The Red Car Trick

Guest author Mark Levy: “Why did I tell this story? I told it because, well, it’s a damn good story. It’s got an intriguing premise and action that unfolds on the streets of Brooklyn and New York. It’s also got a big city reporter who’s so affected by the experience that he lies awake in anticipation and nearly starts believing in miracles. What could be better?” […]

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Post-Performance Depression: the lonely court jester

After a public show, the audience files out and I’m left alone in the empty room. There is no evidence that something extraordinary had taken place. The moment has passed.

There was a stretch of time when I felt a giant disappointment after my performances. The flip side of two high-energy ninety minute shows, back to back, is the inevitable drop back to reality. For three hours, I gave pleasure and excitement to my audiences, brain and body working at full tilt. Yet, at that time, there was little pleasure in it for me.

The painting above resonated with me during this time of my life. […]

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Hermes necktie with magic theme

About one year ago, I spotted a gentleman at my show wearing a handsome Hermes necktie. It was royal blue, and decorated with magic rabbits jumping out of top hats. During the show, I complimented the man on his tie. “Appropriate for a magic show,” I mentioned with a wink. After the show was over, I was surprised when he walked up to me, undid the knot, and handed it to me as a gift. […]

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Why a dress code at the theater?

According to the National Theater in Washington DC, “The day when everyone dressed formally to go to the theatre has passed.” Despite being a historic theater – one that every U.S. president has attended since 1835 – the National has relaxed its dress code to allow patrons a freer choice. The theater’s website states, “To feel well-groomed, comfortable and good about yourself for a special occasion is really the guiding rule.”

I was upset to read this.

I believe that dressing up to go to the theater is a form of civility that should be resurrected. […]

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A question I am often asked

I have not mentioned this in print before, but since the very beginning my goal has always been to perform Chamber Magic for twenty years. There aren’t too many shows that have staying power. Not only magic shows, but theatrical shows in general. Ten years have flown by, and I want to keep Chamber Magic alive for ten more. Maybe I’m crazy, but I love performing this show. I’ve molded my life around it.[…]

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