 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lecture Notes Reviews
Slydini’s Great Question – The Magic of John Tudor Lecture Notes
Review by Scott Compton
See Also: The Store • Magicians • Lecture Reviews
I was asked to review John’s lecture notes, and I knew that this would be an easy task. I am a fan of John’s magic, and therefore felt that his lecture notes, much like his performances, would be top notch – I wasn’t disappointed. John’s attention to detail in his presentation, and of an effect’s value to an audience, is present in each of the routines and moves taught in these notes. If you are looking for lecture notes showing the newest moves and flourishes in a street magic setting, this is not for you. However, if you want to learn beautiful, well thought out magic, presented in a first class theatrical setting, then this is a must-have item.
The lecture notes are contained in a 24 page saddle-stitched booklet that has a nice heavy cover. An 8 page companion booklet containing 109 concise, high-quality, action photos demonstrates the required moves. I found the concept of the accompanying booklet as having both advantages and disadvantages. Due to the fact that the photos are laid out in sequential order, it is easy to follow along with the moves and postures as you read the accompanying text. This made learning the effects and moves very easy. The only drawback was that with both booklets opened to their full 11”x17” size, it made for a large work area. This small disadvantage was overcome by simply practicing at a table. John has painstakingly assigned credit to the contributors after obvious research on the creators, and the list is substantial. This was a pleasant surprise.
The Coin and Wand
Using a short poem to direct and dictate flow in this routine, John presents a 4 phase routine with a coin disappearing and appearing in rhythm with the patter. The hands are shown empty except for the wand, which seems to make the coin appear and disappear at will. There are several vanishes and loads of the coin, and some flourishes of the wand, along with several alternative ditches. The surprising final load is both clever and unique. Most of the moves are classic manipulation, but what you are getting is a beautiful routine with an interactive phase taught by an experienced theatrical performer. John’s lessons in misdirection and timing are audience tested and very sound in technique, and John’s thoughts on the magic wand show his deep appreciation for the art.
Poetic Blooming Flower Production
This is a wonderful opener with the true appearance of magic. A silk is produced and a living flower blooms from the center of the silk.
This routine can be performed immediately following the Coin and Wand. The final load being used to produce the silk. The handling of the silk and load are very smooth, and once again John’s insight and thoughts add value to this effect. There are also two alternate methods of producing living flowers from silks, to be performed to the same poetic patter, each as smooth as the other.
Newspaper Balance/Impossible Rabbit from Hat
This is a masterpiece presentation of the classic effect. I saw John perform this at SCAM 2005, and I was completely fooled and entertained. This is one of those routines that once you see it performed, you instantly want to steal it a put it into your show! We all strive to create new effects, or at least put our own spin on a routine, but this is one presentation that has been honed to perfection. None of us wants to be clones, but I don’t see how you could improve this effect. The newspaper balance is packed with goodies: teach-a-trick, the challenge aspect, photo opportunities, the child spectator is a star, followed by the surprise appearance of the rabbit. This effect alone is worth the price of the lecture notes.
One Card Pete
I first saw John perform this effect in Jeff McBride’s class in Pigeon Forge, TN. Although I had heard the story of One Card Pete (a variation of the Six Card Repeat), I had never met the character himself – that was until I saw John bring him to life. As John dons a pair of sunglasses and a fancy fedora, his persona suddenly takes the form of a Louisiana preacher/gambler/storyteller who spins the tale of Pete, a poker player who just can’t seem to end up with five cards in his hand. As the story winds down and the hat and glasses are removed, the character just as quickly disperses and we are left with John as himself cleanly displaying five single cards – and a good hand at that. This is the Six Card Repeat on steroids.
Spinning Silent Link-Silent Pull Unlink
The last two effects in the notes are moves with linking rings. The first, the Spinning Silent Flourish Link, requires some practice, but appears truly impossible when performed. The Silent Pull Unlink is a variation of the Silent Drop Unlink, with a nice twist. By nature of the movement of the drop move focuses attention on the key ring. With the handling of the Pull Unlink the focus is on the single ring that appears to move up through the now innocent-appearing key ring. I liked both of these additions to my ring handling.
John Tudor has sprinkled his notes with thought provoking quotes from several sources, each placed with the effect to which it applies. The routines are all designed well, and explained sufficiently. My father always said that if “you don’t know why, then how doesn’t matter”, and these notes give you both the how and why. I would recommend this to anyone looking to add some lessons in presentation and logic.
© 2009 John Tudor