Recent Gig

Here is a little story about a show in Kirkland. In the 4 years I've lived in Seattle I had never been to Kirkland. I was struck with how beautiful it was. Along the water, all the boats and the sunset set the stage for a memorable evening.



There are many reasons that motivate someone to hire a magician. Recently I was honored to be hired by a guy who has seen me a few times at the market. His wife had cancer and just finished chemotherapy treatments. He wanted to throw her a party at Anthony's in Kirkland and booked me to do a half hour show and an hour of strolling. At the last moment before I started my show he asked me if there was a way I could magically produce a pair of diamond earrings that he had bought for her. He handed me the box and I put on my thinking cap.

My first thought was to use the box as a final load at the end of the cups and balls routine, but the box was too big. I told him that I would think of something and that it would come off without a hitch. I gave it some thought and this is what I came up with: I asked where his wife was sitting and told here that her husband asked me to perform a special illusion for her. I took out a large colorful silk and started to sing Pennies from Heaven.

Every time it rains it rains pennies from heaven.
(I produced a jumbo penny from the silk and put it in my pocket)

Don't you know each cloud contains pennies from heaven.
(another jumbo penny produced from beneath the silk and put in the other pocket. . . a la the Jack Chanin production)

You'll find your fortune falling all over town.
Be sure that your umbrella is upside down.
(continuing to produce jumbo pennies)

Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers.
If you want the things you love, you must have showers.
(more big coins)

So when you hear it thunder don't run under a tree.
There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me.

(As I sang the last line, I produced the earring box from beneath the silk. . . looked at it quizzically, then handed it to her and said, "This is from Mark". There was a strange dreamlike moment, which I ended by saying, "Open it, you know you want to". She opened it and stared in disbelief. I told her to go give her loving husband a big kiss, which she did. A very sweet moment in my show.)

The show was also strengthened by a cute little girl, whose reactions were so over the top, she made the show. Her gasps of astonishment and yelps of delight made me feel like I was a lot better than I am.

The show was great, the strolling was fantastic and a good time was had by all.