Part
1: A Voyage to the Real World
Working behind
a bar for an audience of real people, Eugene Burger makes it
clear why he's one of the world's most celebrated close-up artists.
Then, he's joined by David Parr to analyze these time-tested
routines from Eugene's actual performing repertoire. Items like
his ultra-commercial approach to the Sponge Balls (including
his "real work" on breaking them in). You'll be delighted
at the clever method behind David Solomon's Cutting Ten
and impressed with how much excitement Eugene can derive from
a Simple Spelling card trick and be drawn in by his presentation
for Alan Ackerman's Gemini Money. And, for the first time,
Eugene and David reveal two astonishing new methods for a U.F.
Grant classic (which can now be done using the new style bills-or
any type of currency) in The 21st Century Bill Transposition.
And there's more,
because Eugene also offers special insights into spectator management,
audience involvement, and the concepts and theories that transform
his magic into something meaningful.
Part
2: A Voyage to the Unreal World
On this tape Eugene is also joined
by Jeff McBride to explore his close-up magic that is offbeat,
whimsical and decidedly strange. This journey begins with Flash
Spirit Message, as efficient a link to the ghostly realm
as you could ever ask for. In Double Reverse, a classic
Walter Gibson effect that's been raised from a card trick into
an evocative piece of intimate Spirit Theater (which includes
Eugene's personal handling on Glorpy). Eugene's version of Al
Baker's The Card in the Hat leads into a detailed discussion
of advanced thread technique. Jeff then shows what happens when
Mark Twain meets Robert Neale, as he performs and explains The
Five Gifts of Life. A darker humor is on display when Eugene
teaches Phil Goldstein's The Wagers of Sin. And finally,
there's a thorough analysis of Matt Schulien's superb Corner
in the Glass.
And there's much more, because
Eugene also offers special insights into presentational framing,
rehearsal techniques, and the concepts and theories that transform
magic into something significant.
Part
3: A Voyage to the Inner World
If you've ever dreamed of a private
session with Eugene Burger, now's your chance. On this tape it's
just the two of you, as Eugene speaks his mind and opens up his
heart. Sinology, a simple coin routine, becomes a parable
about self-discovery. In his version of Lin Searles' Cannibals,
Eugene combines sly humor with impressive technical chops that
will fool you. In New Match Stickler, a Milbourne Christopher
item usually thrown away as a bar stunt becomes a powerful mystery.
More ominous themes are considered in Robert Neale's daring Last
Dream. To conclude this encounter, Eugene discusses
the thinking that led to the creation of two of his most requested
routines, which he also performs: The Inquisition, his
wickedly dark take on Roy Walton's Card Warp, and Shakespearean
Thread (or, as Max Maven insists on calling it, "Vishnu
Doesn't Live Here Anymore"), an evocative new presentation
for the Hindu Thread.
Eugene also offers special insights
into artistic expression, performance philosophy, and the concepts
and theories that transform magic into something deeply personal.
Composed
and Directed by Max Maven
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