Magic Tricks

I’ve been doing some of R. Paul Wilson’s stellar material for more than 25 years. He has a knack for stripping away unnecessary moves and plot complications. He’s like an expert diamond cutter, taking rough stones and making them into brilliant showpieces. He’s done this with classics like the Ring on Stick, and contemporary classics like Three Fly and Color Monte. He will even revisit his own creations with updates that make them even stronger. If Wilson’s name is on it, I’m paying attention.

Here Paul takes the pocket change prediction and turns it into a powerhouse. His premise is so easy to understand, the audience can describe it in one sentence: a spectator reaches into a jar and grabs a random bunch of coins, which are placed into a clear zipper bag that contains a folded piece of paper. The bag is sealed and handed to the helper, and when it’s opened, the paper bears a production that exactly matches the amount of money inside.

Here’s what Paul’s added: like a diamond, this piece has wonderful cut, clarity and color. He’s cut out all unnecessary moves, making the handling both simpler and super deceptive. The plot is clear and simple. And he’s added some color. The moment of revelation is chosen by the helper. They can open the bag immediately, after the show with their friends, at home, or NEVER. As with Jon Allen’s “Schrödinger’s Card,” this elevates the piece from a stunt to a philosophical problem.

I’m working on ways to do this on Zoom, and already have my own presentation worked out. This is strong enough to open, close or feature in any show, and could even be done as a “parentheses;” having the selection process as a prologue and the revelation as an epilogue.

Thanks to Paul Wilson for getting those creative gears going!