My Magical Evening with Marshall Brodien & Family

Some shows you do just for the fun of them. I am often asked to do shows for free. Usually these are charity functions, always described as being for "a good cause" and promising to make up for the lack of pay in "good exposure". I realize that there are a lot of not for profit organizations out there that need entertainment, but so many of these groups don't realize that I am indeed FOR profit. The promise of good exposure never really pans out. I've taken to asking, "Good exposure? Does that mean there will be a guaranteed full-page feature story about me in the Chicago Tribune?" Quite often that is enough to politely get them to find someone else.

However, this weekend I did a free event that actually was for a good cause and brought me some good exposure. I worked at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake, IL. The show was called Nothin' Up My Sleeve, and featured legendary magician and creator of TV Magic Cards, Marshall Brodien.

In fact I got twice the Marshall Brodien for my time as his son Marshall Jr. was also one of the scheduled performers. Come to think of it, I think EVERY Brodien was there. Marshall Senior's lovely wife, Mary was in the show along with Jr.'s nieces, Anna (a BABE!) and Angela (A cute kid.). That's a whole lotta Brodien for the money! I've worked with both Marshall Brodiens upon a few occasions and it is always a pleasure to work with such true gentlemen and great professionals. What is even funnier is watching all the other magicians lining up to worship at Marshall's feet. LOTS of hero worship there!

Anyway, this event was not only loads of fun & well-promoted, but it also raised money to help maintain and preserve the newly renovated Raue Center. The Raue was an old vaudeville house that had almost completely fallen into ruin before someone stepped up to the plate and brought it back to life as a state-of-the-art union theatre, capable of staging massive musicals to running classic movies. A complete overhaul of the stage area and renovation of the classic architecture make this a gem of a place to perform! I had a blast working as one of only two non-magical acts on the show (the juggler always KILLS at the magic show!).

Sure it was a long day. But there were great stories being told back stage, lots of tasty & and FREE) food to eat, kick ass posters and programs for my files, and many good friends. I worked with Mark & Sue Holstein, a couple of excellent illusionists I've worked with before, and many new folks I hope to work with again. In all it was a great day and I'd do it again in a second