The Newest Tops

As I noted in my August essay, like boomer friends who re-joined garage rock bands after a long absence, I picked up the dormant thread of my magical interest a few years ago.  Oh, I’d do a trick here, a trick there, a show for family now and again but I had divested myself of most of my effects and props.  I retained my books along with a few card tricks and small items.  So now I’m playing catch-up with the latest in magic techniques and technologies, terms and tricks, re-purchasing some classics and some new creations.  And, like I did when I was younger, attempting to build a few customized effects.

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I hadn’t performed magic show in years but when a friend, who had recently heard of my past dabblings in magic, asked me to bring along a few tricks for a Halloween party several years ago, I agreed. No sooner had I zapped off an e-mail reply saying I’d be glad to, than I began worrying and wondering how to work up a show that wouldn’t embarrass my host-or me. Just in case, though, I added a caveat to the reply that “you get what you pay for,” thus preemptively absolving myself of all responsibility and guilt should the show prove less than awe inspiring. How could I amaze and entertain a 21st century crowd of bright, internet-savvy adults with a few low-tech trifles? (continue reading…)

A magic enthusiast and amateur, Henri Marchand works in public affairs at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he also produced Sunrise, a morning show on WUML 91.5 FM, UMass Lowell’s public radio station. Prior to joining UMass Lowell, Henri served as assistant director of The Lowell Plan, Inc., a private, non-profit economic development corporation, managing a number of programs and special events including an award-winning city marketing campaign. “Of Magical and Childlike Wonders in a Digital Age” first aired as a radio essay on Sunrise.