11/2005 Meeting minutes:

Mystics’ Magic Strikes a High Note!

Massapequa, NY - The LI Mystics; November meeting offered a harmonic melding of magic and melody as half a dozen performers took the stage for “Magic to Music” night. The challenge was to find a new presentation for standard magic tricks, and choreograph them to appropriate music.

            Emceed by producer Phil Levy, the show evoked a range of emotions as diverse as the musical selections they accompanied.

            Lou Johnson opened the evening with a touching and heartfelt mini-silk to streamer effect dedicated to his wife and reminded everyone that “it’s the little things that count”.

            Auditioning applicant  Denise LaBrecque brought dark chills to the evening as she elegantly presented a combined dance and magic routine to music from Cirque de Soleil during which she produced (and thankfully, vanished) a live tarantula.

            The surprise appearance of a bowling ball from a briefcase was the signal that Jeff Miller was about to present his usual blend of frenetic humor in a routine that included Linking Ropes and a soda can suspension and climaxed with a hysterical Mini-Asrah levitation of a doll performed to Aqua’s “Barbie Girl”.

            TV-generation that we are, everyone present recognized Steve Rodman’s choice of music as the theme from dozens of Coke commercials. His odd choice was made clear as he led an audience participant in a “do-as-I-do” routine involving Coke hats, red silks and cups of soda, only to have his volunteer upstage him in a finish that even surprised Steve.

            Bringing a touch of patriotism to the proceedings, Regina Schiraldi invoked a medley of traditional American themes as she changed several colored silks into a full-sized American flag. As each attempt resulted in incorrect colors, size and placement, Regina’s silent deadpan look of confusion was reminiscent of a classic Buster Keaton comedy.

            Closing the evening, the audience roared with laughter as they accompanied the inimitable Phil Levy on a romantic candlelight dinner with his “Secret Love”. Phil’s inflatable plastic companion for the evening, however, seemed somewhat unemotional as he wooed her with appearing flowers, vanishing Champagne bottles and finally, a rose rolled from the tablecloth. (He must have made some impression on her because, ultimately, she still went home with him.)

            The show was a tribute to the creativity and dedication of our members and served as a reminder that actions, especially when choreographed to music, often speak much louder than words. - Pat Darienzo