Magic Tricks

There is an opening trailer that presents the performer as edgy, mysterious and powerful. Then the show started. . .

On the one hand, I can appreciate Dee’s request to have the opener problem included in the video. And he rolled with the issue reasonably well. However, this seemed to make the entire rest of the show have an awkward feel. There were several other moments that robbed him of having the command of the stage (e.g. dropping something out of his pocket and saying he didn’t know what it was, placards not staying on the easel and having to hold them, etc.). These were hiccups to the Cris Angel type presentation. (To be fair, he did present as more humorous than Cris and this can conceal problems as if the performer somewhat planned for them. However, you can tell, he did not plan for them.)

The continual trips to pour whiskey and saunter around the stage drinking created lag and not suspense or intrigue.

The reveal with the candle had an awkward moment. Ditch that extra ______ and just put the reveal ________ face down around the candle.

I recommend not continuing to ask if the audience member is “happy.” This will eventually get you smart aleck answers like the audience participant who fired back something to the effect, “Yes, are you?” Unless there is a snappy, interesting come back, this just interrupts the show.

I personally believe that Dee is also messing around with things as show props that literally can come back to haunt him. Careful!

Ending with the placards as a call back to the cards chosen throughout the show was a great idea. This helped seal the flow of the show in retrospect.

Having some music and lighting changes helped create a mood. That was good.

Dee appears to be a genuinely nice fellow. I’ve mentioned that he can be humorous and this makes him more approachable. I think he is looking for something good and wants to make a positive impact. I also think it takes courage to put yourself out there, especially in front of other performers.

I wish him well.