I'm looking at getting either a gumball machine (CW or Ray Lum) or Jumbo Sidekick by CW.

But the thing is, I use the wiz-kote in my act, and I was wondering if the audience would think that doing the gumball machine and the wiz-kote in my show would be overkill?
In essence the plot to both are the same, you lose/burn an object, then eventually bring it back.

Am I over-reacting with thinking this, would the audience even make the connection?

Instead of the gumball machine, I might get a Jumbo Sidekick instead, good idea? Also, do CW still make these?

Thanks in advance

Sam Pearce

If I understand your grammar correctly, you're asking if George at Collector's Workshop still makes a Jumbo Sidekick II. Check the website, I think I read something about it yesterday.

I own the Wiz Kote, "Gumball" (that's what the CW model is called) AND a Sidekick II. I don't think I'd use the Wiz Kote and the "Gumball" in the same show. You really CAN'T go wrong with a Sidekick, though. I noticed they're putting it in a new plastic case now, too. Mine is one of the first "II" models, the ones with the remote AND sound operation, so it has the really tough case. A Jumbo Sidekick is a worthwhile investment! VERY worthwile. I've used it in stage shows for 2000 people, and in birthday party situations (that's right!) for 25 kids. Kills wherever it's used.

Steve

Sam,
Your concern about the similarity of the two effects is a very valid concern. I think if you are doing a fairly lengthy show, maybe even a 'first half' and a 'second half' type program you could use both by working the remembrance of the first event into the second routine.
But if you use them both in one show, especially in a short show...be very careful to script it so it is obvious you see the similarity in the plots. "Oh no, its happening again! Twice in one night? Even for me that's impossible! I am so sorry,"
You don't want to just plow through the effects and hope the audience doesn't think of the two as the same trick done twice. How it is percieved and whether it is a strength in your show or a weak spot is going to be up to your show showmanship and creativity. Good luck and 'knock 'em dead"!

I have used both -- but in one show, unless you have some really tight scripting and back story to differentiate the two they are similar.

Gumball plays well for smaller audiences where the subjects reactions can be clearly seen-- while wiz-ote plays big, especially with the reproduction table and fire exringuisher.

Jumbo side Kick II is great "standard" magic with several variations available --

I prefer "Big Shot," in the same show, however if I must play against either Wiz-Kote or Gumball with another effect to transit an original spectator item to an unexpected location.