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jhard Regular user Dallas, TX 135 Posts |
I received Steve Spill's Mindreading Goose a week ago and have been "playing" with it since then. Before I begin the review, I will preface it with a bit of background about my background with magic and puppets.
I began combining magic and puppets in 1952 while a junior in high school, I was given Charles' "Out Of My Hat" for a birthday present. I had dabbled in puppetry since my 9th Christmas and magic since my 10th. The combination of the two thrilled me to no end. "George", the puppet rabbit, became a staple in my magic act, doing card tricks and "mindreading" using a Nelson Swami Gimmick. I later cut the mindreading part because my shows were getting bigger and pencil writing could not be seen from a distance. The puppet, however, always stayed with me. I still have him. Later, in my 30's, while working for Mark Wilson's Magical Productions in Los Angeles, Alan Wakeling and I conceptualized combining puppetry and magic illusion for trade shows using a company's product or corporate character. This resulted in big business for Mark with Honeywell's Computer Division, the Keebler Cookie Company, Skill, Inc. with their modular drills, Libby-Owens-Ford, Burger King and many, many more. Later, when Alan formed his own company, Creative Visuals, the same concept was used for the Sony Corporation, Magic Chef, and Kelvinator Inc. The Honeywell "Dragon", made out of computer parts, combined with an illusion principal was used for 5 years and almost every month in the U.S. and Europe. Needless to say, the combination was a huge success for Magical Productions. I was in charge of writing co-producing and performing these shows and over time my writing skills using magic and puppetry got better and better. The combination has stayed with me to this day. I have found that audiences, young and old, love it. This takes me to Steve Spill's Mindreading Goose. When I first heard of it on Magic Café and then the ad in Magic Magazine, I was intrigued. Of course, I began thinking of ways to do this. Then, I saw the Youtube cuts and I knew I had to have it. When I received it, with very minor changes, I was delighted. THE PUPPET: Most professional puppeteers would see flaws in the Goose as just a puppet. It is limited in movement, the control is simplistic. But, looking at it for its mission, the puppet is perfect. The Goose, in Steve's routine, is very subtile. The movements are minimal, which is exactly what a magician needs. There is no question that the magician is the star of the show, not the Goose. The magician's assistant, the Goose, is just that.....an assistant, albeit a very funny assistant. A professional puppeteer would immediately make many changes, i.e. the mouth would move, the neck more flexible, feathers, etc. Steve has designed the Goose perfectly, and the more I work with him the more I love him. This Goose is Great. The "Pee" device is excellent. There are many, many other effects you could use if you don't like bathroom humor, but try it before you discard it in your show. I think you will like the results. Another thing I like about the Goose is the choice of fabric (easily cleaned) and the adjustable "innards" to make the Goose fit your style. The leather bill and feet are very well made. I made a small improvement. The end of the head control was sticking out a little too far, so I painted it white to blend in with the rest of the Goose. Other than that, I love it the way it is. The Goose is versatile in that it can be changed to fit your personality without "hogging" the act. It is large enough that it can be seen on large venues yet is still hilarious in a small gathering. I can tell that Steve has put a lot of time, effort and experience into this, and the effect is wonderful. THE MINDREADING: Steve has taken an old principal and improved it. The writing is much easier than usual. Had this been available back in the 50s I would still be doing it with the Rabbit. Steve has now made it practical for large audiences. The "predictions" are bold and easily seen in auditoriums. Granted, you will have to go to a little trouble, but if the little bit of trouble is too much for you, then you do not belong with the Goose or anything close. At first I was concerned about the method being a little "messy", but after just about 10 trys with setting up the gimmick, I could do it in no longer than three minutes and with no "mess" at all. Steve, on the CD, gives a couple of methods which will cover most any performance condition. Everything you will need is furnished, even a roll of masking tape that should last you forever. One of the items was missing a safety pen, but what the heck. THE ROUTINE: Steve's routine is great just taken as it is, but there is so much that can be added, if need be. No matter what type of audience, the Goose can be anything with just a couple of accessories.....a Boy Scout, a Chef, a "whatever". Just add a neckerchief, a hat, a couple of props and the Goose identifies with whatever event you are performing for. Another thread in the Café is loaded with ideas, and yet Steve's original routine is the backbone. What an excellent gift he has given us ! THE CD: Bob Kohler has produced a very professional CD that is loaded with three different performances, a more than complete instruction section that covers all and then some. It is easily navigated, as I have found myself going back several times to reference certain sections quickly and easily. PACKAGING: When I first saw the package that UPS had left I wondered where the second box was. When I opened the package, I was happy to see everything professionally packaged with space efficiency, everything in its own box instead of just thrown in together. Notice I said "box" and not just a zip-lock bag. I purchased the Goose through Hocus Pocus which, for me, has always been efficient and fast. I had the Goose in record time. All in all, anyone of you, amateur or professional. will get a surge of popularity with this well designed, well thought out and well...just about anything excellent product. The Goose will be going into my act at the State Fair of Texas, 6 shows a day for 24 days beginning in September. I am positive that he will steal the show. I noticed in one of Steve's routines on Youtube that he enters with a rabbit in a top hat, almost like "Out Of My Hat". The Rabbit ends up being tossed aside. Looks as if "George" will be going the same way. Thanks, Steve, for something so easily reviewed. John
Success to all.
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mumford Special user 652 Posts |
I'd like to go on record and say loudly that the Mindreading Goose, in my estimation, is the greatest comedy mentalism routine with a puppet ever, bar none, double exclaimation point!! Many moons ago I watched and admired this routine both on stage and on TV. I remember saying to my wife, then girlfriend, "That Goose is sensational, that's the mix of comedy and magic I love." I also remember thinking, I want to do that routine, but could do nothing to make it happen until Steve made the Goose available.
As everyone knows, routines can take years and years to get to a point of perfection, if ever. The big advantage with the Goose is the impact of the magic on the audience and the hilarious audience reactions and genuine cheery mood established right there from the start when they see you holding the thing. Study and learn the routine and you are there right away. I can’t think of much of anything out there that fulfills that promise like the Goose. I can't say enough good about the audience response to this, the Goose gets my highest reccomendation. |
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Mr. Mystoffelees Inner circle I haven't changed anyone's opinion in 3623 Posts |
Thanks to John and mumford for a great review and comments! I have Steve's needle work, but as yet Mr. G. Based upon Steve's needle DVD, all I need is to save up the funds and I will have a goose... please, no ribald comments...
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
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Proxy Veteran user 336 Posts |
Jhard, that's a great idea you have to paint the end of the neck controller to blend in --as I've noticed it can otherwise get flashed.
taoist |
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Jeff Haas Special user 929 Posts |
John, small tangent...what came with the original "Charles Out Of My Hat" routine? Was it just the puppet, or do you remember if there was any instructions.
Just curious about the routine, I think it was the first one of its type. |
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jhard Regular user Dallas, TX 135 Posts |
Jeff....it was only the puppet and the top hat. The instructions, if I remember correctly, were a simple one-sheet, with the technical set-up for a "rabbit finds the chosen card" effect. It gave me two choices...a classic pass and put the deck in the hat or a Swingali Deck. No routine, no patter, nothing else. About 6 months or so later I think Sid Lorraine or George McCathy published a routine in Abbott's "Tops" magazine, but I remember I didn't like it....way too sophisticated for a junior in high school. It took me a little over a year to nail down the routine I liked through trial and error. I added mind-reading with a blindfolded "George" holding a #2 pencil. He also threw all the cards out of the hat trying to find the selected one with a "miss" that was a "flap" card. The rabbit changed it to the selected one.
Success to all.
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noble1 Special user 651 Posts |
I’m very opinionated but I review very little because everything in magic is so subjective that it’s hard to feel good about giving advice when everyone has such a diverse need concerning their personal shows. That being said, the Goose is a riot from start to finish, with super strong magic.
This comes with all the props you will need and you will not see a complete package as nice. The approach, handling, and presentation are very concise and everything you need is supplied. The DVD is one of the most comprehensive teaching aids that I have ever seen and I like the fact that this is one of the only full package sets I can think of that is so comprehensive yet leaves so much room for personal adaptation. It’s obvious the Goose was not thrown together specifically to sell to other magicians like most other releases. It is the type of routine that pays bills and makes reputations for performers. I feel very comfortable in saying this is money well spent no matter what type of venue you work, from cabaret, stage, corporate to more intimate parties, you can definitely add this routine and get incredible reactions. |
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Scott Alexander V.I.P. 1471 Posts |
Thanks for your comments on the puppet John.
I make each one, by hand, to Steve's specifications, of course, and a little TLC. -Scott aka The Goosemaster |
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jhard Regular user Dallas, TX 135 Posts |
You are welcome, Scott. You are doing an excellent job.
John
Success to all.
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msmaster Special user 522 Posts |
For the right person the MRG is a king size deal and I want to thank again Spill for releasing this routine, Kohler for producing a first rate package and dvd, and ye olde Goosemaker Scott Alexander for expert craftsmanship. The MRG package is a professional high quality product and here is my detailed review.
If you don’t know the routine see it here: http://www.bobkohlermagic.com I think more performers should post routines they are selling that at some point show everything in it’s entirety instead of these highly edited versions designed to seduce the buyer into a purchase while hiding weak points or the method. I want to see how it will play and the fact that I have a clue to the method doesn’t matter. I’m interested in entertaining real paying audiences not fooling a guy in a magic shop. While I’m on the subject, I also hate when instructional dvds don’t include real world performances. I think it is essential so you can see how the performer puts things over for audiences. I also like the fact that on the MRG dvd the different performances are very obviously real crowds and not a bunch of fake hyped professional magic instructional audiences like used by some of the most popular dvd producers. To me, one big benefit of the routine is that you amaze and produce laughs without getting a volunteer up in front of the group - a big plus for guys like me who perform a lot of audience volunteer tricks. The laughs come easy with the MRG and I know firsthand how hard it is to write comedy. It's taken me years to refine funny stuff for my act, let alone funny with amazing magic. The MRG does play very well for laughs and people are mystified. The $1500 price is not inexpensive unless you consider how many magicians spend upwards in the thousands on illusions that are over quicker than the MRG Routine, that are common, mundane, without routining and not very entertaining. However, $1500 is absolutely worth it only if you do shows. Every show will justifiy the expense. Probably also worth it if you are a collector as the quality of craftsmanship is there, the instructional DVD is among the best on the planet, and how all the various extras included fit into the routine might be of interest to a collector as well as a performer. I recommend this highly, but with a warning. If you are looking for something to do at the next magic meeting or to fool around with friends around the house, forget it. This is only good for armchair magicians if you are a serious collector. For the most part the MRG is for guys who actually do shows. |
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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
I'm surprised this is only $1,500.
Posted: Aug 7, 2010 12:22am Hmmm. The rest of the post didn't get published. I think the years of work that Steve put into making this a showpiece, it's worth far more than the small asking price.
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
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markmiller Special user 731 Posts |
When I unknowingly buy lamely thought-out, badly designed, ineptly manufactured, non-audience tested magic, with crumby instructions, I feel thieves have stolen from me. With the demise of many bricks & mortar shops, we live in an era where magic is often sold through deceptive video editing and dishonest advertising by here-today gone-tomorrow online dealers.
Not the case with the Mindreading Goose which is a pleasure to do and delivers big applause, big laughter, and amazed faces, whenever and wherever I perform it. |
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cairo Elite user 406 Posts |
Anyone who ever saw Steve Spill do his Mindreading Goose knows that what audiences see is a great combination of really funny and truly mystifying. The fact that he joined forces with Bob Kohler and Scott Alexander to offer this package has made a world of difference in the power of my shows and repeat bookings.
Like John Hard said, congratulations Scott Alexander, the quality of the goose prop is absolutely incredible. This is not a puppet that was converted to work for this routine, this was built from the ground up specifically for this routine and it shows. The DVD Bob Kohler produced has so much inside work and every last detail is covered in depth. Steve goes over every possible detail such as timing, staging, body movement, puppet management, this is one well thought out performance piece. Every possible performing situation has been experienced by Steve and every possible weakness reasoned out. The full goose presentation is absolutely awesome and can be easily added to any professional performer’s line up including the complete act, routine, lines and so on. I prefer to use the basic structure and have adapted it to my personality so it is unique to me and my character. This routine is six solid minutes of magical entertainment complete with performance rights including props, jokes, gags, and it has been meticulously road tested. What more could you possibly want? |
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lebowski Veteran user 377 Posts |
Someone sat through my whole act without cracking a smile. That man came up to me and booked me for a show. I told him that I was surprised that he thought that well of me since I didn't see him applaude or hear him laugh even one time. He said "I laugh internally when I'm concentrating and that goose really cracked me up." Un-friggin-believable.
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The great Gumbini Inner circle 3062 Posts |
If I worked with puppets I would for sure buy this. I have to say this is a very funny routine and I'm sure it is a blast to perform. And that is all I'm going to say about this for fear of talking myself into buying it!
Good magic to all, Eric |
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Bob Kohler Special user 704 Posts |
Lebowski...love the story!
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mumford Special user 652 Posts |
Lebowski I'll remember your post the next time I encounter a stone-faced audience.
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Steve Spill V.I.P. 211 Posts |
Way back when there was a Mindreading Goose thread in the Latest and Greatest section over here http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......=218&466 I told Bob Kohler I was done posting, because anyone that’s interested in the Mindreading Goose can just watch the video. I really didn’t think I could be more effective writing about something that you could see performed. But Bob kept bothering me about addressing certain issues and I promised to give it one more shot…
Are you afraid to buy a Mindreading Goose – even though you know you need one? In the past have you bought magic and felt ripped-off… lied to about what the tricks would do for you, how easy the routines were to use, or disappointed in the instructional materials or the quality of the props? Do you have a bunch of costly magic that’s sitting in a corner gathering dust? If you’re in this group of frustrated, disappointed magicians, you’ve literally flushed thousands, maybe tens of thousands of dollars right down the toilet. Is this how a saavy entertainer behaves? Of course not. If you’re afraid of the Mindreading Goose because of these problems – well, do successful magicians live in fear? Of course not. The Mindreading Goose is the solution you need, and since Bob Kohler asked me to write my personal words of encouragement, take a couple minutes to read what I have to say. First, as anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m in my mid 50’s, have been a successful full-time perfomer all my life, and do not make my living selling magic tricks, or spend time making up routines specifically to sell to other magicians. If you are not familiar with my work go to http://www.magicopolis.com or see my show in person at Magicopolis in Santa Monica, California, USA. I developed the Mindreading Goose nearly thirty years ago and it was perfected over many thousands of performances. The Mindreading Goose has a universal international appeal and has been presented on hundreds of stages and televison shows around the world and is currently appearing on six continents in top theaters, nightclubs, hotels, and casinos. The Mindreading Goose offers a virtually competition-free exclusive position. As much as I’ve done it, most of the world still hasn’t seen it. When show sponsors, producers, club owners, cruise bookers, event planners, clients, customers, associates experience the Mindreading Goose and the audience reaction – surprise, wonder, laughter, more laughter, and a final bit of wonder, followed by admiration and respect for the performer – they want that feeling for their own programs. In my experience most every show brings another show. I cherish the valuable television exposure and publicity gained from the Mindreading Goose, content providers love featuring it in all forms of media. The promotional opportunities are endless and the reason is simple. Unlike a picture of an ordinary magician with a fan of cards or a floating lady, even a single static photo of me and my Mindreading Goose is an eye-catching attention-getter, plus there’s a compelling story to go with the visual that’s appreciated by young and old alike. Over the course of two years Bob Kohler persuaded me to make this routine available to the fraternity. The first several times he asked I said “No, performing is my core business and I’m not interested in sharing my hard-earned work. End of discussion.” At that point, after extensive touring, I had just completed my first ten years doing my own show, in my own theater, and selling tricks to magicians was the furthest thing from my mind. Bob pointed out that my Mindreading Goose has been copied, never exactly duplicated, because there is something special about the method that nobody knows… But imitators have copied the routine, claimed it as their own, booked shows because of it, not only amateurs – also some full-time pros - who have made money and reputations by ripping me off. He said I should get the credit I’m due and the funds going to others. Still I said no. But Bob kept after me, doggedly bothering me month after month, giving me more and more reasons why I should agree to let him bring my Mindreading Goose to market. Every time I thought of the Mindreading Goose, I thought of Bob Kohler. One morning I called Bob and asked if he still wanted to manufacture and market the Mindreading Goose, he said yes, and he did it better than anyone else ever could. No expense was spared, you can count on the Mindreading Goose, and the accompanying gizmos and doodads that are all custom hand-made props painstakingly built to my specifications along with the DVD that has the finest, clearest instruction possible. With decades of my personal performing experience and Bob Kohler’s quality control backing you up, you have a reliable routine for your show that really rocks the house. Often in the real world, very talented magicians who want to turn their passion into a profession, self-destruct or leave the business, or don’t make it, because they lack that one professional piece of material that kicks open the door, gets them noticed, gets the applause, makes everyone love what you’re doing. That’s what the Mindreading Goose did for me. Yeah, I was already a pro when I started doing it, but decades later, I can still see it clearly in my mind’s eye. Still call up that shiver of excitement on the back of my neck, performing the Mindreading Goose for the first time, watching the audience, feeling the love. Call me sentimental, but I want you to have this. Now those who are sincerely interested can benefit from what has been called “…a unique, eccentric, and amazing piece of theater.“ Of course it takes a very special individual to appreciate the value of enhancing your show with the Mindreading Goose… If you are one of those select few, you should have the real work on the method, handling, routine, the highest quality props, and finest, clearest instruction possible. I have presented the Mindreading Goose thousands of times. Now it’s time to pass on what I have developed to you. You’ll be in good company, too, with the many full-time working pros out there "good-mouthing" the Mindreading Goose. David Williamson and Paul Kozak didn't seem to be lying when they told me that they loved the Mindreading Goose. I do know for certain that Pete Firman, who is fast becoming one of the top comedy magicians both on stage and television in the UK, is a fan of the Mindreading Goose and performs with it constantly. As attractive as the Mindreading Goose is, only a small percentage of those that hear about it will invest in ownership. Although that’s okay with me from a business standpoint, it still bothers me personally. You see, I know how much working pros benefit from the Mindreading Goose. I read their emails, I talk to them on the phone, I see them personally when they attend my show here at Magicopolis and tell me that “…the Mindreading Goose is one of my all-time favorite routines.” Because of this, I just hate the thought of someone not getting a Mindreading Goose because of some error or omission in this post. That’s why I had a special brainstorming session with Bob Kohler just to try and figure out why you might say “no” to the Mindreading Goose. After several hours, we could only come up with one possible reason. The $1499 cost. Here is what working pro Cody S. Fisher wrote about the price in his Mindreading Goose review on page 3 of this thread: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......=218&466 I always chuckle when I read posts on 'pricing' here on The Café. Some will say "too much"...others will say "he's not charging enough"! There is no right answer or correct opinion...if you want to do Steve's routine...then you must pay the price. Personally I felt it was MORE than fair. Why? This is something that Steve has been doing for more than 20 years...all the kinks have been worked out...the props are incredible...the advice is priceless...and the routine is 5-7 solid minutes of comedy and magic that Steve is granting permission to use...jokes...gags...EVERYTHING! The fact that I can get 20 plus years of Steve's life for less than the cost of one corporate show is well worth it for me...your opinion may be different... Overall: I give this my highest recommendation. Thanks Cody, and thanks to David Williamson, Paul Kozak, Pete Firman, and all the endorsers in this thread like Pete Biro, Dean Hankey, Donal Chayce, Woodfield, Paul Green, Scott Alexander, John Sturk, Wayne Kawamoto, Shawn Farquhar, Bob Sheets, Larry Davidson, Paul Rohmany, John Kennedy, Chris Johnson, Taylor Reed. And so many others, all of whom will want to kill me because I forgot to mention their names. I officially apologize now! The Mindreading Goose has taken me around the world and I sincerely believe it could do the same for you. Whether you regard magic as simply a fascinating hobby, a paying sideline, or you are a full-time working pro, go to http://www.bobkohlermagic.com and kick your show up a notch with the Mindreading Goose. |
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noble1 Special user 651 Posts |
For workers who want to add something that's not only very magical but that can be counted on to consistently garner strong laughter and applause, purchasing this product is a no-brainer. Frankly, I'm suprised that Steve released his baby, since I've adopted it I've been repaid many times over with laughter, applause, and bookings.
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markmiller Special user 731 Posts |
Time and again you always hear mentalism, magic and comedy don't work together. Without question this is of a type that comes along so rarely, that's probably why it casts such a mesmerizing spell.
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