Magic Using Distraction Magic is an art form that has been captivating audiences for centuries. One of the key elements of a successful magic trick is distraction. Magicians use various techniques to divert the audience's attention away from what is really happening, creating an illusion of magic. Distraction plays a vital role in the success of a magic trick. By diverting the audience's attention, magicians can manipulate their perception and make the impossible seem possible. Through misdirection, they lead the audience to focus on one thing while the trick is happening elsewhere.
Through misdirection, they lead the audience to focus on one thing while the trick is happening elsewhere. There are different ways magicians use distraction to enhance their tricks. One common method is through the use of gestures and body movements.
Maguc smoking monkey theater
Two musicals based on Jurassic Park opened here in April, but the overlap was minimal. The production that just closed was a hoot, and so is the one that just opened.
The show that just closed was Stray Dog Theatre’s Triassic Parq The Musical. It was a side story rather than a direct parody. It focused on the dinosaurs instead of the people in the Steven Spielberg blockbuster and explored the consequences of introducing maleness into an all-female society.
The show that just opened is Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre’s Jurassic Park: The Musical! It closely follows the movie’s plot while mocking its excesses.
The premise of Jurassic Park is that entrepreneurs have turned anisland off the coast of Costa Rica into a theme park populated with dinosaurs. They were cloned from DNA extracted from blood ingested by mosquitos fossilized in amber.
The movie tells the story of a group of people whose lives are on the line after a catastrophic failure of the barrier keeping the dinosaurs away from the people.
Magic Smoking Monkey version, directed by Donna Northcott, delivers exactly what St. Louis audiences expect from the pop culture parodies that are so popular here.
The quirks of characters and actors are subjected to entertaining caricatures. Rob McLemore lampoons the distinctive cadence as Jeff Goldblum as Ian Malcolm, the expert on Chaos Theory who utters the film’s most famous line: “Life finds a way.” James Enstall has fun with the nastiness in Wayne Knight’s portrayal of Dennis Nedry, the computer nerd whose opportunism causes all the trouble.
Jack Janssen has a firm handle in the cheerfulness of Richard Attenborough’s Hammond, while Bill Blanke conveys the intensity of Bob Peck’s Muldoon. Jordan Wolk as Alan Grant and Danielle Sherman as Ellie Sattler admirably recreate the scientists originated by Sam Neill and Laura Dern. Riley Stevenson channels his inner child as Tim, Hammond’s grandson. Stevenson is one of the operators of a hand puppet that amusingly substitutes for the other grandchild.
The fine supporting cast adds to the fun. The bracketed names in the following list are the actors who played the same part in the film.
- Kim Byrnes as Virtual Reality Hammond, Security, etc.
- Katie Brunwasser as Mr. DNA, Guide, Raptor
- Brandon Ellis as Ray Arnold [Samuel L. Jackson]
- Hunter Fredrick as Gennaro [Martin Ferrero], Pushing Team
- Marleena Garris as, Harding [Gerald R. Molen], Amber, Dilophosaurus
- Mack Holtman as Henry Wu [B.D. Wong], Asst, Mosquito, Raptor
- Creighton Markovich as Ensemble
- Marissa Meadows as Ensemble
Much of the buffoonery is funny on its own, but a recent viewing of the Jurassic Park helped me appreciate the adapters’ ingenuity. If I had not seen the movie, would I have recognized that chest thumping was the sound of an unseen helicopter? Maybe, but I would not have realized how inspired the use of semicircular fans was in Dennis Nedry’s death scene.
The songs written for the show have music by Nick Bohl and Dave Stevenson and lyrics by Jaysen A. Cryer and Donna Northcott. The musical numbers work well in the context of a Magic Smoking Monkey show. One of them explains Dennis Nedry’s back story with notable efficiency. The one called “Life Finds a Way” elicited the biggest response on opening night.
The production benefits from SH Boygen’s scenic design, Cora Varland’s costumes, John “JT” Taylor’s sound and lighting, and Amanda Handle’s props. Mack Holtman’s choreography
Jurassic Park: The Musical! continues through May 7 at the Robert G. Reim Theatre in the Kirkwood Community Center 111 South Geyer Road. This is a larger venue than I’m used to for Magic Smoking Monkey shows, but it worked out fine.
Photo by Marleena Garris
The quirks of characters and actors are subjected to entertaining caricatures. Rob McLemore lampoons the distinctive cadence as Jeff Goldblum as Ian Malcolm, the expert on Chaos Theory who utters the film’s most famous line: “Life finds a way.” James Enstall has fun with the nastiness in Wayne Knight’s portrayal of Dennis Nedry, the computer nerd whose opportunism causes all the trouble.
By using exaggerated gestures and movements, magicians create a focal point for the audience's attention. While the audience fixates on the magician's hands or body, the secret moves and actions are happening elsewhere. Another technique used by magicians is verbal distraction. They engage the audience in conversation or storytelling, drawing their attention away from the trick itself. By creating a narrative or asking questions, the magician keeps the audience mentally occupied, leaving less room for them to analyze what is happening. Props and set design are also important tools for distraction in magic. Elaborate props and stage setups help create a visually captivating experience for the audience. The grandeur of the props serves as a distraction, diverting attention from the underlying mechanics of the trick. The magician's costume and attire also play a role in distraction. Bright and flashy costumes can capture the audience's attention and add an element of spectacle to the performance. By focusing on the magician's attire, the audience may not notice the subtle movements or sleight of hand that are integral to the trick. In conclusion, distraction is a vital component in the world of magic. Magicians use various techniques such as body movements, verbal distraction, props, and costumes to divert the audience's attention and create an illusion of magic. By skillfully manipulating the audience's focus, magicians are able to perform seemingly impossible feats that leave spectators in awe..
Reviews for "The Power of Distraction: How Magicians Use Psychology to Bend Reality"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I saw "Magic using distraction" expecting to be amazed and entertained, but I was left disappointed. The performances lacked originality and creativity, and instead relied heavily on typical magic tricks that I've seen countless times before. The distractions were also predictable and didn't add anything exciting to the overall experience. I left the show feeling underwhelmed and wishing I had chosen a different form of entertainment for the evening.
2. Mark - 1 star - I don't understand the hype around "Magic using distraction." The show felt disjointed and the transitions between tricks were jarring. The magician tried to create distractions, but they were poorly executed and didn't seem to serve any purpose. The tricks themselves were lackluster and didn't leave much of an impression. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a captivating and mind-blowing magic performance.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic using distraction," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The magic tricks were quite basic and didn't offer any wow factor. The distractions didn't contribute much to the overall performance and, at times, felt forced. I was hoping for a more immersive and engaging experience, but this show failed to deliver. Save your money and find a different magic show that offers more excitement and originality.