The theme for our meeting in August was “My Most Expensive Magic Prop”, and it attracted an attendance of 43. We gathered at the Drama Centre on the evening of 15th August 2023. It began promptly at 7.30pm with spiffily dressed emcee/host Victor Heng giving a welcome address, agenda, and housekeeping rules. He announced that renowned magician from The Philippines, Tito Cristo was unwell, and respectfully sought all 43 in attendance to volunteer donations for his recovery. He also encouraged our members to volunteer to perform magic for the ‘Yellow Ribbon Project”, an annual initiative by Singapore Prisons to give ex-convicts a second chance.
Suave co-host Tommy Kian, together with committee-member Carson Goh, welcomed new associate members and six guests, including recognising in- attendance the new president of the Singapore Association of Magicians (a local chapter of S.A.M.). Thereafter, Tommy explained discerningly between “magic collectibles” and “magic props”. The first item that he purchased on eBay five years ago was from Michael Baker, who produced wooden props with Chinese-inspired motifs. He generously tipped the method on how the die-cube penetrated a threaded-through piece of rope.
First performer Kenneth Chia, using a 2X2 feet sized board, played Tic-Tac-Toe with magnetic pieces of the X/O symbols. Using five cards with superhero characters, and another set with five actors, he had the spectator shuffle his set, and Kenneth did likewise with his set. Their final card each dealt down were paired. It showed “Spiderman” with “Mr Bean”, which obviously did not match. He opened a DVD box, and it revealed a disc labeled with “Spider-Bean”, and so was the box cover. The kicker ending showed him putting on a mask of “Mr Bean” and his shirt was replaced by Spiderman’s suit! Behind the X-O-X board played earlier was a complete jigsaw of the same film cover.
Tommy continued presenting an illusion from Mikame and customized wand maker Alivan’s. It was a Visible Coin Rise, where the coin enters the bottom (audibly) into a box mounted above the set.
At about 8.00pm, Victor Heng conducted the Induction Ceremony for Luke Tan and Siew Seng Ming, and President John Teo presented the new members with their wands and Ring Constitutions.
Thereafter, Carson hosted another “Fireside Chat” with his magic-teacher Henry Tio. He was a colleague of our Ring-Secretary J K Tan, and enjoys telling stories with magic. Tommy resumed with showing yet more of his props and origins. This time, it was his collection of props from “Magic Wagon”. He recognized them for their very good workmanship, and whose releases sell out rapidly.
James Pang presented his take on Chamber Magic Steve Cohen’s “Think-A-Drink Kettle Illusion” where, in this case, James’ jacketed bottle poured out three different, drinkable, beverages. He repeated with another covered bottle, which he finally revealed to be a clear glass bottle. He claimed that he co-invented this effect and had marketed it with very healthy sales from magicians, and therefore, it was his most pricey magic prop.
Frankie Malachi, our invited guest speaker, is well-known internationally as a puppeteer, marionette builder, and illusion designer, began his 20-minute sharing session with a question, “Where is the most expensive real estate located?” His answer: the cemetery, as that is where great and precious ideas are buried. He touted himself as the most expensive “prop” that he has invested in. He shared his BASIC approach to his life as an artist, namely an acronym for Breath of Life, Articulation, Soul, Intellect, and Communicate. He encouraged us to engage these elements in our life as magicians and artists. He also presented his latest character, a functioning, life-like dog whose carrying box can be used for an illusion. He also brought three more characters that were beautifully handcrafted, and which he masterfully manipulated almost natural movements. I am certain all of us enjoyed Frankie’s talk.
John Teo was our final performer where he performed “The Strategist” by TCC (like moving tile puzzles by Winston Freer), ending with a clear piece that fitted snuggly into the frame of wooden pieces. Always well-presented by the gentlemanly John!
Before the evening ended, we held a lucky draw where three members won prizes. Our two magic-dealers Goh Yin Xian and Jeremy Pei presented some new items. Pei shared how he was asked to handle the entire collection of Cups & Balls, belonging to our late-member Francis Ng, and completed the evening with a basic rendition of C&B with the beautifully etched Brent Sherwood set. Our meeting ended at 10.15pm whereupon members jammed further until 11.00pm.
Our meeting happily ended as it began – an evening of comprehensive content and performance-filled evening of “My Most Expensive Magic Prop” – at 10.15pm.
