Just Another Magic Monday: Why I Still Think Penn And Teller Rule

.:Just Another Magic Monday: Why I Think Penn And Teller Rule:.

Anyone who has known me for long enough probably recognizes that I am one of the biggest fans of Penn and Teller out there. I really think that as a tandem of magicians, they really know how to get the most mileage out of their magic, and have mastered the art of the duo act by the way they have successfully delineated their roles and functions all throughout.

I've been a sucker for Penn and Teller for a while now, and I don't think that's changing anytime soon. While I may be recognized in the Philippines as a mentalist, I have no qualms shifting back into being a magician simply because Penn and Teller made it cool to be as old-school as I want as long as I know how to spin it in a way that's all my own.

While a few other magicians obviously aren't fans of Penn and Teller whether because they are brash and obnoxious, or because they expose secrets, I just can't help but respect how much they have elevated our fine art by being ridiculously visible outside of the magic arena. In fact, Penn and Teller have almost gotten to a point where they are as well-known for their political or religious opinions as they are for their magic, and that's quite an impressive feat in and by itself.

I do cite many influences for my performance style, but none of them have influenced me to the level that Penn and Teller have, and the way I look at magic effects has never been the same ever since. True, they may never be as famous as Blaine or Copperfield, but in being non-poster boys of magic, they have established themselves as people even non-magicians can aspire to, being quick of wit, funny, and outrageous all the same.

It is my hope that at some point, I would make the pilgrimage to Vegas and catch a Penn and Teller show and hopefully shoot the breeze with them afterwards, even for just a couple of minutes. A lot of what I do now, even in the realm of standup comedy, I certainly owe to them. That's just a living testament to how great they really happen to be as magicians in every sense of the word.

It's a shame that the Philippines doesn't appreciate the genius of Penn and Teller nearly as much, though.