I've been hired to perform my comedy magic act for a corporate event that will have a 50's theme. A week after he booked me, the client asked if I would be willing to do the show in an Elvis costume. I figured I've got the sweaty and fat part down, how hard can it be? I've always wanted to get in touch with my inner-Elvis...maybe I have what it takes to be the "Elvis of Magic". Give me some sideburns, dark shades and a dozen doughnuts, and baby I'm a hunka hunka burnin' love!

I'm always up for a new experience (or maybe I was on crack) so I upped my fee and agreed to do it. Here are the ideas I have so far:

Teddy Bear Productions to the song "Teddy Bear"
Comedy Mindreading to "Suspicious Minds"
Color changing scarf (the type worn around Elvis' neck)
A mock karate demonstration
Escape trick to "Jailhouse Rock"

I don't want to spend a lot of money on this because I'm not going to do it again. The show is about three weeks away, and I'm as nervous as a nine-year-old at Neverland. I'd appreciate any ideas you may have...

Thanks,
Magic Rob in Denver

How about putting a paper heart into a dove pan and set it on fire to hunka hunka of burning love, then have music switch to "hound dog" as you either pull out a string of weiners or a stuffed dog.

Photius,
I like the dove pan idea - Thanks!
Magic Rob

Cut and restored microphone cable.

Mark

C&R microphone cable...it a natural, I'm glad I thought of it! - Thanks Mark
Magic Rob

Howdy Rob,
I currently do a Magic elvis act
some of my older routines you are welcome to are

Take the old making a birthday cake routine. but instead make a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich(dove pan, cake pan etc.)
Cut an restored Teddy bear. (to the song teddy bear)
Sweat silks bottle production (the silks he would wipe his sweat off with and then throw to the crowd, during a slow song)
Foam doughnut production from mouth (like the sponge balls)
the Jailhouse rock escape should be an Assistant's Revenge.
Those are all the frebies I can give the rest cost money to do or are already in my act!

Also I would recommend for you call yourself "the King" not Elvis.
So you don't get in trouble with Elvis Presley enterprises.

Just,
Larry

Larry, I've got to hand it to you - doing Magic Elvis is a very creative and challenging endeavor and you've put some serious thought into your act. Thanks for sharing some of your ideas. I really like the foam doughnut bit. Do you know where these are sold?

I think you're right on about going by "the King" instead of Elvis.

Best Wishes,
Magic Rob

In the August 2007 issue of Magic magazine there was an article stating that Duane Laflin does a Magic Elvis act. Does anyone know how I can contact him? I know he's on the road a lot so I may not be able to reach him...

Best,
Magic Rob

Yeah, Larry's got a tough gig, especially when he does the "King" act in his hometown...Memphis...thank ya, thank ya verrrry much!

Larry's a pretty funny guy, and trust me...I KNOW COMEDY!

Steve

There is a great marketed effect called "One Night With You" involving Elvis, a polariod camera and a deck of cards. Not sure where you'd find it, but try a google.

Do a card trick with the card appearing in a banna sandwich.

Bairefoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84ohc-0kaO8

One of those 'I know I shouldn't be laughing at this but I am' routines.

I think theres something fishy about that video... Its like he wasn't performing for a real audience. Anyone else get this vibe??

I have a hard time believing someone would whip out a giant A$% H0l3 on stage like that and it playing that well...

Ever see the sideshow bear trap trick?

"Caught in a trap .... I can't get out ..... because I love you so much baby..."

Magic George,
The stunt that Steve Best does on the YouTube video you referenced is new, unexpected and therefore funny. It might be a little naughty for most audiences, but I personally thought it was hilarious.

Bairefoot,
Thanks for the card to banana sandwich idea. I can definitely see funny in it.

Mark,
I'm not familiar with the bear trap trick...what's the effect?
Thanks

Steve,
thanks for the nice comments!

Rob,
Foam doughnuts? well no not really but I'll ask around.
(a round like a doughnut!!!!!)

I really will look for ya , or maybe I whip you up a batch.
They are pretty easy to make.

Here are some of the expensive Elvis stuff.
I always wanted to do that nathan Burton rubberneck thing, to Elvis' remixed song Rubbernecking. (I still might do it)
Or how about sawing an Elvis in half and then his pelvis and legs dance off stage, and for the rest of the show they get chased around.
dancing handkerchief but instead use Blue Swede shoes that dance with you.
getting produced from a 50's jukebox.(I still might do this one too)
and last making a Pink Caddy convertible appear and fly of stage.

Next up I'll tell you more about my act and some legal stuff!

Just,
Larry
From Memphis Tennessee!

I don't know how "new" the idea is.

Not sure when Steve Best first did this bit, but Chris Korn had a similar effect - "Chosen Card from Butt" - that brought down the house at LVMI a number of years ago.

TW

TW,
I wish I'd been there (at the LVMI). That must have been outrageously funny!
Magic Rob

Magic Rob in Denver, why not at least think about doing this as a part of future shows? get creative, go wild, Make it a show stopper.

Break a leg

Thanks Ron,
While I think there is definitely a place for a character as unique as "The King of Magic", I am looking at this performance as an excercise in creativity and as a favor to the client. I have too many other projects that I am currently giving my energies to. If I can just have a fun time, make some fun memories and get paid for it - I'll be happy.

Besides, I don't think I could compete with Just_Larry in Memphis!