Magic and Malarky
Ron's magic for libraries, preschools, children's birthday parties, and more in Chicago's west and northwest suburbs and northern IllinoisRon’s Magic and Malarky Presents …
Whether in a live performance, on television, or online, we have all seen some of the grand illusions of the great magicians of our day. They astound and befuddle us. And, yes, I have dreamed of owning a zig-zag illusion, and I still hope one day to own a head twister illusion. But for me, the most awesome magic is that which takes place right in front of a person, in close proximity.
I think of the three little boys who literally screamed aloud when I performed a shortened version of my candy bake last Halloween. I think of the looks I get from young and old alike when I perform a close up illusion like the Professor’s Nightmare (a rope trick). Or the little girl who, when I tried to end an illusion because it had become so “dangerous” (wink wink), exclaimed aloud, “What, are you crazy???!!!” then covered her mouth in horror at having said that to an adult.
[Please note that I DO NOT perform any genuinely dangerous illusions. Ever.]
I love to perform close up and parlor magic. To me, the most amazing magic is that befuddling illusion that happens right there in front of a person. Whether 10 – 20 feet away in a library or preschool or birthday performance, standing 3 feet from the magic on the sidewalk, or sitting at a table and seeing it almost under one’s nose, that feels like real magic. Seemingly impromptu magic also is powerful in the same way.
I perform primarily for children and for inter-generational audiences at libraries, preschools, birthday parties, and dinners and banquets, etc. I also perform walk around and at restaurants.
I am currently preparing a children’s library program entitled “Here There be Dragons!“ This is designed to go along with the Illinois summer reading theme, “A Midsumer Knight’s Read.”
I am also presenting a program for younger children (though not limited to them exclusively) entitled “Simply Magic!“ This program features colors, numbers, shapes, sizes and such. I am currently offering it to preschools and libraries.
Seasonal Programs are available, such as “The Library Is Haunted,” “Spooky Magic,” and “The Magic of Christmas.”
My magic and malarky is always a hit at birthday parties, though no one seems to understand the science behind my magic candy bake… (Watch out for the egg shell in the caramels!)
I also perform for banquets and dinners. My program for events at communities of faith is entitled “Holy Malarky!” and is fun for all ages.
And last but certainly not least, I am the “Headmaster” for Wizard’s School – lessons for all ages (approx. 8 and up). Lessons are available as private, semi-private, and groups. Wizard’s School can also be presented at libraries and park districts as a single session, a series of lessons, or ongoing. I am also working on magic lessons for grandparents who want to add a bit of magic to their relationships with their grandchildren, as well as for adults who are mentors to children.
Whatever the occasion, let me bring some magic and malarky to your event!
Here There Be Dragons was a wonderful wizardly work of magic for us in Bolingbrook! Thanks, Ron, for the great presentation that fit our summer theme of “A Midsummer Knight’s Read”!
Nancy, Children’s Librarian