What Phrase do Magicians Fear? “Oh, I Know that One!
Boston Close Up Magician Joe Ferranti
One reason, (of many) for not doing shows for children, is tiring of hearing, “Oh, I know that one.” Although, that is perfectly acceptable and a predictable outcry with children. They are eager to let their friends know they are “one step” ahead of everybody else.
Consequently, my choice of entertainment is close up magic for adults. It’s a communicative dialogue with the ending result being an “astonished “group of people. (Which is most often accompanied by applause, laughter and an occasional benign vulgarity. NFW!)
Magician Massachusetts
So, I’ve been working several years, and I never hear, “Oh, I know that one” anymore, until…
Yes, it happened twice in the last year! I don’t know exactly why. If I did, I suppose I’d be a psychic, not a magician. It bothers me a little with adults. It has nothing to do with the interruption. I expect that. Close-Up magic is interactive, and one reason I enjoy it so much. (I can’t help it; a grown adult bursting out, “I know that one” bothers me, just a little.)
To illustrate, I’m spreading some cards towards a female spectator. My head is turned away so I can’t see anything. “Just pull one out, anyone. It doesn’t matter. You got one? Please take this pen and sign your name, real big all the way across the face.”
“I know that one.”
It is difficult to recall exactly when her friend shouts out,” Oh, I know that one.” Somewhere between, pull one out and sign the face. Then I replied, “You do?” …” Yes, my boyfriend showed me” I reply, “Oh… that’s nice.” I continue with having the card replaced, followed by my hand smacking the pack. “Do you know where your card is? Well, it has gone up this sleeve, goes across… uh, what used to be a chest. It then ran down my other sleeve and jumped into my pocket.”
Repeat Card to Pocket
My rather obvious empty hand goes into the pocket and removes a card, turns it over to verify the signature… it really is her card. I turn to her friend, “Is that the card trick your boyfriend showed you?” The answer is, “uh, no.” “Are you sure” The reply remains the same. “Watch,” I take the card and rub it on my thigh… The card vanishes as I lift my hand. “Do you know where it went?” I subtlety point to my pocket. The empty hand goes in again and brings out the “signed” selected card.
I can’t help myself, “Is that the one your boyfriend showed you?” The answer remains the same.
However, the trick continues. The spectator pushes the signed card into the deck. After a slight pause, I point to my left breast pocket. The card is now there, in full view for everyone to see. Yeah, you know, “Is that the one your boyfriend showed you?” Her head shakes back and forth in the universal sign language, which means “no.”
The Deck Vanishes
Finally, the entire deck is now between my palms. One spectator covers my hands on top, another underneath. “Slowly squeeze my hands together…you can let go now”. I open my hands to reveal the entire deck has vanished except for the spectator’s signed card. The spectators gasp.
There is more, but I am sure you get the picture.
“Are you sure that’s not the one your boyfriend showed you?” She smiles, I shake her hand. “Thanks so much for being a good sport. Have a great evening!” The friendly ending should take away any “sting” she may have felt during the trick… I am not hired to embarrass any of the clients. I would never dream of it.
Joe Ferranti
