Penn & Teller and Saturday Night Live
“We were just weird, weird guys who did this weird little show that we really, really liked. And then, because of Lorne Michaels, Saturday Night Live changed everything.”
The Eye
Steve Cohen’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
For 25 years, Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic has been a fixture of New York City.
The Eye
Tarot Exhibit in London
Tarot is getting showcased in London this year. From January 31 to April 30, the Warburg Institute is hosting an exhibit called Tarot—Origins & Afterlives.
Secrets
Magicana
Unknown Vernon
Are there enough superlatives to be tossed in Dai Vernon’s direction? The answer is no. I had the pleasure of sitting with The Professor on many occasions and each and every time I learned something new.
Workshop
Lying Through Your Teeth
A guide for being a little more dishonest—when you need to be.
Workshop
The Joy of Dropping
Dropping is part of life, failure is imperative to improvement
Trick
Aerostatic Milk Bottle
Based on the Stewart James Tip-See Milk Bottle, Hocus-Pocus offers a well-made new version of this wonderful effect. It’s perfect for stand-up or stage, but a close-up audience may be too close.
Trick
The Clown’s Nightmare
Should you really be tempted to buy four unprepared sponge balls for $35? Well, if anyone asks it like that, it sounds crazy. But these neat sponge balls are perfectly suited for Mario Lopez’s great routine, The Clown’s Nightmare.
Book
Wizards in the Silent World
Dr. Simon Carmel’s fourth book of notable biographies of deaf magicians is a fascinating look at an amazing subculture of our art.
Book
Effervescent
Oliver Meech has produced an easy-to-read collection of even-easier-to-do card material. It is quirky in a Paul Harris, Jay Sankey sort of way that screams “don’t take me too seriously.”
Book
A Visual History of Theatrical Levitation
From the early 19th century to the present, magicians have devised ingenious methods to defy gravity on stage. Intrigued by this graceful form of illusion, David Haversat has assembled a sumptuous visual record of its evolution.
Questionnaire
The Genii Questionnaire: Tom Stone
Tom Stone, from Sweden, is well known to Genii readers for his long-running column of original magic and for his innovative performances on stage. At the moment, he is designing curriculums for his popular conjuring workshops in Stockholm.
Questionnaire
The Genii Questionnaire: Lisa Menna
Lisa Menna is no stranger to magic—and yes, she uses her powers for good. She's formed a not-for-profit organization called Cause to Wonder, and through it, she has changed perceptions by using magic to intrigue her audiences and deliver important messages.
Perspectives
Larry Wilmore… on Magic
Insights from the popular host, writer, comedian, producer… and magician