Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: Magic tricks for The Wiz

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Magic tricks for The Wiz

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3077
Printed Date: 7/30/25 at 10:42pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Magic tricks for The Wiz

Posted By: lmar12
Subject: Magic tricks for The Wiz
Date Posted: 3/26/08 at 6:45pm

HELP! I cannot believe that I can't find a very simple magic trick for our upcoming show; turning a magic wand into a cheap floral bouquet. I have been on-line for a couple of hours now without any luck! Anybody have a source?

Replies:

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 3/26/08 at 11:11pm

I think topper & couple of members here, are practicing magicians - they may have a clue!

Or ring a local 'Magic shop' they will undoubtably have it or know where to find the trick near you.

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[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 3/28/08 at 3:44pm

I believe the trick you're looking for is officially called the "Cane to Bouquet" illusion. Typically, a cane is used instead of a wand, because a cane is somewhat larger and therefore has more space to conceal the effect.

It's a store-bought trick (meaning little sleight-of-hand or practise is required) but it's very expensive. The cheapest source I've found lists the trick for about $150.00. Most magicians consider purchasing store-bought tricks as an INVESTMENT because the materials should be reusable and durable for the life of the magician's career. (Also, it prevents the lay-person from simply running into a magic store, buying a trick and telling the whole world how it works).

A cheaper illusion that might give you the effect you want is simply "The Collapsing Bouquet" which are flowers constructed of paper or feathers that can be compressed tightly and packed up one's sleeve. With a flick of the wrist, the bouquet expands to full size.

This trick requires some practise to avoid revealing to the audience that the flowers are indeed, up the magician's sleeve. Usually a colorful handkerchief or other distraction is displayed beforehand. Prices for this can range from $20.00 (for the paper) upwards of $65.00 (for the feathers).

Like JoeMc suggested, any magic store would have these in stock or easily ordered for you.

Here's a link to a similar trick: The amazing lit candle to flowers: It's priced about $30.00.

http://www.abra4magic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=magic&Product_Code=Q016&Product_Count=&Category_Code=

Good luck!

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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: Nanette
Date Posted: 3/29/08 at 8:20am

There's something called "wand - repeat flower" at williamsmagic.com for $8.95, and one on e-Bay for $5.95 (flash flower wand). However, it looks more like a feather duster than a flower.

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In a world of margarine, be butter!

Posted By: whitebat
Date Posted: 3/29/08 at 10:13pm

Most flower productions probably involve "Spring flowers" or "Feather Flowers". "101 Easy-To-Do Magic Tricks" by Bill Tarr explains how to make "Spring/Feather Flowers".

Posted By: Houdini
Date Posted: 4/07/08 at 1:25am

As you can see by my username, I'm also a practicing magician.

1.What you are looking to do is sold as a single premade effect, but it is kind of cheesy and I would recommend option #2, but if you want to try it here is where it available http://www.amazon.com/Loftus-Appearing-Flower-Magic-Trick/dp/B0006GKATO - http://www.amazon.com/Loftus-Appearing-Flower-Magic-Trick/dp/B0006GKATO

2.What you will need to do is make the wand disappear and then the flowers appear. With practice it can become a transformation.

The wand can easily vanish by attaching a piece of elastic to the end of the wand and having a safety pin on the other end. You will attach the safety pin inside the back of the costume and then run the elastic & wand down the sleeve. By adjusting where it is pinned and how far out it is held will determine the tension on the elastic and how fast the wand will disappear when it is let go.

As far as the flowers there are several available effects, I have used a lot of them, the Appearing Rose being the most effective, because it doesn't look like a bunch of cheap paper flowers. (Which Spring Flowers do look like, but aren't cheap) By combing these two you will get the effect you are looking for.

I've included a few links, let me know if you need more help.

http://www.abra4magic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=magic&Category_Code=Flowers - http://www.abra4magic.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=magic&Category_Code=Flowers

http://www.magictrickstore.com/appearing-flower-p-25736.html - http://www.magictrickstore.com/appearing-flower-p-25736.html

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Cardboard is my best friend

Posted By: lmar12
Date Posted: 4/16/08 at 6:26pm

Thanks to all who replied! You really helped me a lot!!!! I now have what I need for the show. We open on Friday!