Navigation Menu

[Mark ScivierParticipant]

Both are great performances imho.

Frisch uses mime to convey the magic which comes with a narrative of sorts and a punchline. He uses a lot of movement – some quick, some slow – most of which I believe is designed to provide misdirection. Energetic performance. Performs in character. Character is erratic, nervous, twitchy. Underneath, his movements are precise and perfectly choreographed. Close-up/parlour routine that builds. Essentially one long routine – no variation in the type of magic, and no direct interaction with the audience. I found it a little too long/repetitive but the kids were certainly enjoying it all. I’d like to be able to emulate his ability to entertain.

Elmsley’s performance is carefully scripted and formally presented. Not much movement – only the minimum necessary to accomplish the counts. It’s not a relaxed or particularly entertaining performance. It is a little stilted, and entertains mainly by virtue of the changes to the cards – there is no extraneous material except for the dry humour in the commentary about each phase. There’s no interaction with the audience in this one either. Unlike Frisch, Elmsley appears to be playing it “straight” – no character. It’s a brilliant performance – only as long as it needs to be, and to the point. The effect is very clear. I’d like to be able to emulate his skills!

[Author]

Posts