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| Criteria |
| Rating: |
Overall rating of lecture |
High, Good, OK, Fair, Ugh |
| WOW Factor: |
Overall rating of entertainment
value |
High, Good, OK, Fair, Ugh |
| Delivery: |
Overall rating of lecturing
abilities |
High, Good, OK, Fair, Ugh |
| Materials: |
Overall rating of quality of
supporting lecture materials |
High, Good, OK, Fair, Ugh |
| Lecturer |
Comments |
 John
Calvert
Rating: High
WOW: High
Delivery: High
Materials: High |
This was a combination of a one-hour
cabaret show and a magic lecture. A small local playhouse was rented for the evening, and
approximately 50 magicians, their wives and children attended the show. Due
to the small size of the audience, the show was very intimate enabling John to interact
with everyone several times through out the show both on and off stage. This really helped
to humanize a man who is one of the last living legends of magic.
As the oldest living performing stage magician in the world, John still exhibits
tremendous grace and confidence on stage (at age 80!) as he is assisted by his long-time
partner and wife, Tammy.
John performed a few of his classics including a Spirit Rope Tie, Multiplying
Cigarettes, Blindfold Readings, and his famous Casper, The Dancing Handkerchief routine.
Everyone enjoyed the wonderful magic and timeless stories of his travels around
the world as a magician, Columbia Movie studio star, and film director.
John's lecture revealed the methods behind every item from his performance
except for his signature Casper effect. The bulk of the lecture focused more on his
personal stories and escapades and a brief question and answer period.
John sold a collection of autographed posters, books and videos. The show was
well received. An unusual opportunity to see a true expert at work. |
 Jay
Sankey
Rating: High
WOW: High
Delivery: High
Materials: High |
Jay's a mad man and a wonderfully
talented performer (magicians, comic, and performance artist). About two
dozen magicians crammed into Steve Lancaster's Magic Shop for two solid hours of fun
close-up magic with cards, coins and whatever else was lying around.
Jay has an unusual style about him and his ability to improvise makes no two
lectures alike. While he is wildly entertaining and an expert at "burning" even
the most well-versed magicians, he is an equally good lecturer and teacher, and he took
the time to explain the inner workings of each effect or sleight taught.
He kept us laughing and gasping with glee as he repeatedly fooled us time after
time.
Jay sold many individual effects, notes, and videos both individually and
bunlded in packages for increased savings. Fantastic materials at a fantastic value! |
 Alain
Nu
Rating: High
WOW: High
Delivery: Good
Materials: High |
Having only seen Alain Nu on video once
before the lecture, I was pleasantly entertained and fooled throughout the evening. There
were about 20 magicians at Steve Lancaster's Magic Shop. Alain introduced himself and
performed a brief close-up show for us. Afterwards, he explained how he did most of his
effects.
The most baffling material involved mentalism with cards and the bending of
spoons in some extraordinary ways which fooled me very badly.
Some of his material requires tremendous timing and practice and may frustrate
less experienced magicians. Large hands help, too.
Alain offered several items for sale including some videos and packaged effects
-- the highlight was a spoon bending effect called "Fender
Bender." |
 Lennert Green
Rating: OK
WOW: OK
Delivery: OK
Materials: OK |
Lennert is an award-winning performer
whose reputation preceeded him. Known as the guy who fooled the magic judges (they thought
he was using a trick deck during a competition), he offers some very advanced
methods for card deals and handling. Lennert is a big guy and his magic
requires big hands, so if you have average-sized hands you may be disappointed.
His lecture style is very brisk, and he sometimes assumes his audience has
greater familiarity with sleights discussed than may be true.
Additionally, I'm uncertain that his handling of cards is well suited for other
performers -- it's seems unique to him though there are many similarities that may be
drawn between him and Juan Tamariz -- an off-the-cuff, seemingly sloppy and impromptu
style which may not work for others.
Whether the material is suitable for a general audience or more
well-suited for an advanced group could be argued. Even with over three decades of
experience, I got lost many times. Moves a little too fast for my choosing.
Lennert offered a variety of booklets, notes and videos for sale. All excellent
material, but the real pay-off will come only after extreme amounts of practice.
If you are looking for a few quick routines to learn, you'll be disappointed.
This lecture is about performance and handling. |
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