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yanyak5 Regular user Delaware 186 Posts |
I don't know if this is the correct place for this...please change it if not!
I saw David Copperfield in Atlantic City at Caesars Palace. I must say that I have always been a Copperfield Fan for my entire life. I'm 22 and I know I don't have enough experience in magic as some of you, but I was really really dissapointed in this show. I arrived at the show about a half hour early to get a good seat (I had general admission tickets and I did happen to get a very nice seat; right in the middle about 15 rows back). When I arrived they had a small video clip of David Copperfield's life time achievements and awards he had won. They must have replayed this thing thirty or forty times. Then when he finally came on stage and he announced he would play the video again (or rather showed another film of his great achievments). Everyone knows the man is incredible. I think they should have showed it once. not thirty or forty times. It kinda seemed arrogant to me. "ohh I'm so good, I'm the best in the world" is what I took in. We know he is the best, and one time would have sufficed. He acted as though he didn't want to be there performing. Everything seemed like it was rehearsed. I mean, it didn't flow naturally like a performer(or what ive seen on tv) is supposed to make it sound. His patter is supposed to come out like it was comming out for the first time. His illusions were great but it just didn't seem like he wanted to be there...which made me not want to be there. Many people got up and left before the show was over...and I felt bad for that. David Copperfield is still a great performer from what I have seen on TV. Maybe it was just this performance? |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Maybe we should give the guy a break. The last few times he's performed here in Raleigh he looked so tired and simply worn out. I felt for him...but he still put on a solid show and did his best to address the audience. For reasons I don't fully understand, this megamillionaire magic great still performs over 550 back-to-back traveling shows each year worldwide. Anyone who has spent ANY time on the road knows how draining this can be. Who wouldn't be worn out and become a bit automatronic with a schedule like that. The man is simply driven by something I don't understand.
Could his shows be more personal and spontaneous. Maybe. But, consider the stress he encounters by bringing his show to your doorstep...and those of hundreds of other modest communities worldwide. I hope he retires soon to a Vegas or Broadway home stage before this schedule kills a person I truly admire. Just a thought, Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Joey Stalin Inner circle Canada 1072 Posts |
You got there early, the video was playing, you chose to stay. Not anyones fault but yours. If you didn't want to sit there for a half hour watching that video you could have left.
-A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic.
-It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them. -The secret impresses no one. The trick you use it for is everything. See you space cowboy... |
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yanyak5 Regular user Delaware 186 Posts |
Skip,
At $65 for a General Admission ticket, I expect the best from a well known performer. It's not like he is doing this show for free. I am paying him to entertain, and I expect the best from him. I know this was not his best performance. If he can't give the best, he should limit more of his shows, so that each one is a great experience. $65 is a lot of money to me, and I don't know if I will ever get to see him again... |
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Joshua Lozoff Inner circle Chapel Hill, NC 1332 Posts |
I think I agree with you on this one. No breaks cut to someone who chooses to tour and perform. Each show should be as if it were his only show of the year, or he should have the professionalism to change his show. If it were only us magicians who were noticing the reduced energy, that would be one thing, but appears to be noticed by others.
Skip, you probably saw the newspaper article in the N&O the last time Copperfield was here. The article was all about me and my feelings about Copperfield (which I had to fabricate because I don't really have strong feeling about him one way or another.) Anyway, of course I was completely positive and glowing about him in the interview, as was my responsibility as a fellow artist. The reporter called the next day to ask if that level of performance was normal for him (she meant in a pretty negative way). So it's noticeable, and I think we have the responsibility to talk about it amongst ourselves and not ever "give the guy a break." Not that he or his folks will ever read these posts, but still, he makes choices about his performing schedule, and about accepting $60 bucks from us at each show, and he has to be held accountable for his choices, if we have any respect for him -- and for magic -- at all. I say each show should be scrutinized as if it were his only show. Because it is for much of the audience. Quote: On 2006-07-23 21:18, yanyak5 wrote: |
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Christopher Starr Inner circle Heart of America 1850 Posts |
Yanyak5:
You are not alone, and you are not the 1st to point this out about recent Copperfield appearances. Perhaps you are unaware that his father, Hyman, passed away just a few months ago, and he had a tremendous presence in David's life. Also, rumor has it that his mother is ill and being care for at this time. So life has been a bit intense for David personally. However, the die hard Copperfield fans here say give the man a break, however, it is apparent to the rest of us that David is at a very low-point, and his shows are suffering. Regular people are going to begin to notice, and the media will begin to comment on the lackluster performances, if they continue. Personally, I think the man ought to retire from the road, and chose a venue in Las Vegas to call home. However, as long as the box office keeps printing money, Mr. Copperfield will appear in your town to collect it. |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
That's a fair statement, Yan. I suppose one of my "business" weaknesses is considering the human factor over the financial. I was disappointed during DC's last show here in Raleigh...but, I chalked it up to his tour schedule and moved on. That's my nature. I certainly see your point and you're right.
We agree. I simply see things through different eyes. Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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yanyak5 Regular user Delaware 186 Posts |
The reason for my post is because I wanted to know if DC has always been graceful on the stage, not just on television. And has his acts always been so impacting like the one's on television? I understand that his television acts are different from his tour, but the way he presents his effects, are they usually the same? If so, Then I can sympathize and say he may just be going through a rough time...but if this has happened for a loooong time, I think he needs to know what we think(tho he could care less I'm sure).
I heard from Denny (Denny Magic) that the books Copperfield read to become so graceful were those by Fitzkee "The Trilogy" Which made me buy them. I now have an appreciation for what a magician should be like..not just fooling, but to be graceful in every movement(which includes patter etc..). |
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The Drake Inner circle 2274 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-07-23 19:05, Joey Stalin wrote: Howie Mandel plays a similar video at the begining of his shows. It plays over and over and over.. then just as it gets to the end.... ( the word stop comes up on the screen ) it begins to rewind in play mode and then start all over again. The audience starts to get upset and then Howie appears and asks... " have you had enough?" Copperfields video gets a lot of complaints. People shouldn't be punished for showing up early. ( how early is it if the doors are open? ) I remember seeing a Copperfield show where it was just music playing before the show with a few intelligent lights slowly scanning around. This really built up excitement for what was just around the corner. When it was showtime the lights went dark, the music picked up pace and the lights came on... everyone went nuts. Best, Tim |
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juggling1 Regular user Las Vegas 196 Posts |
I agree with you starr that he should retire from the road, but hes a millionaire money is'nt the reason he dosnt. He must just like to take magic culture to culture got to respect that.
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Joshua, I remember reading that N&O article...excellent exposure for you, as well...congrats. I remember coming out of the show quite disappointed at the level of the performance. I know you as a serious proponent of the art and respect your skill and thoughts. As my personal focus is more on the humanity of humor and comedy-focused wellness than the technical skills of magic I was far more concerned for David than my disappointment with the show. Just my nature and I can certainly see where others would have different issues with their disappointment.
I understand that Mr. Copperfield is a perfectionist and a workaholic. I can understand his burying his emotional issues with his work. I hope he does decide to slow down and enjoy life from a stable theatre before this pace kills him. I would consider that a major loss to the magic theatre. Still, for me, it was worth the somewhat steep price of admission to once again see the man in action...disappointment and all. But then I still supported our Hurricanes as strongly when they fell to last place in the NHL as when they hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup...so what do I know? Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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pradell Special user Alaska 560 Posts |
My recollection is that there was one place in a DC video where David's grandfather did not really appreciate his chosen career path and it seemed that David was attempting to prove to his grandfather, over and over, that it was ok for him to be a magician/actor/dancer/artist, etc. Some of us get obsessed with our goals and we lose site of the bigger picture, like our health, relaxing, enjoying what we do, etc. The reasons why we got into magic; the sense of wonder and awe that inspires us and others to be creative. Hopefully DC will once again enjoy his art and project to his audience that he too is having fun and not just going through the motions. He has nothing to prove now and does not need the money. Aristotle said "nothing in excess." Too many shows takes its toll and what we love becomes work. Too bad.
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The Mac Inner circle 1982 Posts |
Wait..didnt his grandfather teach him the aces trick..and was the only one who supported him in making magic his life?
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Banester Special user 669 Posts |
I saw David in Elmira, NY and thought he put on a great show. I wouldn't say he was bouncing off the walls with energy, but he wasn't a robot either. When I go to Vegas there are some Magicians that I won't name here that everything is all choreographed (I mean really noticable). Three steps here turn right, back up two steps gtab assistants hand, stop, smile, take 5 steps to the left, etc.
I saw that same commercial for about 45min as well (he was about 15min late getting started) and I actually loved the commercial with the imposter Copperfield when the real David showed up in the limo. Although it would be nice to be able to catch his show anytime in Vegas, by touring like he does everyone gets a chance to see an amazing Magician and I think it helps our profession and/or hobby. How many people after watching his show thirst for more magic in the months following and sometimes in the weeks in advance. He does create quite a buzz with his performances. As far as giving him a break, I would have to agree with the other gentleman that we paid $65+ and we deserve to have a Great performance and not a lack luster one. I did read on David's website that he tapes every show for review so it is surprising that he wouldn't be able to see his fatigue and do something about it. I must say I was truely impressed with his show though and he is not only a great Magician but a great entertainer as well. btw, also on his website they claim you can meet him after the show if you let them know in advance and his schedule permits.
The art of a magician is to create wonder.
If we live with a sense of wonder, our lives become filled with joy -Doug Henning- |
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Banester Special user 669 Posts |
I saw David in Elmira, NY and thought he put on a great show. I wouldn't say he was bouncing off the walls with energy, but he wasn't a robot either. When I go to Vegas there are some Magicians that I won't name here that everything is all choreographed (I mean really noticable). Three steps here turn right, back up two steps gtab assistants hand, stop, smile, take 5 steps to the left, etc.
I saw that same commercial for about 45min as well (he was about 15min late getting started) and I actually loved the commercial with the imposter Copperfield when the real David showed up in the limo. Although it would be nice to be able to catch his show anytime in Vegas, by touring like he does everyone gets a chance to see an amazing Magician and I think it helps our profession and/or hobby. How many people after watching his show thirst for more magic in the months following and sometimes in the weeks in advance. He does create quite a buzz with his performances. As far as giving him a break, I would have to agree with the other gentleman that we paid $65+ and we deserve to have a Great performance and not a lack luster one. I did read on David's website that he tapes every show for review so it is surprising that he wouldn't be able to see his fatigue and do something about it. I must say I was truely impressed with his show though and he is not only a great Magician but a great entertainer as well. btw, also on his website they claim you can meet him after the show if you let them know in advance and his schedule permits.
The art of a magician is to create wonder.
If we live with a sense of wonder, our lives become filled with joy -Doug Henning- |
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IllusionJack Veteran user Las Vegas, Nevada 376 Posts |
They do not tape and review every show....
--Jack |
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Banester Special user 669 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-08-31 16:19, IllusionJack wrote: From DC's website: http://www.f2m2.com/board/viewthreadID.php?threadID=3035
The art of a magician is to create wonder.
If we live with a sense of wonder, our lives become filled with joy -Doug Henning- |
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G.Gilbert Elite user baltimore 495 Posts |
I've seen Copperfields Stage Show atleast 15 times, and I never get tired of it.. He was never like that when I saw him (the last time I saw him was in 98 I belive)... My sister has been brought to the stage once, and he did a ring on shoelace routine with her. I'll never forget that.. I got autographs the first time I saw him (in Atlanta) after the show... I still had "SnOW" in my hair from the 'big finnish'... DC is the man ;]
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ChristopherM Special user UK 844 Posts |
It's always been my endeavour in magic to see David Copperfield live one day. The last time he was in the UK was over a decade ago! That day is less than 2 weeks away, and I can't wait!
Cheers Chris |
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pradell Special user Alaska 560 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-08-05 11:35, macGyver(south Africa) wrote: According to http://shop.lasvegas.com/shows/showtimes......;lang=en Copperfield said the highlight of his current performances will be "The Lottery." "It will amaze you," Copperfield said. "You'll have to come to see it." The illusion is a kind of tribute to his grandfather. "My grandfather didn't want me to do magic as a career," Copperfield explained. "He didn't speak to me the last three years of his life. But I found out later he snuck into my shows. He was too proud to let me know." David's still trying to prove to his late grandfather that he's a success. :magicrabbit: |
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