Well I’m about four weeks behind in posting. The end of the school year is always a crazy time. Things are still pretty busy but I’ve been away from the blog way too long.
The next to last effect for Magic Friday this year is the ever-classic Linking Rings. Often when performing with the rings magicians claim that “The Chinese Linking Rings is the oldest known magic trick”.
In 1898 a successful Chinese conjurer, Ching Ling Foo brought his show to the United States. This may be the west’s first introduction to a multiple linking ring routine. But origin of the rings may go back to the first century in Asia Minor and Egypt. Either way the Linking Rings became a staple of the “Golden Age of Magic”. And to anyone who has seen a fine performance of the effect, it’s easy to understand why.
The apparent melting of solid metal rings through one another is visually stunning when well handled. The added element of musical sounds as the linking and unlinking occur brings another layer of texture to the effect.
Individuals who, at some time possessed a passing interest in magic have probably tinkered and dabbled with a cheap set of rings. Nonetheless, when they witness a professionally presented ring routine their amazement is just as strong as someone seeing it for the first time. Not only that but most magicians enjoy watching other magicians perform the rings with the same interest that one trial lawyer would be fascinated to see how another lawyer would handle a similar case.
The rings may be presented with elegance and refinement. Or as a raucous, almost cartoon-like comedy effect or anything in between. It all depends on the style and persona of the performer.
I have worked on routines by Tarbell, Jack Miller, and Dai Vernon. The routine that I perform is basically Vernon’s routine with a couple of Tarbell’s ideas added. Last winter I purchased a copy of Whit Haydn’s 4-ring routine. I have had the pleasure of watching Mr. Haydn perform this routine on several occasions and was always astounded by his skill, timing and interaction with the audience. Brilliant. Someday I may be able to do it justice.
All 5 performances of the rings went well for this installment of Magic Friday. It was smooth and blunder-free. There was a good hand-full of “Ooooo’s” and “Ahaaa’s” and plenty of applause but something was missing. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something wasn’t right. After some thought I concluded the problem was a lack of "building". The most magical moments of the routine happen during the initial stages. That first link or two are beautiful. There are a couple nice moments during the “figures” portion as well. But by the time the end of the routine comes along, the most powerful magic has already taken place. The routine (as I perform it) seems a little anti-climactic to me. I will have to give this some very serious brain sweat and figure out what I need to do to make the routine best work for me. This will also require getting out in the public and working out my solutions.
Doug Henning
