ESCAPE NIGHT WITH NP ANDY DALLAS


Above: Don Dvorak and Darlene Bull receive presidential citations from Andy Dallas.

In honor of our special guests, National President Andy Dallas and his wife Barbara, our February 2007 meeting was our first ever Escape Night, and it brought in a great crowd! But first, official business: new member Jay Collen was given his membership pin and envelope of official goodies by President Neil Tobin. Andy Dallas then presented special service awards to Don Dvorak and Darlene Bull – then, in a surprise move, gave his Presidential Citation to Neil. Two book reports were provided by Jack Skalon: The Master Magicians by Walter Gibson, and The Living End by J. G. Thompson, Jr.

Andy Dallas honored us by demonstrating the 10 Card Trick (with assistance from Jack, Don, Chuck Gekas, and Bob Syrup) while simultaneously sharing his enthusiasm for the S.A.M. and bringing us up to speed on such topics as Magic as Art, grant eligibility, National Magic Week, the Houdini Fund, the Veterans program, and the combined S.A.M./I.B.M. convention in 2008. That takes coordination! Next, we were treated to a performance of his 10-minute Classical Magic program in three acts: the Pocket Watch and Egg Mat. The Ball and Vase. And the Zombie Ball, which brought our members to their feet!

True to the theme of the night, Neil started the escapes by handing out ropes to everybody and teaching the Kellar Rope Tie. After we all had a chance to get tied up, he then demonstrated the Oval Cuffs with help from John Trzesniak. The Great Frankini (Frank Glab) received personal instruction from Andy on his own amazing chain escape (published in MUM). Then Andy demonstrated an excellent thumb tie with assistance from Riva Keith.

Next up: Dueling Straitjackets! Neil and Frankini brought their own, and each was securely restrained – Jay and John T. doing the necessary strapping and buckling. There was lots of byplay (some of it painful), but both emerged victorious. This was followed by a demonstration in which Jay’s neck escaped from encircling ropes ala “Grandma’s Necklace,” and several variations were discussed. After a brief discussion of what elevates escapes into artistry, Chuck Gruberman demonstrated the Dick Stoner comedy escape from 12 feet of rope and a chair, assisted by Don and Mary Ziemba.

When the meeting let out, we all left with the inspiration of Andy’s contagious love of magic, escapes, and the S.A.M. -– and with signed copies of his colorful sideshow-inspired posters in our hands. Our thanks to Andy and Barbara for sharing the magic!

Below: Frankini (Frank Glab) and Neil performing simultaneous straitjacket escapes.


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