The Magic Castle was relatively uncrowded on Tuesday night. It felt especially empty after last week’s blockbuster crowds who came to see actor Jason Alexander and filled the Castle to capacity. But this week, The Flicking Fingers, a group of accomplished performers from Germany, are holding court. The group not only offers great magic, but a creative and brilliant presentation that’s built around an ensemble of performers.
According to their website, The Flicking Fingers and their show, "inTeamate Magic," were formed over a decade ago to raise money for German close-up competitors who were competing in the FISM convention in Japan. The German close-up magicians, who knew each other from conventions and competitions, met in Munich for a week to rehearse their competition acts. The show, "inTeamate Magic," was hatched, and is being showcased this week in the Castle’s Palace of Mystery.
Going Solo
The aim of the performers was to produce a full evening show that moves away from the linear "one-act-after-the-other" structure of most magic shows. The resulting show is a clever combination of ensemble routines and solo acts that flow into each other and are anchored by an MC. The performers are all accomplished magicians-many have placed in FISM competitions.
The solo acts by Helge Thun, who sang his way through a bewildering die box routine; Ben Profane, who dangerously juggled and Manuel Muerte, who played to the crowd, were great. But it was Pit Hartling, in his nerdy stage personna of “Heinz,” who provided the clear solo highlight. His “party-animal, womanizer and quarterpounder” character was hysterical, and his prediction effect was baffling.
Ensemble Magic
Most memorable were the ensemble pieces that were pure genius. The Flicking Fingers have indeed come-up with a way to combine and showcase the talents of several members at a single time to hilarious effect.
If you think you’ve seen “silk to egg,” you haven’t seen the heights to which this effect can literally soar until you’ve witnessed the version put forth by the Flinking Fingers. The closer, a card trick, involves all of the players who gradually come on stage to build the humor and reinforce a running gag. And the payoff is baffling and definitely worth the ride.
Not Lost in the Translation
The performers of The Flicking Fingers are not only accomplished magicians, entertainers, actors and comedians, their English skills are equally impressive. I’m amazed at their mastery of the English language and ability to deliver humor, which often gets lost in a translation.
If you’re in the LA area, be sure to visit the Magic Castle this week to take in Germany’s gift to magic.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
