David Copperfield

Master magicians skills more than just an illusion

By Aleza Freeman

David Copperfield doesn't pull a rabbit out of a hat. But he does find a duck in a bucket.

The man whose name has practically become synonymous with magic performs in MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre without the assistance of sexy dancers, flashy sets or glitzy costumes. A Guinness Book of World Records holder with 21 Emmys and a star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame," Copperfield instead approaches his show with the idea that less is more.

From his surprise appearance on the stage at the top of the show to his simple departure at the end, he has a friendly, personable attitude that makes the audience feel at ease. When it comes to his bag of tricks, this intimate, down to earth approach translates into a big payoff.

That's not to say that making an actual green Lincoln convertible appear on stage above the heads of unsuspecting volunteers is an intimate gesture. But it's the understated confidence and humorous ease of his delivery which allows the seemingly impossible to unfold flawlessly right before the eyes of a room full of onlookers ... even the skeptical ones.

Copperfield (born David Seth Kotkin) has a long history in the world of magic. In 1982, he started a rehabilitation program, called Project Magic, which helps disabled patients regain lost or damaged dexterity skills in more than 1,000 hospitals internationally.

His vast collection of props, books, and other historical items related to conjuring is housed in the International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts in Las Vegas.

Throughout Copperfield's show, the audience learns of the master magician's influence on everything from pop culture to political cartoons, even postage stamps.

Despite this, Copperfield doesn't appear to take himself too seriously and even pokes fun at himself. Although he insists he's so good he can actually impregnate a woman on stage without touching her and that he can easily make a woman's husband disappear, it's all very tongue-in-cheek. At one point he makes a large pickle appear from his pants, but laments when a female volunteer holds his gift of an autographed head shot face down, adding "It's probably better that way."

Another humorous touch to the show involves a dissection of the duck in the bucket trick (not the official name) in slow motion. Instead of actually revealing how the trick is done, this slowed down parody seems to poke fun at those who ruin the illusion of magic by sharing its secrets.

To prove his volunteers are chosen randomly, Copperfield at times flings small Frisbees or large silver beach balls into the audience, taking whoever catches them up onto the stage. This still raises questions as to whether or not there are plants involved, but only because it seems impossible that quick sleight of hand is all it takes to execute these tricks.

But this is the man, after all, who once walked through the Great Wall of China and made the Statue of Liberty disappear. He has a flawless ability to arouse awe and wonderment from his audiences, enough to make almost anyone's magical misgivings disappear… even if only for 90 minutes.