A New Type of Close-Up Magic

                                                           

                     Magical Musings of Boston Magician                                    Joe Ferranti 339-927-4710

“Things change”... and in time honored tradition, old men complain that everything was better, back in the day. Well, I was physically a lot better, back in the day, but alas, I can not stop time, and I have no intention to complain about how things have changed. 

Nicolas Ribs

I just saw a French magician (Nicolas Ribs) on AGT, summer 2022…if you saw it, I expect you would agree it was magical and entertaining. I have no idea how it was accomplished.

Will Tsai

It reminded me of a past performance by Will Tsai, known as The Rose Act. Howie Mandel said of Will’s performance, “This is the best close-up magic I have ever seen in my life!”

Magicians are often a jealous group, and many took to social media criticizing Will Tsai. Let me just say that what Will performed required skill and a little something extra. Nearly all magicians use “a little something extra”... from time to time.

 

I believe their objections were that, as close-up magic goes, it could not be presented in classic close-up style. Meaning that spectators could not have been seated at the table to witness the magic. This objection is unwarranted, in my opinion.

Traditionally, Close-Up Magic is unique because it is presented  mere inches from the eyes of the spectators, and that’s the way it was, until the advent of TV. Cameras could share the close-up experience to large audiences. What a pleasure it was to see some of the greatest Close-Up Magicians on TV. There was no other way I would have seen Jimmy Grippo, Frank Garcia…no need for a list.

The next step was projecting close-up magic on large screens which enabled stage magicians the ability to share their skills as close-up magicians live, during their stage shows.

I remember David Copperfield performing the $100 Bill Switch in a stage performance, the use of a large screen allowed an entire theater to see the illusion close-up. On another occasion, David went into the audience and performed the Floating Rose. Again, camera and screen enabled all in attendance to witness a memorable performance.

So,what has changed? Simply, the gentlemen I first mentioned were able to perform their close-up illusions on a large stage. The difference being the inability to have a small audience witness the magic up close.

This does not seem to be a problem for the layman…think of Howie’s reaction to Will Tsai. The restrictions of viewing meant nothing to Howie.

The problem exists with “magicians”. As I said earlier, we tend to be a jealous group, knocking the achievements of others. Most often the ones who are most popular and receiving media attention. Think back to David Blaine. His first television special launched him to the top of the industry. And just as quickly he received the barbs from the so-called “cognoscente.”

But, David didn’t rest, he moved forward to bigger challenges and earned a place in magic history alongside the greatest.

So, keep an eye out for the new “Close-Up” magicians, and remember it’s not what they do on their first performance…it’s the follow up. (Well done David Blaine.)

Joe Ferranti

Massachusetts Close-Up Magician