I'm often asked where I got the handle "Scaramouch" and I tell them, quite honestly, that it was my stagename, from when I worked my way through college as a table-hopping restaurant magician in London in the 80s.
Over the years I've grown a little distant from a hobby in which - at one time - I completely immersed myself. Maybe in retirement. I'll get back to it.
But a wonderful article on the NY Times website about Slydini got me thinking about it again. Next week, I'm planning to post some of my favorite clips of magicians from YouTube, and I thought I'd throw it out to readers to see if you have any particular favorites. Let me know in comments and I'll try and throw them into the mix. Just, let's not lower ourself to the level of "Doug Henning", ok?
Meanwhile, watch in awe at the amazing card manipulation of Ricky Jay. This is the kind of performance - unlike some - that is ten times as incredible when you know how it's done.
Stumble This
Reddit!
do you know how it's done?
I love this!
I freaking love Ricky Jay. I love his appearance on the X-Files.
Your idea prompted me to look up some guys I knew from my college days. Most are either dead or gave up magic for something more lucrative. Then surprise surprise, on YouTube I found a guy I used to date who is now a dentist in Columbus. We are the same age, but now he looks like an old man!
I met Ricky Jay once, in the 70s. He's aged a lot, too. And Doug Henning. Unfortunately, he didn't age much at all.
Back in the 80's, when I was in a band, there was a guy who often showed up at our local shows asking to perform between sets. Many times we just stepped back and let him perform while we added drum rolls and other musical punctuation to his show. He was especially good with slight of hand using a lit cigarette (back when smoking was not shunned in public places). From the bands perspective behind him, we could see how he did all his tricks. That just made it all the more amazing, being able to view his remarkable dexterity and skills at leading the audiences attention where he wanted it. The kind of tricks that I can do are only impressive to kids under 10, but they're the best audience.
Friggin' good!
I'm still hypnotized after watching the trick.
How did he do that? I barely can scramble the card deck...
criss angel is pretty good with cards, even if he is a bit of a douche.
The Amazing Johnathan is pretty cool as well
Just a bit??? He's a full douche with a bowl to receive the returning water.
Okay so he's a full on jersey-guido uberdouche, but that doesn't make his illusions any less interesting or entertaining.
I love magic. Slydini always amazed me. He truly was one of the greats. If you're posting clips, how about one of the Great Flydini. Another amazing magician.
Scara, In regard to your handle,
An antique store called Scaramouch recently opened in my neighborhood.
I'll email you a pic if you want.