Penn & Teller & Galloway

I know that many of you may disagree with me, but I'm a fan of conjurers who 'rock the boat'...at least those who do it with style and class.

For example, back in the 80's, magicians were outraged that Penn &Teller were exposing magic effects in their shows. When I tuned in to P&T's televised PBS special, what I saw were two performance artists who, under the guise of entertainment, simply explained the obvious to the laity. The ravings of offended magicians accomplished one thing: it blasted P&Ts ratings through the roof and guaranteed the boys a secure career for life. To me, that marketing approach is nothing short of genius.

Over the years I've watched several of P&T's shows and, for the most part, have received my money's worth. Penn's Declaration of Atheism confuses me, though. Though I am Christian in my beliefs, I am not offended nor threatened by Penn Jillette's monologue in the least. To be sure, I do not agree with Penn's position. His presentation is confusing simply because it is a rant devoid of entertainment value. Why include it in an otherwise brilliant and creative show? What purpose does it serve? I do not care that Penn Jillette is an atheist--that's an issue between him and God (and, despite his well-rehearsed opinion, Jillette won't get the final word).

All that being said, I still like being entertained by Penn & Teller. The only 'secrets' I have seen them expose were not secrets at all...rather, the boys seem to enjoy telling their audiences, "Hey! All along, your suspicions were correct! Magicians DO palm cards, the boxes ARE gimmicked...and the trapdoors work FINE!" Instead of insulting the intelligence of the audience members by denying the obvious, P&T work like a pair of amiable con artists, giving a peek behind the curtain but not showing anything more until they are good and ready...and the money has changed hands.

Lately, another 'rock the boat' performer who has caught my eye is Jack Galloway. Galloway has found a way to make controversial waves in a relatively untapped medium...the internet. Go to The Magic Cafe and do a search on Jack's name. You'll discover that Jack is a master manipulator in the literal sense. His carefully chosen words and declarations never fail to generate page after page of breathless saber-rattling among his 'peers'. That last word is in quotes because I believe Jack has few peers and fewer friends.

Jack strikes me as an isolationist--one who maintains distance between himself and other performers. This idea is not without precedent. Jerry Andrus created fresh magic and new sleights for many years before meeting his first magician. David Harkey, an inventor of several top-notch effects, refuses to read trade publications for fear that it may taint his creative process. He simply doesn't wish to be inadvertently influenced by someone else's ideas.

Apparently, Jack Galloway chooses his influences with the same great care. I'm willing to bet his list of favorite magic books is packed with titles and authors I have never considered.

When it comes to internet forums on the subject of magic, I often lurk but seldom post (I enjoy lurking because of its hidden similarity to the thrill of opening and reading someone else's mail). With few exceptions, I find the blatant immaturity that threads its way through most magic forums to be tiresome. However, Galloway's posts stop me in my tracks. He makes outrageous claims and challenges...and then has the nerve to back them up.

Do yourself a favor. Look up a few of Galloway's posts and peruse them. If you do, here's a few words of advice: always read between the lines, never take anything that is said at face value and finally...spit out the worm 'cause there's a hook in there somewhere.

Thanks for allowing me this rant. Now, go rock a boat.