Wow...The Stars of Magic 2006 show was great!! I like especially the notes to lemon by Jimmy lee, produce multiple glasses of wine by Andrew Kong, the magic by mystifying Imran,the manipulation of cards and balls by Jeremy Tan etc. What I like the best is the manipulation of cards and balls by Jeremy Tan.Nice sleight of hands! Well, they are simply great man and I and my friends enjoy the show very much. Keep it up guys!!Hope to look forward for more shows in future!! :D

Thanks SMCians who supported us on both the show. Appreciate ur presence to make the show a success. Any feedback do let us know so we can improve. I like to thank Ming for his kind assistance given to us. Thanks Ning for all the tabulation and order for tickets on behalf of SMC. Glad to meet some of u guys. Too bad didnt have much time to mingle with all of u. manage to talk to some of u only. Anyway those who are interested to join us can let me know. Cheers

Cheers Calvin! It was no easy task but the show was a huge success in my humble opinion ^_^ It was 100% professional and very brilliant, I totally enjoyed myself. Everyone was very good!!!

Kudos to SAM for this excellent production! :lol:
ning

Thank you!!

Thank you everybody for your support!! Sincerely thanks to everybody who bought tickets to the show! Also, thanks to Aloy and Ning for gathering such a huge crowd for us! this show wouldn't be possible without all your enthusiasms and support! Also, thanks to all the volunteers, especially to Calvin and Daniel! I can't thank everybody enough! Nobody earned a single cent, everybody worked on this project out of passion! And i can't thank you enough!! All i can say is.. Thank you!! Thank you for making this show a success!!

P/S. DANNY ROCKS!!!!! For those of you who didn't catch the 7:30pm show.. DANNY ROCKS BIG TIME!!! BIG BIG TIME!!!

P.P/S Please feel free to comment on the show, every little bit helps!! And also... DANNY KOH ROCKS!!!


Sincerely,

Kiki Tay
Producer, Stars of Magic 2006
Superbig Fan, of Danny Koh.

It was truly an awesome night - I think most of the performances were top-notch; stage magic is tough and all the performers carried themselves with professionalism and polish. I know I had a great time.

Just some downers for me:

1) Seating - I purchased 5 tickets through a ticket charge counter and to my surprise (horror) when the show was about underway and Jeremy was announcing Imran, I found two ladies seated where I was supposed to be. Apparently, they were given passes by the hotel and some mix-up alloted them those same seats - LOL. I was a little lost as to what to do and they refused to budge. Eventually, someone from SAM relocated them, but I missed a portion of Imran's performance... :(

2) Danny was really great at what he did and I was impressed by his skill, but I just didn't think a fire tossing martial arts act was very magical. The segment was a little repetitive and too long. I would much rather have sat through a little more magic. Don't get me wrong - he was very good; but my expectations for a "Stars of Magic"show kind of left me wanting more magic and less stunts. It just didn't quite fit for me - felt like I was at a circus more than a magic show; the dancing women made it more nightclub-like and somewhat sleazy.

3) KiKi's closer was really strong, but 2 things about it were not right for me.

First - if the story about Jessica were made up (or, by American movie standards - based on a true story...) then it's not only insulting to cancer patients, I would be really offended by its use as such - there should be lines where artistry and decency meet.

However, I'm sure a performer of KiKi's stature would not resort to that. Which is the second conundrum that I had with the act - it became a piece where the magic is nothing more than an accessory to a good story. The story is so strong that the audience is reacting to the story more than the effect - I know that I was drawn in by the emotionally charged story so much so that by the end of it, I didn't really care what the effect was.

It reminded me of David copperfield's "Grandfather's Aces", where he dedicated that particular act to his Grandpa. But the difference was, Copperfield allowed the magic to take centrestage; not the other way round. I felt that this was one situation where the story took centre stage and the magic was negligible. Some would argue that there's nothing wrong with that, büt I could get a good storyteller to evoke those exact feelings I had yesterday with the music and story - it wasn't necessary to get a magician/illusionist to do that.

I hope I didn't upset anybody with what I said, these are just my personal opinions to the show. I still hold nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for everyone who performed - given such a herculean task, they more than carried their weight and I know I gained more than a few laughs and goodwill in the show.

Highlights of the show for me:

1) PamBudi's act was clearly polished - that must have been a very very well audience tested act. I really enjoyed myself watching him strut his stuff.

2) Jimmy Lee was my favourite - he didn't put on a show; he was the show. The Bill in Lemon never looked better. I wish he had a little more show time or did a little more after that. Jimmy was relaxed and he exuded so much self-deprecating confidence (is that an oxy moron?) it seemed like he was part of the stage.

3) Jeremy Tan's manipulations were splendid - and he had that almost neo-classical stereotype expression which made him almost a page out of history's silent movies. I could almost imagine slydini performing...

4) Jeremy pei did a great job MCing - he carried himself with confidence and flair. I think a lot of credit goes to him for keeping things going between acts. The floating table was priceless.


All in all, it was a great way to kick start the new school term and my thanks to all the performers who made it such a great success and great fun for everyone.

Thanks for the compliments. I still have much to learn.

Jimmy Lee!

It was a really good show for me, easily one of the best local shows I've seen. Those who missed it really missed something good. ^_^
I thought all the performers were really good and and professional.

Hightlights for me:

- Mystifying Imran. This one was really shiok to watch. The candles, canes and dove act was SO smooth and full of surprises. A most fitting opener.

- Pambudi was hilarious and entertaining as usual. Brian Richmond was sitting near me and I could hear him laughing so hard thru-out Pam's act.

- Danny Koh. I do a little poi spinning for sports and fun due to influences from Ning so this was a great segment for me. His techniques are awesome and brutally difficult....woah. And so many fire toys.... :o
I (obviously) have no complains (AT ALL :P) about the fire fan wielding belly dancer at the end and the 2 opening dancers but I understand Shade's concerns. While they are not altogether lewd in their dancing, it does remind me of bar top dancing in clubs. If some had came with younger responsibilities (like Shade did), there might be a few uncomfortable shifts.

- Jimmy Lee. This one was a great opening for 2nd half. Even the little hiccup with the volunteer not having his wallet did nothing to dampen the rapport Jimmy had with the crowd. The connection he made with the crowd going into his act, he could have gotten everyone to stand up and do the hokey pokey if he wanted to i think. Damn fun. ^_^

- Jeremy Tan. Killer sleights. A classic cards and balls manipulation act and (like Kevin would say) smooth as a baby's bottom. This one should be one of magicians' fav.

- Jeremy Pei. Although the MC and not performing, he did effects between each act while waiting for the performers to get ready. His handling for the floating table was real something, bringing back the magic to a somewhat over-exposed effect.

These were the highlights for me. All the performances were really good and I would love to write a complete overview of all the effects but work beckons and I don't wanna make this into a 3 page long post.

Congratz to all those involved in the production on a job well done. :)
And thanks to SAM and Kiki for extending the special discount price to SMC :)

Dear all,
First of all, thanks to all the people who come, watch and support all the performers. You were great audience! and without you there is no magic.
I am still amazed by the reaction of the audience and how participate you are.

Also, special Thanks to Kiki for all his effort to produce the show, it was not easy task at all.

Also, to our lovely stage manager, Alycia ... she was great, very patient and decisive in the success of the show.

Next ..... the show would not be a success without the help of our wonderful "father-son" who did splendid job in managing the floor (Daniel and Calvin).


OK, this my review .....

1) Imran
Imran and his lovely wife... have performed an excellent opening act, with dove, silk, candle, and producing a lovely lady
( I wonder how many ladies Imran produced after 3 months :-)
Anyway Imran has improved a lot, and with a bit more of originality I would strongly recomend him to compete in the next Asian Magic Convention

2) Pambudi (myself)
I did 2 mental effects. The audience's reaction was positive. The comedy was well accepted. And people were entertained, that is the most important thing .
But I was not happy with the way I build the climax and the character that I played (it was a bit on the over-confidence side, that I hate ... but sometimes my evil twin brother came ....:-)
Anyway, I am happy that people enjoy and impressed.
Something strange happened to me on the back stage, when I open all the envelopes, there were 3 envelopes with "Tokyo" writen on it. Those guys must be scared now :-)
I will probably the DVD explaining the secret and the performance tips for my effect yesterday..... in 3-4 months from now.
Start to save your pocket money guys .... It will not be cheap :-)

3) Andrew Khong
Andrew Khong perform cane to silk, multiplying bottles and saw a lady in half.
You could see many years of experiences behind his performance, Very confidence, consistent in style and entertaining.

4) Danny
Danny was great ! His fire act is perfect !
My wife is a big fan of Danny and I am a big fan of Danny's dancers :-)
Guys, you should see them behind the stage .... it distracted all my concentration before my performance :-)
Anyway, Danny got most of the applause from the audience. This is a big recognition for his performance.

5) Jimmy Lee
Jimmy made a great performance with his bill to lemon. But his style is so dominant that people just love him ...... people may not even care what he does, he is very entertaining and very interactive!
We want more .... we want more .....!!!

6) Teh Ah Hock
While everybody is doing western magic, Teh came with traditional chinesse magic. Be different, be unique, be yourself. His classical magic was impressive and I like his body's movement.
( I have suggested that he rolled the body near the edge of the stage, so he could fall from the stage, then we would have comedy chinesse magic, he did not accept my suggestion :-)
His fish production was very good, and overall I like his classical style.

7) Jeremy Tan
His "magic" hands are getting better and better ...
His standard is far ahead ... and his manipulation act is one of the best.
Yesterday he introduced a new concept of "botak magician" that suits very well his personality :-)

8) Kiki Tay
Always one of my favourite.
We found our old "Kiki". As usual he was very professional with his acts.
The only thing is he only did 2 effects, I would like to see more ....

9) Jeremy Pei
Excellent MC with different magical way to introduce every performers.
I like very much his jumbo linking "hola-hop" ring among others original effect that he perform last night.

Overall it was a great night.

See you next year ... for SAM Show 2007.


Magical Pam

What to say... The whole show was CRAZY!!!! Very very well done... Especially will Danny!!! Totally change my impression of "fire" stage art...
I am so glad that i was there to witness the very splendid show.

Was abit upset when i heard that jeremy is not performing his stage act... Anyway, i love the linking hula hoop...!!!! :g:

I was definitely be there at the next Stars of Magic!!!!!!!!!

Thks Pam.

Behind every successful show is a great team.
It was really a team effort and I enjoyed myself tremendously and learnt a lot. Very proud to be part of SAM.

Pam, as discussed, let's team up for next year's show.
It will be funny and interactive at the same time!

What say you?

shade
I am so sorry for the hiscup, Sorry that u miss part of Imran show. Apparently I have to check out wif Kiki why the hotel have tickets allocated same as ticket charge. I was caught by surprise too. Anyway hope it will not entirely upset u and spolit ur mood for the show. I apologise to u on behalf on SAM. I had told my ursher to arrange for u asap upon learning about this. I suppose they did that quite fast, u should still manage to catch Imran dove act.

It was a great team effort. Everything goes well smoothly. For those who came for the evening show, u catch a whole series of performance from Danny, he did only partial of it for the 2.30pm show only. Too bad for those who did not catch him really in action at the 2.30pm show.
Everyone was great, glad to have some a overwhelming response from all of u. Cheers.........
BTW this Wed 28th June is our SAM meeting also our guest nite. Those interested to come can let me know. Just need to pay 10 dollars. Venue is Bayview Hotel at 7.30pm. There will be some light refreshment during the interval. Those interested to join us can send us ur application form.
Pls let me know if you are coming or u can contact any of the SAM members. You need to be brought in by any of the SAM members. :P.
For more details, you may want to PM me .

Ooooi! I want to complain!!!

Went for the afternoon show and how come no fire fan wielding belly dancers?!? I want a refund!! Basket.... :P

Nah it was a great show. I like Imran's act a hell lot. Pambudi's effects were also solid and I'm already saving money for his DVD. Heh.

Thanks for an entertaining afternoon of magic, fire, mystery, and fun.

(But sigh... where's my belly dancers? And Danny's full act... Not fair one.... *sniff* :( )

Kiki so touched us by the story.....and the show was great!...

Haa Haa. Bo pian lor. Anyway u still manage to be entertain by most of the performers. Danny decide to act extras to his routine for the nite show. So wat to do, catch him in the next show.

No worries at all man; I was a little frustrated at first since I had some students with me, but once I settled in, Imran blew me away with his act and I was happy as a dove.

Thanks for sorting things out fast. I was worried that I would have to seat myself on the floor or something... :P

Thanks for ur understanding. It jus happened to u. Considered u r quite lucky. :P

I enjoyed the show too!

I went for the afternoon show (though I arrived a little late) and guess I loved Cyril's (I mean Imran's) performance the most! :D
And enjoyed the little jam at BK after the show, you guys are amazing ^_^
I even got to see Lai perform his linking rings routine for the second time!

Looking forward to another show! :)

i enjoyed the show a lot... jeremy tan's sleights made me go wow... his cards and his ball manipulation act is freaking nice...

danny's act is very nice too... but i thought its all magic but danny's is playing with fire... but i like it a lot... yeah... something different...

Just wondering... Did Jeremy Pei said do not try this at home at the beginning of the show?

-Ron-

Sad.. Guess i missed a really great show~ :(

LOL... good job you guys, really... see, you have so many people looking forward to the next SAM magic show already :lol: Woot!!!

I agree with the rest... Its really fantastic show. I would like thank Calvin The Mage for helping to secure vip tix at discounted price and even help me in getting additional tix at the last moment. Kudos to you!

P.S. Calvin... Can i book the Tix for SAM 2007 Show now?