How did you do that?

Smoke and mirrors. And wires. And my sleeves. Oh, and a trap door, too. Trap doors are cool.

WHY did you do that?

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

What is your show like?

I perform "Comedy Magic".  It's a form of live entertainment (geared for adults) which combines stage magic, stand-up comedy, and audience participation.

So are you more like a magician, or a comedian?

I think of myself as a magician, but after a show recently a guy said I was "75% comedian and 25% magician." So I could be wrong. Here's the sad truth: Comedians don't claim me because of the magic, and magicians don't like me because of the comedy.

Are you any good?

Take a look at my reviews to see what other people are saying.

Do you perform little-kid-shows, like for birthday parties and whatnot?

You're kidding, right?

...You're not kidding.

No, I don't.  The show is not for kids.  The show is for adults.

Why do you perform for adults, and not little kids like most other magicians?

My show is geared for an adult audience because my personality and sense of humor happen to be best appreciated by adults. That's just who I am.

What do you have up your sleeves?

My arms. Stop touching me.

How edgy are your shows?

If my show was a movie, it would probably be rated "PG-13". My show is a bit naughty, in a good-natured way, but NOT explicit. There is no graphic violence, there is no hate speech, and there are no topless dancers, but the shows ARE targeted at adults and may contain adult humor, language, themes, references, or situations which may not be appropriate for, or appreciated by, children.

Can you pull a coin out of my ear?

You should probably go see a doctor about that. It might be infected.

Do you use any audience participation in your shows?

Definitely. People love to see their friends or coworkers brought onstage to become part of the show. And it's all in good fun, so don't hesitate to grab a seat up front and center.

Would you make somebody disappear for me?

I'm a magician, not a hit-man.

What's the difference between you and other magicians?

The biggest difference is I am less interested in "fooling" people and more focused on creating laughter and having fun with the group.  Another difference is, instead of being one of those "jack of all trades, master of none" performers who tries to be all things to all people, I specialize and do only ONE type of show - my comedy-magic stage show for adults. So those are the major differences. Oh, and I don't have a rabbit.

Why don't you have a rabbit?

I don't know... I just don't... Well, I DO have a "rabbit in a hat" tattoo, if that counts.

May I see the tattoo?

Maybe later.

Why don't you use big sparkly props like other magicians?

I'm too lazy to carry that stuff around.

For what size of crowds do you usually perform?

Depending on the particular event I'm working for, my audiences range anywhere from 30 to 300 people, and most crowds are between 50 and 150 people.

For what type of events do you usually perform?

Some of the events, parties, and venues at which I can entertain include... Awards Nights, Banquet Events, Bars, Beer Gardens, Casinos, Christmas Parties, Class Reunions, Club Events, Coffee Shops, Colleges and Universities, Comedy Clubs, Comedy Nights, Company Parties, Conventions, Corporate Events, Country Clubs and Golf Courses, Customer Appreciation Events, Employee Appreciation Parties, Fairs and Festivals, Fraternity and Sorority Functions, Fund-Raiser Events, Graduation Parties, Halloween Parties, Holiday Parties, Hotel Events, House Parties, Lounges, New Year's Eve Parties, Nightclubs, Office Parties, Post-Prom and After-Prom Parties, Private Parties, Public Events, Resorts, Taverns, and Theaters...  Pretty much anywhere, as you can see.

Why are you called "the maniac of magic"?

I adopted the handle "Maniac of Magic" when somebody pointed out the parallels between my onstage behavior and symptoms of mania, which include excitement, hyperactivity, elevation of mood, talkativeness, and impulsiveness. Also, it sounds cool.

Can you read minds?

Only my own. But I'm only right about half the time.

What is the duration of your performance?

The exact duration depends on the particular event for which I've been hired to perform, but most of my performances are 50-60 minutes long.  If there is an opening act working with me, the total show will be more like 90 minutes.

Could you teach me how to do a magic trick?

Yup!  Check out my "How To Be a Tricky Bastard" videos!

Who influenced your performing style?

The biggest influence on my act has been every audience I've ever encountered. The next biggest influence would probably be my dysfunctional family and twisted friends. But as far as magicians, comedians, and entertainers go, that list would probably include, in no particular order... Marc Maron, Tod Waller, Lewis Black, Lance Burton, Jeff Dunham, Fielding West, Jason Byrne, George Carlin, Harry Anderson, Terry Seabrooke, Rob Rivera, Carl Ballantine, Ron White, Harry Houdini, David Williamson, Jeff McBride, Brian Thomas Moore, Jeff Hobson, Jer-Dog, Dariel Fitzkee, Amazing Johnathan, Bob Zany, Michael Finney, Steve Martin, Christopher Titus, Mac King, Bill Hicks, Steve Spill, David Copperfield, Tom Mullica, Penn & Teller, Ron Shock, and Dana Daniels, among many others.

Where are you from, and how far do you travel?

I'm based out of Des Moines, Iowa, USA, and generally get hired to perform throughout the upper Midwest (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, etc.)... But I'm willing to travel further, so don't hesitate to say hello if you'd like me to perform in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or New York City...  Or Seattle.  I like Seattle.

Where did you grow up?

Trick question.  I haven't.

I'm thinking of hiring you for our party. How much will it cost?

ONE MILLION DOLLARS.  Not really.  My entertainment services are actually very reasonable.  Your total investment will depend on several variables: technical production requirements, transportation, hotel arrangements, date, etc. If you haven't already done so, contact my agent/manager, Robert, to talk about your event's needs. He will answer your questions, see if the date you want is still available, and prepare a no-obligation custom price quote for you.

Magic is real, right?

Um... I don't think we can be friends any more.

 

THE MANIAC OF MAGIC, from Des Moines IA, does funny Comedy-Magic shows for ADULTS! Hire a Magician, Comedian, Entertainer, or Entertainment for parties and events in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, & Wisconsin. Illinois magician, Illinois comedian, Illinois entertainer, Illinois entertainment, Iowa magician, Iowa comedian, Iowa entertainer, Iowa entertainment, Kansas magician, Kansas comedian, Kansas entertainer, Kansas entertainment, Minnesota magician, Minnesota comedian, Minnesota entertainer, Minnesota entertainment, Missouri magician, Missouri comedian, Missouri entertainer, Missouri entertainment, Nebraska magician, Nebraska comedian, Nebraska entertainer, Nebraska entertainment, South Dakota magician, South Dakota comedian, South Dakota entertainer, South Dakota entertainment, Wisconsin magician, Wisconsin comedian, Wisconsin entertainer, Wisconsin entertainment