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Servante Inner circle 1330 Posts |
I was amused by the line about the judges never having seen this before. Of course they've seen it before. Drew just made it LOOK different. Good deal.
Also--I think the extra dancers, etc, were imposed upon the act by the show's producers. EVERYBODY last night seemed to have extra, extraneous stuff. It's possible we've all become jaded. I'm afraid I watch these things as a magician. Since I already KNOW what's happening, I can't watch it as entertainment, I have to watch it for the craft...the art...the way it's being pulled off. I agree that it was overlong. Again, that may not be Drew's fault. I was scared to death the judges would get tired of waiting for the payoff and hit the buzzers. I don't know Drew, but he comes off as a terribly nice and sincere guy. As for his costuming...I guess I'm kinda old fashioned. I always wear a tux. I usually strip off the coat pretty quickly, though. I think costuming helps audiences to understand that this is something special and I have dressed up to present it. Just my opinion, though. I tend to be old fashioned about these things. |
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Ray Pierce Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 2607 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-08-05 11:27, Rotten wrote: I admire your faithfulness to a dear friend. I have many good friends in magic as well... some great magicians, others not. I just have to make sure one doesn't impinge on the other or I loose credibility. I think Drew seems like a great guy based on what I've seen of him. I think everyone ought to pursue happiness. I had to build props one caster at a time out of my own pocket as well but my effort alone isn't a way to rank my quality. I see bad performers constantly throwing more effort in to trying to make something good, yet never succeed. Why? Because sadly, effort alone just isn't enough. This isn't about Drew but the concept that someone works really hard for a long time so that makes him a "great magician". It might make him determined, dedicated, steadfast, polished... a solid individual in many ways but that alone doesn't make anyone a great "magician". I just think we as a group have to be very careful not to link "greatness" to "polished acts". We've seen many acts that are very polished from years of practice and discipline, yet still strangely not great. They have inherent flaws that create subliminal unrest preventing the audience from falling into total believability. I know this is getting into some subtle performance theory but then again, we're talking about greatness... not just getting by. Greatness for me is someone who shows mastery of a craft from every direction. Then again many people (both laymen and magicians) have trouble judging greatness as they are distracted by too many intangible elements. I deal with teaching people on a daily basis and it's always funny to watch friends and family declare something "perfect" when it's not even close. Why are Olympic judges filling their respective seats in compititions? Because they have ostensibly gained the knowledge and experience to differentiate greatness from 2nd best. That's why they don't hire us to judge something we don't have expert knowledge in. Remember, that I'm not saying Drew isn't a great guy or that he hasn't done great magic on the past or doesn't have something coming up that will blow everyone away. I'm simply acting as an impartial talent buyer and producer looking at the two spots I've seen. ... and yes, the costume comment from the judges was perceptive but not framed well as both David Blain and David Copperfield both wear slacks and shirts in various degees of wrinkledness. I hope he does well and can parlay these spots into more bookings.
Ray Pierce
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
I have not kept up with AGT this year? Is Drew still in the competition? Are there other magicians still in it as well?
Mister Mystery
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Rotten Special user 829 Posts |
I still haven't seen last nights show but I thought the one thing Drew was bringing to the table was the costuming and not the traditional tux. His Timberlake hat, 5 o'clock shadow and with the ladies dressed like they were straight out of a fashion magazine and not sequined out like prom night. I am surprised to hear the judges didn't like his costume. BUT I haven't seen what he wore. I have seen his photo shoots and I have seen his web site. Seems like a cool modern look for a stage illusionist.
The bump box was a modern presentation, as previously stated by me. Burton, whom I have much respect for, used a teepee. Who uses those these days? Heck I'm an Osage Indian from Oklahoma and I haven't seen one in use. Drew's use of music is also very well thought out. I hope to see last nights show soon. I know he worked very hard to prepare for it. Ray I wasn't saying that you came from family money. I don't know your back ground but I have seen you post many well thought out comments on the board over the past years. I am impressed to hear that you have built a show one caster at a time. That is just what Drew has done. I was thinking of many other illusionists I have seen or known. One rhymes with Shmyrick. I'm not just standing up for a friend. I honestly believe he is a very good entertainer. I have managed illusion shows as well as performed in them in the past. I have seen more than I ever care to count. I'm now a comic, juggler, and sideshow performer. Not a magician, anymore. I do real magic. ;-) Defy gravity and physics and the human anatomy all of the sake of comedy. I don't have to move furniture anymore. One suitcase and there's a show. I will watch and vote for Drew tonight. I hope all of you will as well. Even though a singer will more than likely take the prize. I can dream. |
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jimbomona New user 29 Posts |
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Rotten Special user 829 Posts |
Thanks Jim,
I went to NBC.com and watched it (putting up with the nonstop Targret commercials) and I have never seen that done that way. Tailored and entertaining. I didn't know voting was only last night. Tonight is just the results. Best of luck to Drew and his team. I would put a grand that A.G.T. chose his costume. Wanna bet? |
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Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18012 Posts |
I know for a fact that many of these shows will not let you wear your own stuff. They go out and purchase what you want (Guess it prevents someone from wearing a "Eat At Joe's" shirt ) I believe it was that way on Phenomenon. We'll see on that one.
Also, Drew has no choice IMHO to say something like .. "Never Been Done Before!" It's part of the MAGIC, whether true or not Part of the ILLUSION!!!!! (And obviously it's never been done by Drew and Crew on NBC ) I believe the camera shots were a bit off and made the entire effect confusing .. Not Drew's fault! And lastly, some of you are looking at this as magicians and not as 99.999999% of the viewers are. You've blinded yourself to the simplicity and wonder of MAGIC! (I would have put myself in the cabinet and had the three girls maul Hasselhoff ) :dancing:
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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WagsterMagic Special user Myrtle Beach, SC 639 Posts |
Drew is on his way to the Semi Finals!
Go Drew!
The Wagsters: World Class Magic & Illusion
www.wagstermagic.com |
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MichaelOzMagic Loyal user Des Moines, Iowa 234 Posts |
Last night I was soo excited to here that drew went to the next round wonder what he is going to do next? As for the trick he did I thought it was a great preformance but also got a lil confusing but he made it to the next roundso obviously the laymen audience loved it! I thought that it wasa lil like nathan burotn when he was on the first season but that's just me. GO DREW THOMAS!!
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Congrats to Drew! I hope I can watch his performance in the next round. Does anyone know when that will be?
Mister Mystery
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Martello Loyal user Catskill Mountains 280 Posts |
After reading through this thread and seeing the performances mentioned, I am still bewildered over the fact that the Pendragons as well as Kevin James were illiminated in last year's show more quickly than Drew Thomas. I thought his performance was wonderful, but not really "something that has never been done before".
Arthur |
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Ray Pierce Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 2607 Posts |
I understand your sentiments but we have to remember this isn't strictly a talent contest but a popularity contest. Likability creates more votes than talent alone. I believe Drew reads as much more likable to the viewing public than either of the two other examples. In television they have an internal rating system called a TVQ or "Q Score" that rates likability or popularity of people or shows. They now have a category for reality programming. We can't underestimate how much the producers want a popular contestant as it generates more viewers and thus better numbers for the sponsors.
Ray Pierce
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Christopher Starr Inner circle Heart of America 1850 Posts |
Arthur:
There is a simple formula to any of the Got Talent shows: The potential winner must have a sympathetic, underdog back story. They must be "nobody", coming from out of nowhere with incredible, unrecognized talent, i.e. The Walmart clerk with the voice of gold. The producers are looking for that special, no one, coming from modest means, with no hope of ever making it to the big-time without winning this competition. And it helps if their church holds bake sales to raise money for their trip, costumes, etc., and it helps if their poor, sweet mother is bed ridden, hoping for some new teeth, watching her baby on AGT go to the next level, etc. etc etc Neither Kevin James nor the Pendragons had that sort of back story - they were already established, recognized professionals in their craft. By recognized, I mean recognized by industry insiders such as the producers of the show. You can not craft a a sympathetic back story for someone who has already been working successfully at their craft! Drew Thomas does not quite share the same success level as the other magicians mentioned. And with the young wife and new child, he has more of the dynamics to creating a sympathetic story than has other magicians before him. Sadly, because of the formula that I just laid out for you, it becomes apparent for most of us that a magician can probably never "win" the competition. However, one like Drew and Nathan Burton, who can generate positive reactions from the judges, can use that to propel themselves into future bookings, as Nathan has. Drew will not win, but the exposure will certainly assist him in getting more work! My 2¢ Chris |
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TaylorReed Special user Branson, MO 743 Posts |
From what I'm told, Drew has been working on the worlds largest cruise ship for around 3yrs...... I liked his first round. The second one I thought was way to much stuff going on and I lost intrest.... I'm surprised that the judges liked that one... I think when he appeared at the back with the judges it saved him...
Taylor
www.taylorreed.com
www.usedmagicillusions.com taylor@taylorreed.com (979)482-0714 See: The Magic and Comedy of Taylor Reed, Live in Branson, Mo |
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bkp007 New user Longview, Texas 63 Posts |
He's fooled me twice!
I'm pretty much a lay person when it comes to grand illusion and being unfamiliar with both those routines I was totally fooled. Ha! I haven't been this fooled in a while! Magic is great! Good luck drew and keep up the good work! |
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WagsterMagic Special user Myrtle Beach, SC 639 Posts |
Just FYI the pendragons weren't illiminated. They were paid to compete for the show.
Kevin shouldn't have been but as someone else has mentioned. its a popularity contest Best Brandon
The Wagsters: World Class Magic & Illusion
www.wagstermagic.com |
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JVHarrison Regular user 105 Posts |
Brandon,
What makes you think the Pendragons were paid? |
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Ray Pierce Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 2607 Posts |
Brandon...
You might be confusing the fact that a union performer must be paid scale to be on camera, even if they are technically "competing" for an award. They allow a certain number of SAG/AFTRA acts or performers on the show just to keep it interesting for the home viewers.
Ray Pierce
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Anyone know what night Drew will be performing in the next round? Sorry for my lack of knowledge about this, but I am not a regular veiwer of AGT. I have yet to see Drew perform and I hope to catch the next one.
Mister Mystery
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illuzzionz New user 89 Posts |
You can view Drew's performances at NBC.com. There will be 2 more weeks of the top 40. Then he will perform one of the following 2 weeks in the top 20.
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