549: Mercer Helms - Trust Me

Mercer Helms is a retired dove magician, though he shouldn’t be “pigeon-holed” like that (pun intended). He has retired to Houston, Texas after a long and illustrative career in Los Angeles California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Many years ago he continues to work in and around Houston due to his wife’s failing health. We frequently worked together at Houston’s Magic Island where he was the opening dove act and much loved by the audiences.

You can view a video of him performing his dove routine on the Magicana.com website by Clicking Here

In this week’s episode, Mercer talks about his relationship with Phyllis Diller, how they came to know each other, a few “tales from the road”, plus what it was like working in the old circuit that included the Catskills and old Las Vegas. Mercer was also the subject of a 2015 newspaper article which you can read by Clicking Here.

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The Magic Book Shop: This week our sponsor is offering listeners the chance to win a copy of Daryl’s “Ambitious Card Omnibus” on their website. A winner will be drawn on March 15, 2020. Also, you will receive a 15% discount on ALL purchases just for listening to The Magic Word Podcast. Just put in the promo code: magicword

548: Jamie Allan - the iMagician

Jamie Allen is known as the iMagician and the “High Tech Houdini” who brings magic into today’s age using modern technology. His stage show is unlike traditional magic shows and even some of the classics in magic (i.e. sawing in half, sub trunk, and the zig-zag) have all been updated with original twists and video introductions that give some entertaining and historical background on some of those effects. He also uses Augmented Reality (A/R) to perform some of his close-up effects that are projected on the big overhead screens.

Jamie talks about what it’s like performing magic in today’s age with interest in high-tech and how he develops magic for today’s world and today’s audiences. He also talks about the “stigma” associated with performing on cruise ships ,traveling with a stage show, the changes in venues and audience’s tastes in the U.K. He also talks about the changes in the cruise ship industry as it affects magicians.

The Magic Book Shop - specializing in hard-to-find magic books, signed editions, and out-of-print books. If you are looking for a magic book but can't find it, then check out The Magic Book Shop. You will also receive a 15% discount this week only on all purchases by using this promo code on checkout: magicword

And if you are willing to sell a collection of magic books, then contact Eric Citron for an honest quote.

547: Hannibal - Making a Connection

Hannibal is another magician who got into magic later in life. He was 26 when he decided to make it a career. In this episode, he talks about being creative, finding his character, developing his unique act after he was forced to improvise. He also talks about scripting versus “Jazz magic”, performing in theatres vs. intimate venues, the benefits of street performing, and his Renaissance character as Hannibal the Liar. He also discusses what “Magic” is to him. We even have a little workshop on creativity and “not stopping too soon” when thinking about your act or a routine. The main point of this episode is inspiring you create a memorable moment in your act that your audience will take home and keep forever.

He also has a blog entitled, “The Truth Is…” which you can find by Clicking Here.

A fun little effect performed at the Magic Castle. Enjoy! Thank you for watching,

This week, Hannibal talks about how (out of necessity) he developed a new close-up act, how he developed his character, the progress of developing his act, and he even holds a little workshop on how to think beyond what you believe is “finished.” It’s almost like a mini-lecture, all tied up neatly in this week’s episode.