One big favorite is a simple yet powerful one: Dekolta Chair

Flying because it's ALL about presentation.

ORIGAMI IS THE BEST AND WILL ALWAYS FOOL

Harbins Zig Zag has been my favorite since I was a kid. To me its the perfect illusion.

I agree the Zig Zag has ALWAYS been my favorite. It fools me every time even thoughi know how its done...

I saw this when I went to see the Phantom of the Opera and loved this illusion!

I am really fond of Rafael (Belgium)s performance.
"Doves to lady". Very deceptive, surprising and funny.
To me this is one of the most original and entertaining illusions ever.
A dove cage (with doves) on a table gets covered with a cloth, the cage rises and rises, like 2 meters above the table, the curtain is taken away, and the assistant appears,
no doves...

Bts, does anyone knows the name of this illusion? is this it a one time built illusion? or is it for sale too?
or

Zig-zag still gets great reactions and is practical for transportation.

The Metamorphosis is great too.

Click here to view attached image.

My 2 favorites of Copperfield's are Interlude and The Fan.
My favorite for the mortal magician is Walter Blaney's Stepladder Levi.

I also love Twister. Just the presentation of this illusion is so much fun for the audience and I love performing it. Its not the most mystifying illusion but people always talk about it. Kids always give my wife credit for being more flexible than she really is. lol

Papillon,

The "growing cage" illusion that I perform in my Dove act is my own design/invention and is not for sale or copy!

Kindest regards,
Rafael

Still like Laser by Copperfield.

Stephane Vanel took me to see Rick Thomas in Vegas a few years back. I was very impressed by his technique, and his levitation routine. Despite knowing the methods behind it all I was still very impressed by the production of the show. A day show well worth seeing at half the price most others, and I feel very under rated.

- My Thoughts

As a long-time Drum & Bugle Corps fan, one of my favorite shows was the Santa Clara Vanguard's "Phantom of the Opera" marching show. They ended the performance just like the broadway musical, with a Dekolta Chair, vanishing the phantom (only his massk remains). They also made the entire brass section disappear on the football field.

Here's a video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=416136650874465611

The illusion begins near the end of the video (around 10'45").

When I saw this show live, it looked great! They had it timed so that it appeared the banner was just blowing away. And the large phantom mask seemed to just appear on the center of the football field. Unfortunately, the cameras expose that the people are still under the big banner. But from seats in the stadium it was a great illusion.

The Dekolta performance isn't great. There is some tell-tale movement under the drape. But, again, it was effective from the stands.

Absolutly David Copperfield is the best....
Vanishing Liberty, Death saw, Origami....

MagicBob,

EVERYTHING Santa Clara does is MAGIC!

Can't wait for summer 2009!

My favorites:
Kellar's Levitation
Copperfield's snow dream

1. Orgami by Jim Stinmeyer
2. Flying by Peter Marvey
3. Elevator by David Copperfield
4. Any Card At Any Number - Berglas
5. Buzz saw by David Copperfield