“Can Magic Sleights be Made Invisible? Using Words Wisely.”

 How many of us have strived to perform a "Perfect Pass?" I used to believe there were magicians who could perform an "invisible pass" while their hands were being "burned." (Burn means, the spectators are looking at your hands only, in hopes of catching the secret.)

I certainly don't demean the skill and hours of practice the best passers endure. It's not easy, some of us might never get it. However, if you listen to the experts of our day, you will learn intricacies that will assist you in your pursuit of an invisible pass. They'll discuss the use of words, (maybe asking a question.) attitude, eye contact, perhaps a gesture. A quick anecdote, some magicians will wait to execute the pass, knowing that people will grow tired of watching/burning you. They asked the legendary Magician Max Malini how long he would wait to execute the pass.  His answer was, "I'll wait a week."

An Invisible Top Change

 

Trying to learn a "Top Change" from a book was impossible for me. "I assume others have done it, but not me. However, with the help of the many DVDs on card sleights, I finally understood the mechanics. "However, I didn't use it until I needed it for a routine I was incorporating into my repertoire."

Here's the effect: The magician spreads the deck in front of a spectator, instructing them to think of a card they see. After shuffling the cards, I remove one card and place it in my breast coat pocket. Asking the spectator to name the card that they saw. "I retrieve the card from my pocket, and it precisely matches the one they had in mind." (For our purposes let's say it's the King of Spades.) To carry the "magic" a bit further I dribble the cards and display a card for another spectator. The little secret is this: You bring the card to the top using a side steal. Now the Big secret for the top change.

 

A Combination of Words and a Gesture Guarantee Invisibility

 

"I already know one thing about your card...do you know what I know? As I reach for the King of Spades in my pocket..."I know it's not the King of spades, because Bob... (top change and gesture with the supposed King of Spades towards Bob) ... thought of the King of Spades."

 

The ending is not the purpose, the words and gesture cover the work. "As I mentioned previously, some individuals may be so adept that they don't find it necessary to put in the same level of thinking that I did. "For me without my "reasoning" I'd probably get caught 50% of the time.

 

I Thought I knew a Lot.

 

My ability with a deck of cards is intermediate and has served me well in the style in which I perform. however, I recently discovered Ben Earl's The Family.  Just when I thought I had everything figured out I discovered a resource that has advanced my sleight of hand. It's not cheap, but it's a bargain. "He's forced me to think a little deeper, consequently improving my overall performances." I can't recommend his project highly enough. And you don't have to sign up forever. This is my busy working season, not having much time to study, I was able to put my subscription on pause. I'll rejoin when things slow down.

Happy Holidays from The Magic of Joe Ferranti

"Are you the Illusionist? If that's a Good Thing, yes!"

 

View from 41st Floor Devonshire Residences Boston

Boston Massachusetts Illusionist-ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710

Magic and Illusion at the Devonshire Residences Boston.

I’ve set my “maps” for The Devonshire Residences in Boston, MA, where I’ve been hired to perform strolling magic for a Halloween Party. Driving to Boston is always a hassle, and there’s no actual way to arrive just before a performance. Leaving early is the only choice, but many things can go wrong with traffic. Despite my efforts to make good time, I’m faced with an 18-minute delay indicated by the dreaded “red” on my phone. The estimated arrival keeps getting later, but fortunately, I did manage to arrive in plenty of time. The stress of driving to gigs is the only downside of the job.

Luckily, I saved time by utilizing their own garage, where they had a space reserved for me. Upon entering, I shared the elevator with a young woman also going up. We exchanged polite greetings, and she asked, “Are you the illusionist?” Surprised by the term, I responded, “I might just be a magician… are you coming to the party?” She confirmed her attendance before exiting her floor, leaving me to continue my ascent to the 41st floor.

It’s Not What You Do…It’s What they Think You do.

So, I start thinking…illusionist? Well… my repertoire is not just a bunch of tricks. In fact, it “hits pretty hard.” I make no claims of special powers, but I know some people get a little scared, scream, swear, you’ve likely seen the reactions if you watch magician’s promos on YouTube. Here’s mine. https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofjoeferrantibosto6476

We magicians need to promote ourselves, also known as blowing your own horn. It’s bragging, I was taught that was not a good characteristic. I don’t particularly like braggarts…so I walk a fine line. My performance character is humble, I let the material represent me, and the spectators’ reactions make my introduction to the next group easy.

Building Credibility With honesty.

As magicians, we constantly strive to build our credibility. There are many ways…the simplest is to lie. A small one might be referring to ourselves as a “master magician.” There are no strict requirements for using this status. It’s open to everybody. I haven’t used that one yet, but I’m kind of liking the “Illusionist.” Perhaps I’ll go with “Boston’s Foremost Close-Up illusionist!”

Next, the “Big Lie.” for example, As seen on Penn and Tellef Fool Us! That’s a lie because I’ve never appeared on P&T, in fact I’ve never been to their show. They are coming to Boston soon. Perhaps it’s time to catch their show.

Boston Close-Up Magician Joe Ferranti

 

“Magician Verses Mind Reader…Who’s Winning In The 21st Century?”

 "I'm not a mind reader, but... I'm a good guesser."

I think I stole that line from Ray Kosby. But it's perfect for the following trick.

Here's the effect... I spread a deck of cards before a spectator, and they think of one. I remove one card and place it in my vest pocket. Now I give them the Ray Kosby, "I'm not a mind-reader..." I ask the spectator to name the card they are only thinking of, Ta Da! It's the card in my pocket.

Of course, it's a card trick... a darn good one and my audiences feel the same way. However, it is not "mentalism"

Derren Brown, Master Mentalist and Illusionist.

My introduction to Derren Brown was through his card magic. His skills are second to none, but it was always evident that his leanings were towards a mentalist's approach.

Always a magician but open to mentalist approaches.

I've never performed as a mentalist, but I've noticed the impact it can have on spectators. Magicians and mentalists share many things in common.

Our focus is on presentations that have a lasting impact and create meaningful experiences. Here's where the lines get blurry. Some spectators react with shock, they scream, and they run away. This is a satisfying reward for being a magician. "Dead silence" is another legitimate expression that can be just as impactful to the audience. Unfortunately, it's not noticeable if you are working at an event and you want the person who hired you to know how much their guests enjoyed your work.

Invading Your Head Space.

The strongest magic may be "real magic." Of course, I would never pretend to be performing real magic, but I will come as close to giving that experience in an entertaining presentation.

Here's what I want to achieve...I ask a spectator, "Would you go back to when you were young, and think of someone who was important to you."

The end is simplicity itself...I tell them the name of the person they are thinking of!

They will remember that and tell people who weren't at the performance.

Please see the following video and notice the reaction. The "eyes" may indicate an internal dialogue of "What is going on?" Of course, this is not an exact science...but I take an interest in facial reactions, including the eyes.

Joe Ferranti  339-927-4710 www.ferrantimagic.com                                                                                                                                                                                       

Is Reality TV Out of Control? America's Got Talent 2023.

 

Boston's Finest Close-Up Magician. 339-927-4710

Being a magician, I often enjoy the magic segments on AGT. Beginning season 18 I wrote a four-part blog about the magicians appearing in the summer of 2023.

I closely observed each magician and wrote a quick summarization of each act. Including links to their performances. My intention was to write a "fluff" piece. I wanted to say something positive about each of the magicians. My blog was posted on Facebook. I didn't expect any pats on the back for my writing. However, I didn't expect the negative feedback about the show. (Not at me personally.)

The Rules of AGT in a Nutshell, Please.

AGT has their rules and I'm sure attorneys write them. So, yes...it is not an amateur competition representing only people of the 50 states. In fact, many contestants have previously competed in other countries before coming to AGT.

I shared my opinion that I believe that AGT may be the best variety show of all time. I go back to Ed Sullivan, the variety Show I enjoyed when I was a kid.

Ed Sullivan, The Premiere Variety Show

Ed Sullivan presented acts from around the world each Sunday evening. There were singers, comedians, ventriloquists, acrobats, every type of circus act. Plate spinners, dancers, and Broadway stars. He introduced Elvis, The Beatles, and countless other music groups. Ed Sullivan had something for everyone.

Times change, perhaps we are at the apex of the "Reality Show" format. If my recollection is correct, "American Idol." was the first reality singer's show. There was a mix of great singers and those who couldn't carry a tune if they handed it to them in a bag. The "bad auditions" were the initial hook...add Simon Cowell in the mix and you had "must-see" TV.

Introducing AGT

AGT followed a similar pattern in the early years. Today they spend less time on the "bad acts". Often they edit several acts that don't make the cut in a short "medley." They spend less time on auditions that receive 4 buzzers and the argumentative contestants who don't want to leave.

I believe there is obviously "more than meets the eye" on AGT. In my mind, it can change lives for the better. You do not have to win to benefit from an appearance. Allow me to leave you with a story from an acquaintance on Facebook. His experience is best stated in his own words. Let me introduce Mark Lewis.

"A few months ago, I went down to Los Angeles to perform on America's Got Talent after being persuaded by one of the producers to do so. An interesting experience but very time-consuming since I had to take a long plane flight from Toronto there and back.

The good news is that I got a standing ovation and four yeses from the judges!  The bad news is that for some reason it is not going to be seen on television so you will have to take my word for it. 

In fact, I am beginning to wonder if I was really down there at all and perhaps I am hallucinating that I participated at all. I am getting old after all and the memory plays tricks on you when that happens.

Seeing is Believing.

I do have a witness to the alleged occasion. I can't remember much about it but she informs me that Simon Cowell compared me to a tortoise who turned into an angel. I have no idea what he meant but it seems that it started an argument between him and Howie Mandel as to the difference between a turtle and a tortoise.

Anyway, although I am not entirely sure if I was really on or whether it was a hallucination brought on by an aged deterioration of the brain, I thought I might as well brag about it anyway.

Mark Lewis Did Not Appear on Season 18 of AGT.

Incidentally, if I really did appear I performed the Svengali deck. I forgot to ask the potential millions of people watching to buy one so perhaps it is just as well it is not going to be shown after all.  There is only one more episode of this season's show left before the live performances and that is scheduled for next Tuesday. They were supposed to inform me a week before if I was going to be on but it hasn't happened so I assume it isn't going to.

Anyway, at least I told you all about it so that it wasn't a complete waste of time."

This struck me as odd and wrong...how could you get 4 yes votes and not move on to the next round? It must be in the "legal mumbo jumbo." If anyone knows where the rules inform you four yeses can mean "No"! let me know and drop a line to Mark as well.

Magic for Adults,

Joe Ferranti 339-927-4710                                                                                                              www.ferrantimagic.com

  Mutual Respect...It's not always screaming reactions. This is his way of saying, "I enjoyed the magic."

Are These the Best Magicians? AGT Magic Line-Up 2023! part 4

 

Finally, The Last Article Covering the 2023 Magic Auditions, AGT

This is my final blog on magicians' auditions on season 18 of AGT. August 8th featured the last magic contestant.

Kevin Li took the stage with his act prepared for his audition. There was a chair with a corkboard on it, with pictures of the judges, Terry and himself. Briefly, he began speaking of "core memories", and introduced a small camera, as photos "help capture these memories." I advise you to watch the performance here. The audience gave their usual wild approval and four yeses came from the judges.

Of course, I checked out Kevin's background. Kevin appeared twice on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us”. His second performance was a "fooler." He is a working professional magician, which is most often the case in AGT.

In my first AGT blog, the acts came in no particular order. So now I return to week 6.

Not to be forgotten, and he Won't...Artem Shchukin, but first a little back history of my own

In 2005, I attended the SAM Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. I mention this not to tell you how much fun it was because, of course, it was. But to inform you, once you have attended a Magic convention, you will probably have seen enough "Card Manipulation" acts to last a lifetime.

My favorite Card Manipulator of all time will always be Cardini. I mentioned him in a previous blog. Cardini created a lovable character who we see caught in a web of uncontrolled productions of playing cards. He had all the skills, but the performance was a brief story of a somewhat "Tipsy" British gentleman.

We, in the business of magic, often consider "motivation". This may complicate things unnecessarily, but more often than not, it serves us well. In the arena of card manipulations and productions and vanishes, the question is, why do we do what we do? In Cardini's performance, the story he creates is the perfect motivation.

Artem Shchukin's Performance Brings Card Manipulation New Life.

When Artem took the stage, the audience went wild...I don't know why. Maybe it was his unassuming image, his smile. Who knows?  He just said, "Wow...wow."

His routine began with the music from The Adam's Family, which he perfectly coordinated with his unique style of card manipulation. Four yeses, of course. I can't wait to see what he does next, although I have an idea.

See his full performance here.

What's Next For Artem

As always, I checked out Artem’s credentials, and as is often the case, AGT is not his first rodeo. See more here.

 Artem has a full repertoire in his tank. His audition is only the tip of the iceberg of this multi talented magician. I expect he will proceed easily in the next round. Color me impressed!

Coming Up.

To those who have reached this point, completing this lengthy project posed a challenge in maintaining a positive outlook. Feedback on Facebook criticized AGT as the worst show on television. More importantly, I have been told of disappointing and unprofessional treatment of a performer. Everyone deserves respect and courteous treatment. More on this soon.

Joe Ferranti

Boston's Favorite Adult Birthday Magician

Are These the Best Magicians? AGT Magic Line-Up 2023 Part 3

 AGT Magic Auditions 2023 part three

Ryan Hayashi

I have been involved in magic for many years as a student. (Always a student) and a few as semi-pro performer.

I knew of Ryan Hayashi before he took the stage on AGT. He is a well-accomplished magician, respected in the magic community, with numerous magic awards and appearances around the world to his credit. He's also a lecturer and motivational speaker. Having fooled Penn and Teller, I anticipated the outcome of his performance.

Watch Ryan's Performance:

In fact, I didn't know what was to follow. Ryan entered the stage and Heidi asked him a few questions. Next, we cut to a scene on the stage. Ryan is seated at a table with Heidi and Terry. How they got there we don't know. He introduces the props he will be using, four cards, and four coins. As he is doing this, we can hear Simon's voice asking, "Are those playing Cards? Howie replies, "You hate cards", Simon replies to Howie, "So much, I can't tell you." 

This isn't quiet talking at the table. Ryan can hear it as well. He briefly spoke, "Simon, don't worry. This is not a card trick." The camera cuts to Simon as he rolls his eyes. I didn't quite understand. Simon often assists in card magic and his reactions are often awe struck. Without context, there is no point in discussing it further, as it was heavily edited.

The Matrix

Ryan was performing his version of what magicians call "Matrix." Where 4 coins travel magically across a table, either under the cover of cards or sometimes bare-handed. The first transposition happens, and Terry and Heidi react positively to the magic. Next, we switch to an overhead shot to provide the audience with a clear view of the "magic" moment, and Simon asks Sofia, "What's happening?”

Earlier, they showed Ryan backstage, performing for a young magician. (Sangsoon Kim) Magicians will be familiar with the trick. Ryan asked Sangsoon to name any card, "Six of Clubs" was Sangsoon's response...Ryan immediately produced the six of clubs from the bottom of the deck. "How do you do that?" asked Sangsoon. "Some days you get lucky," replied Ryan. Cut scene to Ryan walking on the stage. This must have been purposeful editing because this was not Ryan's "Lucky Day." Three nos and one, yes, from Heidi.

If you are interested in Ryan's Penn and Teller performance, it's right here.

Sangsoon kim Fism Winner 2018

Watching this episode of AGT. I saw Ryan enjoying some pre-show time with Sangsoon. In the picture below, we see the moment Ryan received his third "No" I wonder what was going through his mind?

Sangsoon is from South Korea, where he is a magician. It seems his only other career has been military service.

He took the stage, his engaging personality winning over the judges and audience before he began. As the saying goes, He hit the ground running with an upbeat performance.

Magic with Sneakers

His act was novel in that it was a color-changing sneaker act, in the manner of a quick-change artist. However, it went further. The shoe boxes changed to matching colors. The highlight was when he jumped in the air and the sneakers he was wearing changed color in mid-air.

The audience and the judges gave a mutual standing ovation.

Note: In 2018, Sangsoon appeared on Penn and Teller. (Not a Fooler.) he also won the 2018 FISM Most originality Award Stage. FISM is the most prestigious magic award in the world.

I'll be back soon to either finish the auditions or proceed to the semi-finals.

Joe Ferranti's Magic Musings

ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710 Boston Corporate Magician.

 

AGT... The Best Variety Show Ever?

America’s Got Talent Returns 2023 with Amazing Magic! part two.

My personal view of AGT is that it is one of the best variety shows to ever grace our tv screens. Mind you, I go back as a viewer of the Ed Sullivan Show. 

The most often complaint I hear from the general public of AGT is that “all the acts aren’t from “America”. Competing with that complaint is “These are professional performers.” and yes there are. Let’s put this to rest…it’s all O.K. and covered in the official rules.

Combine the available talent and the fact that AGT is the finest technically produced production in television history.

Mandy Muden:

 No stranger to performing, see Mandy Muden Wikipedia.

Mandy is one funny lady, she should be. She has mega miles on her performing career. She immediately commanded the stage with the attention of the audience as well as the judges. Her combination of magic and comedy was perfect in my view. (There is a "school of magicians" who are not keen on combining comedy and magic. No time for this article...just saying.) Having previously been on BGT, Simon did a good job pretending he had not seen her before. She is unforgettable and hilarious.

Here's Mandy's performance. Of course, the audience gave her a standing ovation, and Howie shared their sentiment.

Anna DeGuzman

"A breath of fresh air" was my first thought as I watched this 24-year-old young lady. Heid Klum used that exact phrase.... coincidence? or magic?

Anna displayed a little nervousness, maybe just excitement, not criticism as I believe I would have a heart attack on that stage. She kindly asked permission to approach the judges' table. Where she removed a deck of cards and landed her first "joke" a little poke and a wink towards Simon. All in good taste and appreciated by all the judges, including Simon.

She began by displaying a little "Cardistry." Which many consider as "spice" and we know you've got to use just the right amount. Anna is a true chef using the exact amount of spice for her performance.

Anna has an innocence and charm that will win over any audience as she easily did on AGT. As her performance continued, any nervousness faded away as she found her footing, and astonished everyone in the theater, and apparently herself as well. See her performance here.

As always, I did a little research on Anna and found she had appeared on Penn and Teller Fool US and in 2022 was a contestant on Australia's Got Talent. One of the "tricks" every magician needs to learn is how to make every performance appear new to all of our audiences. Anna's got that in spades.

To Advertise or Magish, Magic Mike's Dilemma?

Magic Mike Jacobsen

Magic Mike's performance displayed his well-honed presentation skills along with his reinvention of an age-old classic in magic. For the magicians reading I don't have to tell you about The Invisible Deck. Mike's addition makes this impossible trick, even more impossible. In his introduction, he told the judges that he hoped his appearance on AGT would provide him the opportunity to leave his day job in advertising and pursue magic full-time. Simon said, "No more advertising jobs for you, this is what I think you were born to do."

Here's Magic Mike's AGT performance.

I don't think Magic Mike has to worry too much about his day job in advertising as it appears he is already well on his way to putting it in the rear-view mirror. He's obviously quite talented and is another magician who will/would do well without AGT. As I mentioned with Trigg Watson, what's wrong with a million dollars and a Vegas residency?

See you soon with my third article on AGT Magicians 2023.

Joe Ferranti

Boston Close-Up Magician.

                                                  www.ferrantimagic.com 339-927-4710