That was the question that Tom Mullica would ask, two thirds into his act, holding around 20 lit cigarettes in his hand, which he continuously maneuvered in and out of his mouth, eventually swallowing the lot.
To my great sadness I only learned today (June 2016) of Mullica's passing in February. I will devote a more considered piece of writing to this fantastic comic performer, as I think his act was one of the 4 or 5 that genuinely stands out as a superb example of theatre, and how magic might be approached as a form of theatre (or through a form of theatre). As one obituary comments:
'His act was not like anyone else’s... Many nights at his Tom-Foolery nightclub in Atlanta [a bar Mullica operated himself], he would perform only 4 magic tricks over the course of a 90-minute show. He was known for taking 20 minutes or more just to find a spectator’s chosen card.'
(from www.magic-compass.com)
It was a unique blend of fakirism, comedy, and magic tricks. His iconic and arguably best video clip to see him in action is below.
Enjoy.
To my great sadness I only learned today (June 2016) of Mullica's passing in February. I will devote a more considered piece of writing to this fantastic comic performer, as I think his act was one of the 4 or 5 that genuinely stands out as a superb example of theatre, and how magic might be approached as a form of theatre (or through a form of theatre). As one obituary comments:
'His act was not like anyone else’s... Many nights at his Tom-Foolery nightclub in Atlanta [a bar Mullica operated himself], he would perform only 4 magic tricks over the course of a 90-minute show. He was known for taking 20 minutes or more just to find a spectator’s chosen card.'
(from www.magic-compass.com)
It was a unique blend of fakirism, comedy, and magic tricks. His iconic and arguably best video clip to see him in action is below.
Enjoy.
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