I was originally a little tougher on this trick than I should have been.
This trick plays
very well and can be used for close-up, strolling, or even parlor performances. It could play on
stage, but I would say there are better tricks to play to the back of a large room.
The
handling takes practice, and you should practice with it a lot before you do it publicly, to make it
appear effortless and natural. It's very easy to look "guilty" if you're not 100% comfortable with
the handling.
I've used it in informal and formal settings and even do a whole bit with
the chapstick before/after to really "sell" the trick.
While not fast enough for an opener,
and not strong enough as a closer, it is a great mid-act effect.
I do recommend - but make
sure you really pay attention to the instructions and practice it to make it your own.