The Newest Tops

Hank is one of the top comedy magicians in the Midwest and throughout the country. Hank’s act is a delightfully entertaining blend of magic, comedy and audience participation. Based in Michigan, he performs throughout Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and the Midwest, and also tours internationally.

Hank Moorehouse is also one of the world’s foremost magic authorities. He is a past president of the Society of American Magicians (Houdini was the group’s first president), and has performed in England, Germany, Italy, Norway, Canada, Japan and China. He has also performed at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.

Pressed Pennies

A United States one cent coin pressed with the Ten Commandments can serve as an intriguing prop. An elementary coin switch along with some interesting facts about the penny, such as those provided below, can be both entertaining and educational. Of greater importance though is the potential for eternal significance when used as a bridge to sharing the gospel.

Pressed pennies are available from www.LivingWaters.com for about 10¢ each. My grandkids saw a machine at the zoo last week that would press your penny for you for 50¢. That considered, I believe a dime is a very good deal. Hey, how many good magic tricks can you get for a dime? (continue reading…)

The first piece of Gold…

So, you’re really serious about getting out on the street doing a few shows, and passing your hat? Well, there’s something that many of you need to realize! It’s going to be a bit of a disaster if your approach is wrong.

I know many of you are going to go out there with a routine that you put together specifically for the street. Something you may have never performed before, but “it would play well on the street”. In fact, you may have even purchased a book or DVD (or two), and you have really done your homework right? And you’re ready right? WRONG! (continue reading…)

Back in the dark ages of magic (circa 1962) when I was a teenager, I originated a column for The New Tops at the behest of my friend Neil Foster called JUST FOR US YOUNG GUYS. As the title suggests, it was a column that was written with a focus on young magicians. I really enjoyed writing it, but after a few years of turning out the monthly JUST FOR US YOUNG GUYS column, somebody noticed I wasn’t such a “young guy” anymore. I was married and had a son. It was time to pass the column on to (continue reading…)

Did you ever wonder what the most dangerous effect in magic is? There was that guy out in Vegas who got mauled by a tiger, and my friend in school once cut himself on a sponge ball, but when they say “Don’t try this at home” are they serious or are magic tricks so safe that no one could ever really get hurt if they just knew the secret.

Hello, and welcome to Wunders. I’m Paul Nielsen from Wunderground Magic, Inc. in beautiful Clawson, Michigan, just outside of Detroit (the testing range for all manner of exotic ammunitions.) I’ll be wearing safety glasses and a bulletproof vest as we explore the history of the bullet catch, the most dangerous effect in magic in terms of actual body counts. (continue reading…)

The August issue comes a bit later than usual, due to the Get-Together. I think a post-Get-Together issue may be a bit preferable, since it gives the opportunity to reflect on the annual Abbott’s family reunion.

That’s really what the Get-Together feels like to me: a great big family reunion. We all know each other, and the newbies quickly feel at home. Usually, we get someone to come back “home” after a long absence from the Get-Together; this year Franz Harary (continue reading…)

Where Have All the Kids Gone?

Forgive me, but I am going to diverge from my usual main topic of magic’s great stage illusions this month to address an issue that has been bothering me lately. I noticed it one week ago when one of my agents booked me at a suburban library for a pair of performances for their summer reading program.

I have a soft spot for libraries since my Dad was the chief of circulation for the entire Milwaukee Public Library system for years. He began his employment when he was a teenager back in 1916 and retired, only because it was mandatory at age seventy, in 1971! He was known as “Mr. Library” in Milwaukee and was often the face of its system. You won’t be surprised to learn that my first paid appearances were at Milwaukee’s neighborhood libraries. (continue reading…)

“Carnegie was Right”

Dale Carnegie’s book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is the most influential business book of the twentieth century. It’s certainly worthwhile for anyone to read, or re-read this classic. In my opinion, it’s required reading for anyone in the entertainment business… of course that includes magicians.

This information “gold” gives instruction on how to get people to like you. (continue reading…)

The summer is just flying by and as I write this little article it’s only a few days away from the 72nd Abbott’s Magic Get-together. I still look forward to a few days with friends from around the country. It really feels more like a family reunion than anything else. If you’re new to the gathering, please introduce yourself! I’m pretty easy to find. (continue reading…)

“Keeping it Real”

When I first started out in magic and escapes, I was a purist, meaning that I really DID get out of the restraints, no tricks involved. My straitjacket is real, not gimmicked. I felt like the audience could tell the difference. But over time, I’ve come to realize that, the audience’s perception of what is real sometimes differs from ours.

An audience thinks something doesn’t look real when it’s not ordinary-looking. The objects that you are escaping from have to look like (continue reading…)

Magic Week is so hard to describe if you’ve never been here. There was magic in the streets, in bars, restaurants and on stage. Those who came were from complete novices to famous magicians. Kevin James just walked in unannounced. Franz Harary lectured at the last minute. Shows, lectures, demonstrations, Ladies Event, Vent-o-Rama, Close Up shows and friends. So many directions to go all at once. (continue reading…)

The year was 1969. I was in the eighth grade. The construction industry was in full swing. My father was an excavating contractor who was preparing to go the ConExpo69 in Chicago. This was one of the biggest trade shows in the country. Major highways were still being built. Dad decided that I could be taken out of school to accompany him on this trip. This was a big deal – I had perfect attendance through the first 7 years. I later found out that excused absences were still considered absences and thus ended my perfect streak. I later made less diligent efforts to attend…but I digress. (continue reading…)

We recently sat down with comedy magician Keith Stickley after he emceed the Wednesday night show at the 72nd Abbotts Magic Get Together for a little interview:

Newest Tops: Keith, who are you, what kind of magic do you do, and how’d you get started in magic?

Keith Stickley: (continue reading…)

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…)