Cup versus Ashes
Angel’s “floating cup” explanation in an earlier show, while exposure, was not all that harmful. Angel taught a simple stunt that allows spectators to appear to make a cup float in their hands. While a professional may perform a similar effect, for example, during the early portion of a zombie routine, the effect is a brief one that almost always leads to a more complex routine.
Also, the technique isn’t the basis of an entire routine. The effect, as taught by Angel, used a foam cup, which would rarely be used by a magician on stage. And lay spectators who know the “floating cup” trick may not recognize the same technique when applied to another object. If you have to expose magic, tricks like the “floating cup” are less harmful to the magic community.
Ashes to Ashes
“Ashes,” on the other hand, was more hurtful because most of Angel’s viewing audience probably won’t or can’t perform the effect. “Ashes” relies on a gutsy move that many viewers probably can’t execute without getting caught, as many non-magicians lack the performing skills to adequately misdirect.
I’ve performed a variant of “ashes” in my walk-around sets, and would not use it as an opener. I feel that the trick is more successful after I’ve entertained with a few effects and allowed spectators to relax a bit-after I’ve made them laugh, they settle down and are more comfortable. At this point, I’ve prepared the crowd for the effect.
Since many non-magicians and beginners lack sets-a logical progression of effects, to approach a crowd and immediately perform “ashes” greatly decreases the likelihood of its success. Thus, non-magicians who were exposed to the effect through Criss Angel become agents of exposure themselves when they try to perform it.
I think it’s a shame to have explained this trick to the masses. If you’ve ever seen a pro such as Jeff Martin perform it (the strongest version that I’ve seen), it’s an amazing effect that leaves spectators baffled and even shocked. It’s powerful magic that has now lost its impact among the millions who view Angel’s show.
I remain a fan of Criss Angel, but I’m extremely disappointed.
Am I on or off the mark? Am I being hypocritical? I’ve opened a thread in our forum to promote discussion. I welcome your comments.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
