I began my evening at the Palace of Mystery which featured a well-rounded and entertaining show. Anchoring it all was the hilarious Rich Bloch who’s ability to make an audience laugh is as impressive as his magic. He performed his signature bubblegum machine and left the audience roaring with funny one-liners and his self-deprecating humor.
I had never before had the privilege of watching Dale Salwak. As you may know, Salwak runs the prestigious Chavez School of Magic and his manipulation with cards, coins and other objects was something to behold. I was particularly impressed with his Zombie Ball, which should be required study for all who perform this effect.
In Salwak’s hands, the Zombie ball takes on a character of its own and flies around with convincing weight and acceleration. And Salwak’s amazing handling leads lay spectators to believe that a ball can fly. Rounding out the Palace show was Amos Levkovitch’s fantastic bird act.
First in the Parlour was Dirk Holtkotte, a performer from Germany. I liked the way that he wove stories around his routines. His solid opening rope trick became a retelling of an encounter with a giant, and his Professor’s Nightmare formed a tale about three brothers and Cinderella.
Closing the Parlour in the late shift was the incomparable Andrew Goldenhersh. If you want to enjoy an act that showcases impressive skill, excellent presentation and superb pacing, check out Goldenhersh’s show. What I always notice most about his act is that there never seems to be any wasted motions and every movement has purpose. This is what a truly polished stand-up act looks like.
Goldenhersh killed in the parlour with his opener, miser’s dream and strait jacket escape-three outstanding routines that mesmerized the audience for almost forty minutes. Goldenhersh is a Castle favorite and it’s easy to see why.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
