This hilarious routine always, always gets a strong reaction from children 8-years-old and younger.
I did a show for second graders and afterward their teacher had them send me drawings of their
favorite trick. Practically all of them drew the Miser's Dream. It's also great for families,
because adults love to see the reaction of the little girl or boy when you start pulling coins from
their ear. Capehart's explanation isn't very detailed, but it doesn't have to be. If you just
watch this DVD you'll learn the trick easily, and a lot more besides about showmanship, because
Capehart is a master performer. I also recommend his 3-ring routine. Here are three tips for the
Miser's Dream: 1. Capehart uses the classic p**m. But you can do it with a simple finger p**m,
which works just as well and is a lot easier. 2. A metal cocktail shaker (without the top) makes a
good pail. Mine is maybe 10 inches high. It gives a satisfying "clank" when the coins go in, and
the top is narrow enough to keep my left fingers hidden when they're inside. 3. I put finger
moistener on the fingertips of both hands shortly before beginning my show. The left and right hand
both need to grip the coins, and the moistener helps keep the coins from slipping.