The Awakenng by Dan Harlan is a wonderful rethinking of a classic, taking Professor's Nightmare to
the "Magician Fooler" level.
I've had the opportunity to present this effect for both
adult and kid audiences with great success. For kids, I've been doing a "Look Don't See" type of
routine, and Dan's script (with a few changes) for adult audiences.
Although I really like
this effect, I only perform it for special occasions. I still prefer the classic Professor's
Nightmare over The Awakening. One of my reasons is The Awakening takes away the personal interaction
with the audiences as the ropes cannot be handled by the spectators. Another being the additonal set
up and handling of the ropes. Professor's Nightmare can simple be thrown into my case and retrieved
when needed. No set up neccessary.
IMO... as long as the performer is able to do a good 3
as 3 rope count to display 3 separate ropes, the audience doesn't get much more out of The
Awakening. Dan's contribution here is mainly for the magic community... it fools magicians. At least
the magicians who haven't purchased it already.
The fact that the ropes don't flatten even
with the tips suggested in the tutorial is a consideration, but, frankly, this being a stage effect,
I've never had any real concerns about it. The ropes are clearly visible to the audience and it
doesn't seem to matter.
One Note: I found out the hard way, don't allow the ropes to come
into contact with velcro. It will completely destroy the ropes.
10 of 11 magicians found this helpful.
This one of those you hope doesn’t get out to the masses. The video is about 30 min. High quality
teaching by Dan Harlan. Which if you have been to any lecture or bought any of his effects you’ll
know that he goes over everything and anything plus leave an opening to you to make it your own.
He’s very good at going over the nuisances of the effect. As far as learning the effect a solid
couple hours for your working magician to get down the handling and patter, a few more for your
hobbyist, and a few more for the beginner. As an opener or a closer it’s worth adding to set. This
is not a toss in the drawer and forget about it effect. 5 stars all around. Quality of ropes,
teaching, and will I use it or not use it.
8 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
I love the quality of the presentation. This is a strong effect that can be used in a professional
stage show. The training video is top notch. This is not a pop out of the box and use the next night
in your show effect. You want to take the time to learn the ropes and become smooth with the
handling. I give it a four because I’m finding it hard to get the ropes to fluff up as the
instructions tell you to. They continue to want to remain flat and not take on the round shape and
trying to get them shaped right is becoming annoying.
8 of 8 magicians found this helpful.
Finally! I now know how it’s done. I used to perform professors nightmare all the time. But it
slowly faded out of my shows. Then I saw Dan doing this live at the P3 magic theater and I got the
itch to bring it back out. Not knowing what His secret was.Thinking “ I’m an Eagle Scout I can
figure this out.” I practiced over and over but just couldn’t understand the way he did it. Dan did
it… He gave me my child like wonder back. This is going straight into my show. I highly recommend
you pick this up. You will not regret it.
6 of 6 magicians found this helpful.
I watched the video last night. Dan Harlan’s routine and teaching are outstanding. Received the box
today and didn’t take much to pickup the routine. The ease of change with the gimmick provides
endless possibilities. I am a late comer to magic, but each Dan Harlan created product I have
purchased has received goods & Awakening is no disappointment. Ease of use, great instructions - you
will like this one - I sure do.
5 of 5 magicians found this helpful.
Ooooo I get to leave the first review. I bought this at a Dan Harlan lecture many years ago and just
reordered from Penguin cause I lost the ropes and I like the video instruction. I was in a room full
of magicians all giggling at how wonderful this looked. Just watch the performance. I admit I’m not
sure that for lay people its is significantly better than a standard professor nightmare and the
ropes can not be handed out for examination but it’s a wonderful trick and not hard to do. Unlike
some demos, it’s all there for you to see.
5 of 6 magicians found this helpful.
The best 3rope illusion I've ever seen and or performed by. I highly recommend to anyone who does
rope magic. Thank Mr. Dan Harlan for coming up with this Great rope illusion, you're da Man!!!!
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
I love the method and Dan's teaching is on point as always. He really takes his time and covers all
the bases. I like the routine, but am creating my own presentation.
I had to modify the
gimmick, but that is so simple it isn't even an issue. The only thing keeping this from a 5 star
rating is that being despite following Dan's instruction to the letter the ropes will not stay
unflattened. I can get them looking good, but within moments of handling they return to their flat
ribbon state. I have been working on them for over a month now so have finally given up and plan on
making my own.
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
My set of ropes is arriving today and I can't wait to start working with it. I've watched the
tutorial a dozen times while awaiting the package. It's a fantastic routine and I'm certain it'll go
straight into my act. Dan Harlan is an exceptional teacher. He explains every step in detail several
times and covers nuances that'll enhance your performance. Plus, his true appreciation for the
effect makes watching the video a pleasure. I think I've watched the tutorial several times just to
see his performance of the effect again.
Do yourself and your audience a favor and buy this one.
It's a worker.
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
Dan has done it again. Such a simple addition and you have a real fooler. Thank you.
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.