Don't expect miracles, but this is actually pretty cool. The way the gimmick works is pretty
obvious, and to some extent will be visible. However, this isn't meant to be the centerpiece of an
extensive stage production. As a quick "Wham Bam Thank You Maam" effect it can fill in as a piece of
a larger routine. I'm using this in conjunction with Quique Marduk's NEVER VANISHING SILK so that in
the final part of the routine I, in frustration, use the Flash Silk Vanishing Wand to vanish the
final recalcitrant silk.
Reset is not something you can easily do and no way in front of
anyone. The gimmick will likely be set and waiting for use in advance. But as a quick one off this
can suit many needs. Recommended for kids shows, but can easily work in other contexts.
"The way the gimmick works is pretty obvious". -- Well then make it less obvious! This is one of those cases where the vanish is more effective if it done under cover. Use the wand to apparently push the handkerchief into a small paper cone or a paper bag. (the dirty work takes place under cover as the handkerchief is pushed into the cone or bag). OR as you point the wand at the handkerchief your assistant enters from off stage and drops a prop (a metal tray or something equally loud) ... at that moment all heads (including yours) turn to the bumbling assistant and in that moment the dirty work with the wand is done , then immediately turn your attention back to the silk in your hand , start to wave the wand to make it vanish ... But what's this? It's GONE. Huh ? Where did it go?. In that moment of misdirection when no one is looking at it is when the vanish takes place. It's obscured , but made stronger, especially if you convincingly act as if you are resuming to wave the wand at the handkerchief and act genuinely puzzled as to where it went ...
Stated succinctly, the theory is: "a hidden vanish is better than a non-hidden one. Obscuring the moment of the vanish can help to hide the method."
Same thing with something like a Vanishing Cane. If you vanish it openly with no cover the audience either catches a flash of the cane as it "vanishes" or they can deduce what happens. ("how else?") But if instead you roll the cane up into a sheet of newspaper and then a few moments later let newspaper unfurl to reveal that the cane has vanished it is a more mysterious effect and the mechanics of it are not so easily guessed as a visible vanish.
Cheap, cheesy, works as advertised
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