Has a certain sweltering place frozen over? (Hint: it's "hot as h***.)
A magician finally won television's “America’s Got Talent,” the first
to win in such a reality show competition since Charlie Caper first won on “Sweden’s Got Talent”). I have to admit, I had pretty much
given up on seeing a magician win the show. But I’m so pleased to see Mat Franco
take the crown.
Engaging Persona
Congratulations to Franco. He brings a lot to the table. He’s engaging, personable and likeable, perhaps the most important traits for any magician or entertainer.
Congratulations to Franco. He brings a lot to the table. He’s engaging, personable and likeable, perhaps the most important traits for any magician or entertainer.
When it comes to charisma, this guy has that
certain something in spades. He won over the television audience and is to be
commended for this seemingly impossible accomplishment.
Close-Up Versus Illusions
I’m stunned to see that close-up magic mostly ruled the performances in the latest season of “America’s Got Talent.” It wasn’t long ago that Murray, Michael Grasso
and others were involved in something of a magical arms race where bigger was
definitely better and large scale illusions were the only thing that the show’s judges wanted to see.
I recall
Shimshi (now on “Wizard Wars”) who performed an energetic and stunning card stab
on "America's Got Talent" with lots of flashy dancing, but was told that he couldn’t make it to Vegas
performing a card trick.
This season, it seemed that almost every magician was
walking up to the panel of judges or bringing a judge on stage and performing
stand-up or close-up magic. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it just
indicates that shows and expectations can change.
Good For Magic?
Will this win, along with all the magic being showcased on television by the likes of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us," "Wizard Wars" and "Masters of Illusion" be good for magic and professional magicians?
I know that lately, lots of people at my restaurant gigs are asking me about the magic that they have seen on "America's Got Talent." I view this as a positive sign and remain hopeful.
Will this win, along with all the magic being showcased on television by the likes of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us," "Wizard Wars" and "Masters of Illusion" be good for magic and professional magicians?
I know that lately, lots of people at my restaurant gigs are asking me about the magic that they have seen on "America's Got Talent." I view this as a positive sign and remain hopeful.
Again, congratulations to Mat Franco for a job well done. All magicians can be proud of his amazing accomplishment.
Opinion on What Makes Great TV Magic - Magic & Illusion - About.com
Wizard Wars: Magic Meets Reality Programming?
I am also happy to see a magician win AGT. Though I preferred Mike Super's magic over Mat Franco's, Mat did have a bit more charisma for the general public, and I think Mike was hurt slightly by first claiming his magic came from imaginary friend Desmond, then totally dumping him when Howard didn't like him. In any case, this year was very good for magic on AGT!
ReplyDelete