The Academy of Magical Arts, which
operates Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle,
named Hobson Stage Magician of the Year.
As performing at the Magic Castle is the
zenith of any magician’s career, it is
an honor many want but most never
achieve. He has also been recognized
with a Best Comedy Magic award from
the International Magic Awards Association
and for Best Magic Review by the
World Magic Awards. In his long and
illustrious career, Hobson’s unbridled
enthusiasm has always persisted.
“Audience participation makes the best
magic, he says. “If you want to make
magic that amazes people, you have to
involve the audience. By bringing someone
on stage, the show is different every
night. I never know what to expect from
them, and they never know what to expect
from me.”
Don’ t be fooled by his innocent
appearance. “When you see the show,
you’ll learn that the name The Trickster
is appropriate for me,” he laughs. For
thousands of years, magicians have
amazed audiences by discovering and
applying knowledge of how the human
mind works. Skilled magicians can
manipulate memories, control attention,
and influence choices. The question of,
“How did you do that?” is as old as
magic itself. In 1584, when fear and
belief in witchcraft was so prevalent,
The Discoverie of Witchcraft, that was
published by Englishman Reginald Scot,
attempted to debunk the mystery of
magic and show how t r icks were
accomplished. Among the tricks discussed
were “sleight-of-hand” manipulations
with rope, paper and coins.
“A trick is an accepted term for magic,”
emphasizes Hobson. “However, it
smacks of a scam. Magicians are rogues
by nature. We often put on one-man
shows and private performances. It’s
important to know the basics of all magic
back to the 1500s, so we can find inspiration
for new ways of captivating our audience.”
This show inspires our inner hope and
belief that something extraordinary can
happen. Therefore, this winter, The
Illusionists broke box office records on
Broadway before embarking on its first
tour of the United States. Yet, this definitely
isn’t your father’s magic show.
“Today’s audiences want the edge, which our
show provides,” says Hobson. Spectacular
lighting, a live band and steampunk
inspired costumes help to up the ante and
attract audiences that are used to constant
and instant gratification.
In The Illusionists, one of the most magical
moments occurs when The Inventor,
Kevin James, a prolific world-renowned
creator of illusions, changes the climate
dramatically in the theater. Another
brain-bending act boasts a first-in-history
moment, as acclaimed escapologist Andrew
Basso of Italy, in an homage to the great
illusionist Harry Houdini, performs the
maestro’s Water Torture Cell stunt with
absolutely no covers, while holding his
breath for four nerve-wrecking minutes.
According to Creative Producer Simon
Painter, “It is not an illusion. It is real. It
is dangerous and an amazing piece of
theater.” Recreating Houdini’s most
death-defying escape eight times a week
is a bold move for any performer. Basso
begins with his arms handcuffed and his
ankles padlocked. He is then hung upside
down and submerged into a phone
booth-like container filled with 1,000
liters of water. Will he make it? There’s no
guarantee. Hobson reveals that one night
in Sydney, Basso nearly died performing
this feat of daring. “ I am in such awe of
Andrew,” adds Hobson. “My heart is in
my throat the whole time.”
90 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2015
JOAN MARCUS
Kevin James