naughty... that's what makes it funny.
I wish people would get a life and stop getting bothered by such trivial matters... as if Sylvester is what is wrong with the world.
Well, he will be missed... where else can you see someone have his eyes pop out and his tongue stretch a few feet everytime a beautiful girl walks by.
Greg
Check out CASH OUT! & The Arce Arsenal at www.freestylebooktest.com/cashout
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keeper
New user
Kissimmee, FL
42 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 8:49am
I too would be interested in the nature of the complaints. From the little info here though it appears that even private clubs are not imune from the puritanical values that are slowly eroding our country. Not seeing Sylvester's act is a great loss to the castle membership.
Make every day a magicial adventure
Al
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Vandy Grift
Inner circle
Milwaukee
3505 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 10:58am
This is a shame, is this how the Magic Castle does things? An email with basically no explanation, just some vague talk about "complaints"? I think Dan mentioned that he was having some problems with people, or specifically one person at the Magic Castle in the interview he gave on magicbroadcast.com.
It's too bad, the quality of magic at the castle has just been decreased.
Vandy
"Get a life dude." -some guy in a magic forum
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Dorian Rhodell
Inner circle
San Francisco, CA.
1036 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 4:47pm
The quality of magic at the castle has been decreased for a long time now. It is only now that people are really starting to see it. It's always the same acts and while some are good, many are not. The castle has become more of a politicians playground than an actual place to nurture and promote the growth of magic as an art. I for one will never renew my membership again. And the funny part is that knowing I will never be a member again does not bother me in the least.
Dorian Rhodell
Avenue available at http://store.dananddave.com
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malini
Loyal user
216 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 8:58pm
Did plan to visit the Magic Castle for the first time while I'm in La La Land, next week. Just changed my plans after reading this thread.
I can't stand political crap like this.
I think I'll have dinner somewhere and go to a nice theatre show instead.
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Tom Frank
Veteran user
industrial Strength Magic
397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 9:16pm
If you guys really have a problem with this, use the emails I posted and tell Ron and Dale what you think.
Let's help Dan get the respect he deserves. 21 shows in a week at the Castle for $700 and they treat him like this.
It's wrong and we can make a difference!
Reverie Blog
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johnnymystic
Inner circle
North Adams Ma.
1579 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 9:45pm
21 shows in a week at the castle and all he was paid was $700???!!! Man I'm no where near as famous and well known as Dan and I woulda charged quadruple the amount! Whoa...he was doing them a huge favor!
johnny
I drink cheap tequila and vomit
I cannot eat hot wings...acid reflux
I never inhale 
I can put a field dress on a deer
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Greg Arce
Inner circle
5397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 9:54pm
Quote:
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On 2005-06-06 21:45, johnnymystic wrote:
21 shows in a week at the castle and all he was paid was $700???!!! Man I'm no where near as famous and well known as Dan and I woulda charged quadruple the amount! Whoa...he was doing them a huge favor!
johnny
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Unfortunately, that's all the Castle pays anybody... famous or not. The greats work there just because it's the Castle and not for the money. As a matter of fact, a lot of international magicians who get booked there end up losing money because they pay for their won flight and hotel stays.
Greg
Check out CASH OUT! & The Arce Arsenal at www.freestylebooktest.com/cashout
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Steven Steele
Chief of Staff
Hesperia, California USA
1775 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 10:40pm
I left the Castle years ago because of several factors, one was the politicalness of the organization, the second was the raising of the dues and not allowing me to qualify for non-resident status even though I was 2 hours away, yet letting somebody else an hour away have the exemption, and finally they were allowing anybody who'd gone to Toys R Us and bought a couple of items to be members. I used to think you had to be, at least, respectable in skill, but found out that it didn't matter.
I haven't been to the Castle in years and have no plans to return in the immediate future. Besides, the food also went down hill. It used to be an exclusive club, meaning you had to "be somebody" to be a member. Now it just means "you've paid the required dues."
Coram Deo
The Magic of Steven Steele
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Turk
Inner circle
Portland, OR
2941 Posts
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Posted: Jun 6, 2005 10:55pm
Reminds me of the old Groucho Marx comment:
"I sent the club a wire stating, PLEASE ACCEPT MY RESIGNATION. I DON'T WANT TO BELONG TO ANY CLUB THAT WILL ACCEPT ME AS A MEMBER."
It is really unfair that no warning was even given and that apparently certain members' opinions are worth more than the vast majority of other members.
If certain people would just lighten up and remove the corn cob from you know where, they might have a better outlook on life and have their sense of humor return. Must be gastly having to live such a humorless "holier than thou" existence.
Mike
Magic is a vanishing Art.
This must not be Kansas anymore, Toto.
Eschew obfuscation.
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Lee Darrow
V.I.P.
Chicago, IL USA
3594 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 1:06am
Back in the Jurassic Period, when I auditioned (I was all of 24, I'm 53 now) when I did) and the front row held Vernon, Lanier and Scarne (I passed), I was told that my material was a little "blue" because I mentioned that I was going to "play with my sponge balls here on the table for your enjoyment." Now, if that's blue, I'll take vanilla. It seems that the Castle still hasn't caught up with the real world of working night clubs and other live events.
I've seen Dan's act several times and "blue" it most certainly isn't. A few double entendres, yes, but it is not blue. Eddie Murphy works "blue." Lenny Bruce worked "blue." Sylvester does not.
And, by my math, $700 for 21 shows in a week comes out to a whopping $33.33 per show! For that kind of money, the Castle should be on its knees thanking anyone they can get! Talk about working below the poverty level - that's not a pay scale, that's an insult!
Lee "well there goes any chance that I will ever work the Magic Castle!" Darrow
http://www.leedarrow.com
"Because NICE Matters!"
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Tom Frank
Veteran user
industrial Strength Magic
397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 1:13am
You wanted it, here it is. This is a clip from one of the complaint letters. The elderly gentleman this guy is refering to was Billy McComb.
The host of the main show was an elderly gentleman who made jokes about magic, but never actually performed any magic. If I wanted to see stand-up, I could have gone to the Comedy Club. The opening act was a marionette, entertaining, but still no magic. We kept waiting for the
marionettes to do some magic, but nothing. Then the main act was someone that was billed as a cartoon. Well, he certainly was a joke, Again, no magic tricks to be seen. His act looked like something you would see at Chucky Cheese, It was embarassing to say the least. There wasn't any
magic to be seen in the entire show. I find it hard to believe that the committee that approves the acts/performers would allow such a childish performance that did not include any actual magic acts.
Reverie Blog
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Brian Proctor
Inner circle
Portland, Oregon
2055 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 3:26am
You have got to be kidding me! The Castle should be standing up for Dan. His act is incredibly entertaining. Dan doesn't need their $700. He can make so much more anywhere else he wants.
www.BrianProctorMagic.com
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Sam Tabar
Inner circle
Round Rock, Texas
1050 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 4:09am
Maybe he dropped the anvil on someone's head? 
"Knowledge comes from finding the answers, but understanding what the answers mean is what brings wisdom." - Anonymous
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Sam Tabar
Inner circle
Round Rock, Texas
1050 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 4:17am
The one who wrote that complaint which Tom posted cannot appreciate the creativeness of a person. The only magic the complainant knows are the "Uncle Harry pulled a coin out of my ear" tricks. I feel sorry for Dan. I hope the Castle people change their minds.
"Knowledge comes from finding the answers, but understanding what the answers mean is what brings wisdom." - Anonymous
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Greg Arce
Inner circle
5397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 5:36am
Quote:
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On 2005-06-07 01:13, Tom Frank wrote:
You wanted it, here it is. This is a clip from one of the complaint letters. The elderly gentleman this guy is refering to was Billy McComb.
The host of the main show was an elderly gentleman who made jokes about magic, but never actually performed any magic. If I wanted to see stand-up, I could have gone to the Comedy Club. The opening act was a marionette, entertaining, but still no magic. We kept waiting for the
marionettes to do some magic, but nothing. Then the main act was someone that was billed as a cartoon. Well, he certainly was a joke, Again, no magic tricks to be seen. His act looked like something you would see at Chucky Cheese, It was embarassing to say the least. There wasn't any
magic to be seen in the entire show. I find it hard to believe that the committee that approves the acts/performers would allow such a childish performance that did not include any actual magic acts.
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If this guy thinks that Dan's act is not magical then apparently the dementia has kicked in big time and he just already sees weird things in life.
Dan is a living cartoon. He does everything you've seen a cartoon do, but he does it LIVE. C'mon!
I hope that bug that resides in this old man's backside decides to peek out and have him for lunch.
I told this to Dan many times... if someone with money were smart they would rent a theater in Las Vegas and let Dan do his complete show. It would be a sell out. I've talked with him for hours and along with his already fantastic show he has dozens of other ideas that would take some money to put together, but would just make for a brilliant show.
And as others have already mentioned, the Castle seems to be in a downhill spin and some have said it might not make it past a couple of years. Sad.
Greg
Check out CASH OUT! & The Arce Arsenal at www.freestylebooktest.com/cashout
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Dennis Michael
KIDabra forum Staff
Atco, NJ
5392 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 7:14am
No magic???? Does one really believe Dan can do these cartoon illusions without some form of magic connected to them.
I've seen and known Dan for several years and he actually showed me how everything worked. There is a lot of magic in his act. It is the most unique and comical act on the market. I also know his fee structure, and it appears he did these guys a favor. Sometimes one can't do favors because the return may not be worth, it as in this case.
Dan is a world know entertainer, and one of the best, surely one of the most unique! I'm glad to call him my friend!
Dennis Michael, Atco, NJ (856)768-2281
KIDabra Chapter #1
Facebook
Email: DennisMichael@KIDabra1.org
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Rick Fisher
Veteran user
Rick Fisher
360 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 8:21am
I have to agree with everyone....his act is top notch. I remember when I was asked to perform at the Castle and was specifically asked "not" to do my vent act....because they didn't want variety acts just magic...guess what...did my vent act anyway - went over very well and not one person said a word. Very unfortunate that these folks see this act as "blue"... turn on the tv set and I will show you "blue"...;(
Rick Fisher, President FAB Magic
"One of the largest magic shops in the world!"
www.fabmagic.com
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Close.Up.Dave
Inner circle
Behind you!
1953 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 8:35am
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!"
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Greg Arce
Inner circle
5397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 8:51am
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
Check out CASH OUT! & The Arce Arsenal at www.freestylebooktest.com/cashout
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Tom Frank
Veteran user
industrial Strength Magic
397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 9:44am
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.
Reverie Blog
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Vandy Grift
Inner circle
Milwaukee
3505 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 10:21am
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
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Tom Frank
Veteran user
industrial Strength Magic
397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 10:50am
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
Reverie Blog
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Vandy Grift
Inner circle
Milwaukee
3505 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 11:01am
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
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Tom Frank
Veteran user
industrial Strength Magic
397 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 11:25am
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
Reverie Blog
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kenscott
Inner circle
1576 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 12:46pm
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
http://www.kenscottproducts.com
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MikeD
New user
1 Post
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 1:06pm
There is a similar thread in the Genii forums. You should go here http://geniimagazine.com/forum/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=001590
and read Richard Kaufman's comments. And so you know, I have always enjoyed Dan's antics as Sylvester.
MikeD
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truthteller
Inner circle
2122 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2005 2:24pm
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
Little Man prediction: 26 posts
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