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Scott Compton Special user Hampton, VA 747 Posts |
Paul,
Could you please address comedy in magic, mainly, the difference between a comedian doing magic, and light-hearted comments. We often see serious performers interject comedy into their performances, but not attempting to be "comedy magicians". Granted, some don't use comedy at all. Where do you see comedy's place within magic?
Magic is an art. I am merely a tour guide.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scott-Compton-Magician/160270640674735 "You are the magic" Jay Ose to Albert Goshman |
paulvigil V.I.P. 268 Posts |
Scott,
I don't. That's the overall, but then we need those lighter moments for texture, too. This is only my way of doing things. Again, I believe that magic can stand on it's own without a crutch. Which only means that I am more interested in doing something profound than cute. Usually in the real world we may perform for someone for 5-15 mins. Why waste that time with inferior effects and inane patter? V |
Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
I agree that magic can stand on its own without a crutch, but I don't see comedy as a crutch. Cardini's act was in a very real sense a comic approach to performing magic. Another good example is The Great Tomsoni. But please note that the comedy in both instances is accompanied by the infusion of generous doses of mystery.
Not all comedy presentations stoop to "inferior effects and inane patter." Del Ray's close-up act was infused with humor but no one would accuse him of stooping to "inferior effects and inane patter." I agree that there are many instances when magicians stoop to bad patter. Even Cardini in his early years was guilty of "inane patter" as related by Vernon's anecdote of Cardini pattering that when he performed for the King of Siam, the King said, "Mr. Cardini, you are a very clever magician" to which Cardini replied, "Yes, I am." Vernon told him that his magic was strong by itself and he should get rid of the inane patter. Cardini took the advice to heart and dropped the inane patter but kept the comedy presentation in the final incarnation of his act. Many of us might consider the harlequin cigarette holder to be an "inferior effect," but in Cardini's presentation it was very effective. Not exactly a mystifying effect, but nevertheless an effective presentation. You qualify your response by saying "in the real world we may perform for someone for 5-15 mins." If I'm limited to a five minute performance, I agree that it might be best to aim for a strong repertoire of non-comic magic just because of the time constraints. But many of us perform in venues that require a longer set and comedy would be a natural component. Comedy relief was an essential ingredient of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies. I think there is a yin/yang component to performing magic, which suggests that every "serious" act should have a little comedy in it, and every "comedy" act should have a minimal dramatic component in it. I should, in closing, draw from an essay I wrote some years ago pointing out that there is a difference between the comedy in Carl Ballantine's magic act and the comedy in Tomsoni and Company's magic act. There is no magic per se in Ballantine's act. But Tomsoni and Company definitely aim to amaze as well as amuse. ----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
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paulvigil V.I.P. 268 Posts |
Hi Amado,
Excellent remarks, and I agree with most of it. There is one part that maybe I should highlight more, which is a sense of the supernatural in performance. While the acts you give examples of do convey mystery, I would hesitate to say they align themselves with "inferior forms of mysticism." So, I put forward another exemplar, Jimmy Grippo; who most definitely walked the very fine line between being genuine and fraudulant, and was by no means a comedian of any sort (although I know he had some lighter presentations). Some would say this held him back, I would say it opened the doors he wished to have access to. Who else hung with the pope, presidents and kings? Following my own vision, I only find magic interesting if it has a "sense" of being "real." I know this isn't the cup of tea for everyone, but it's what I do, and enjoy. Thanks for coming on and sharing your insights with us. It just goes to show what a wide umbrella we all reside under. Sincerely, V |
John Palazzo Regular user Boston 136 Posts |
Quote:
Following my own vision, I only find magic interesting if it has a "sense" of being "real." Thanks Paul. I found that comment very profound. Ultimately I think it's the way we all FELT when we WITNESSED that FIRST MAGICAL EXPERIENCE that got us HOOKED ON MAGIC in the first place. For most, I don't think it was how much we laughed or were "entertained". It was that SENSE of WONDER, ASTONISHMENT, a sense of what we had JUST SEEN WAS REAL MAGIC and WE WANTED to be able to DO THAT TOO. Slydini did that for me when he performed on the Dick Cavett show. Sure, Slydini was charming and lighthearted at times, but when it was TIME for the PAYOFF - he challenged his guests to "WATCH!", SLAMMED his hand down - and ALL SIX COINS WENT THROUGH THE TABLE!!! IMPOSSIBLE!!! (I'll admit - it was seeing a demonstrator do COLOR MONTE by Jim Temple at Jack's Joke Shop in Boston that FLOORED ME as a Kid too.) When we get beyond that first feeling and get more experienced, then it comes down to how each of us PERCEIVES WHAT WE DO and HOW WE WANT TO BE PERCEIVED. What is the SHARED EXPERIENCE for both the magician and the guests that WE WANT FROM WHAT WE DO? Each of us must PICK THE PERCEPTIONS and EXPERIENCE DESIRED and GO AFTER THEM 110%. --
PM me if you want to chat sometime.
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paulvigil V.I.P. 268 Posts |
John,
You're probably right. I still remember the first things I seen, too. I wonder how many perform the actual effects that first sparked their interest (?). Thanks for showing up. Best, V |
John Palazzo Regular user Boston 136 Posts |
Paul -
I'm not sure you covered this - so I'll ask the question of you. What first few encounters with magic / effects sparked your interest? --
PM me if you want to chat sometime.
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paulvigil V.I.P. 268 Posts |
JP,
A handful of years old, family vacation, street performer, Fisherman's wharf, San Francisco: Sponge Balls, Linking Rings, and Ball and Tube. I still remember... V |
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