For those who want to perform magic in the streets or can use strong stand-up routines that work under almost any condition, Cellini, the street master, offers superb instruction in his Art of Street Performing, New Orleans, Volume II. With varied effects that use silks, coins, ropes, cigarettes and cups and balls, the DVD presents an entire street act.
Cellini teaches his two-phase vanish and reproduction of a silk that ends in a surprising color change. The routine uses the standard gimmick but offers excellent handling that can throw off many spectators in the know. With Cellini’s handling, it’s the first and second fingers that push the silk into the top of the fist, not the thumb. And the color change at the routine’s end adds a logical climax.
Coining Street Magic
His coin routine features the disappearance of a wand and its reappearance from a small coin purse. From here, he produces a silver dollar from the wand’s tip, the coin vanishes and comes back, and the routine ends with the appearance of a jumbo coin.
There’s lots to like about Cellini’s coin routine. His retention vanishes occur with the hands at shoulder level where crowds can see them, not at waist level where most coin vanishes occur. And the wand vanish and reappearance can be used in any routine that features a wand. Cellini also shows how he uses the sound of a wand to attract and maintain crowds.
A visual cigarette routine features various productions, vanishes and reproductions. Cellini then swallows a cigarette, reproduces it, tosses it on the ground and ends up with cigar in his mouth. It’s a great stand-up routine and Cellini effectively uses cigarette smoke to enhance the visuals. His rope trick features various cuts and restores and blends in a solid variation of professor's nightmare. This first rate rope routine is made for the street so you can perform it almost anywhere and under almost any stand-up condition.
Cups & Balls
The DVD closes with Cellini’s extraordinary take on the Cups & Balls that channels some elements of Vernon and Malini. No doubt, if you’re considering cups & balls, Cellini’s version is worth a look. He takes the time to talk about large loads-showing the techniques of several accomplished street performers in slow-motion. And Kozmo, a respected street magician, offers insight into his street table and servante.
Beyond routines, the DVD offers brief discussions with street performers: Dante, Zipcode Man and Taxi Trix, who talk about their experiences with the police. There’s a discussion about drawing and controlling crowds, and an interview with a New Orleans store owner who talks about the way that street performers affect his business, both positively and negatively.
The DVD features quality video and sound, and throughout, Cellini does a thorough job of explaining his routines. Because Cellini performs his magic in plazas, streets and on sidewalks, his magic can work almost anywhere. As a result, if you’re building a stand-up magic act, you’ll find some good material here, even if you don’t plan to work on the street. And if you already perform ropes, cups & balls, and silks, you may find some good information that can enhance your routines.
For more information on working the streets, there’s also Cellini Presents the Art of Street Performing, Boston, Volume III.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.
