David Roth performing the tuning fork

 

Vinny Grasso's 1st appearance on Fool Us

 

The Magic of Giving by Barry Mitchell

 Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com 

2 3-foot ropes, one yellow and one red are shown as the performer describes them. They represent boys and girls. They are tied together and silks are tied onto the ropes. Simple knots may be tied in the rope instead of using silks. As each knot is tied, the performer shares a truth about “giving“ that applies to everyone. The ropes are placed in a change bag and two helpers are asked to hold the end of the ropes. And now the real magic of giving, when each of us does a little, it will not go unnoticed. It will grow. The ropes are pulled out of the bag and have grown to 12 feet long with several silks or knots tied throughout. Comes with ropes and a story with gospel application. Silks and change bag not included.

Retail price $20.00

Our Price $18.00

Magic Circle Declines Membership for AI Robot Magician D4RYL

 A humanoid robot magician may be capable of astonishing audiences, but according to the Magic Circle, magic requires something technology still cannot replicate: the human touch.

D4RYL, an AI-powered humanoid performer that has gained attention for its impressive demonstrations of magic and mentalism, has reportedly been denied membership in the prestigious Magic Circle despite earning praise from the organization's leadership.

The robot's performances include seemingly impossible feats such as causing champagne corks to pop from bottles with a glance and appearing to communicate telepathically with audience members. These demonstrations have impressed spectators and sparked conversations about the growing role of artificial intelligence in entertainment.

However, while acknowledging the machine's remarkable abilities, Magic Circle President Marvin Berglas explained that membership in the famous society remains reserved for human magicians.

Berglas described D4RYL as "absolutely extraordinary," but emphasized that magic is about more than simply deceiving an audience.

According to reports, the robot was denied the opportunity to perform before the Magic Circle's board of examiners because it does not meet the organization's current membership requirements. Berglas noted that, at least for now, there is "no true substitute for the human touch."

The decision highlights an increasingly relevant debate within the entertainment industry as artificial intelligence continues to advance. While AI can assist with creativity, performance, and even the presentation of magical effects, many magicians argue that the art of magic relies on uniquely human qualities such as personality, emotion, audience connection, and storytelling.

The Magic Circle, founded in 1905, remains one of the world's most respected organizations dedicated to the art of magic. Membership is typically granted only after candidates demonstrate their abilities and commitment to preserving the secrets and traditions of the craft.

As AI technology continues to evolve, the question remains whether organizations like the Magic Circle may one day reconsider what qualifies as a magician. For now, however, D4RYL's impressive performances have not been enough to earn a place among the society's members.

Source: The Guardian.

Dynamo Returns with New Sky Series Exploring the Legacy of Houdini

 British magician and illusionist Dynamo is set to return to television in a major way with Dynamo vs Houdini, a new three-part series coming to Sky later this year.

The announcement follows a dramatic live stunt in New York City in which Dynamo, whose real name is Steven Frayne, attempted what has been described as the most ambitious and dangerous stunt of his career. Suspended 100 feet in the air against the Manhattan skyline, Dynamo was bound in a straitjacket and locked inside a burning car as thousands watched below.

Sky revealed the new series shortly after the stunt, describing it as both a celebration of Harry Houdini's legacy and an exploration of what modern-day magic can become when inspired by one of history's greatest performers.

The connection between Dynamo and Houdini runs deeper than a shared love of impossible escapes. New York City played a pivotal role in both magicians' careers. Houdini lived and performed many of his most famous feats in the city, while Frayne was given the stage name "Dynamo" during a 2003 event honoring Houdini's legacy in New York.

The three-part series follows Dynamo as he travels across the United States, revisiting locations connected to Houdini's life and recreating the spirit of the legendary escape artist's most famous challenges. Along the way, Dynamo explores a central question: What would Houdini do if he were alive today?

According to Sky's Head of Entertainment Commissioning, Shirley Jones, the series combines historical storytelling, modern illusion, and large-scale spectacle.

"We're so excited to be working with Dynamo on a series that not only celebrates the enduring legacy of Harry Houdini but demonstrates the extraordinary skill, innovation and jaw-dropping talent that has made him one of the defining magicians of his generation," Jones said.

The project arrives as the magic world approaches the 100th anniversary of Houdini's death, making the series both a tribute to the master escape artist and a showcase for one of modern magic's biggest stars.

Dynamo vs Houdini will consist of three one-hour episodes and is being produced by Shine TV, part of Banijay UK, in association with Seventeen17. The series is executive produced by Dynamo himself, alongside a team that includes Rowland French, Matt Bennett, and Leon Wilson.

For magic fans, the series promises a rare blend of history, adventure, and contemporary illusion as Dynamo attempts to follow in the footsteps of the man who forever changed the art of magic.

Source: Sky Television / Banijay UK press materials.

Franz Harary Space Shuttle Vanish

 

Greg Frewin on Fool Us