by: Dion Semeniuk

The magic that you see magicians performing today is really

truly amazing. It seems like every year the bar is being raised

to put the challenge on the rest of the magic community to come

up with the next "big thing". Magic shows are getting bigger;

they're getting more elaborate; they're getting extreme. But is

bigger always better?

Think about it. What would you rather see, David Copperfield on

stage performing one of his unbelievable elusions with all the

lights, pretty assistants, and fire and smoke or some ordinary

Joe walking up to you on the street and asking you to pick a

card, any card?

What's your first reaction? Of course, who wouldn't want to go

see David Copperfield? He is the man, well known for all of his

mind blowing magic that he has performed on stage and seen by

millions on TV. Hey, if I was asked this question, I'd be the

first to admit, I would choose David Copperfield in a heartbeat.

But let's take a step back and think about this question, David

Copperfield or Ordinary Joe. You've got the glamour versus the

struggling street performer. Why would we choose Copperfield

over Ordinary Joe? Is it because we know what Mr. Copperfield

can do and we know whatever he does is over the top and we will

enjoy it? Most likely, but what about Ordinary Joe? Why not

give him a chance?

If you really think about it, do you know what this Ordinary Joe

can do? Nope. So maybe it may be more exciting to see what he

can do over Copperfield. Just maybe this Ordinary Joe has

something that you and the rest of the world have never seen

before. He may even have the next "big thing" in magic.

Maybe Ordinary Joe isn't so ordinary after all. Now that I have

put this perspective into your mind, I'll ask the question

again, Copperfield or Ordinary Joe? It's still a tough sell,

isn't it? We are still drawn to the glamour and lights of

Copperfield because we know what he can do, he is a proven

entertainer.

You may be asking yourself, so what is the point in all of this?

My point is that David Copperfield use to be that Ordinary Joe

and now look at him. He is far from ordinary. So next time,

take the time to give that Ordinary Joe a chance to show you the

magic he can do because he could be showing you the next "big

thing". In the end, magic being performed by some one on the

street or on some big stage, it is still magic and that's what

counts.